Most aftermarket paddleshift systems are operated by compressed air actuators and not by 12v electric solenoids. Have you ever wondered why? We believe that there are plenty of very good reasons, as detailed below:
1. Air actuators are considerably smaller for a given force output. 12v electric solenoids have a much lower power density than air actuators, which means that in order to produce sufficient force, they need to be made larger, and consequently heavier.
2. Air actuators produce considerably more force for considerably less size & weight. The Geartronics actuator produces approximately 70Kg force when operated at 8.5bar (125psi). By comparison, a 3" (75mm) diameter solenoid with perhaps 200 turns of copper wire will only produce about 35-40Kg force - when cold...
3. Air actuators do not suffer a reduction in force output when the temperature increases.
4. Pneumatic systems do not take large amounts of energy from the vehicle electrical system in one shot. The air compressor consumes a small amount of electrical power over a longer period. The Geartronics 'hillclimb' & 'sprint' systems do not use a compressor, and consequently the current demand of the entire system is less than 1 Amp. You don't get anything for nothing, so to produce sufficient force from a solenoid, it must consume a corresponding amount of power. Switching high powered 12v solenoids can place a high transient demand on the vehicle electrical system unless used in conjunction with a GCU that can store the required energy between shifts.
5. Air actuators do not require high current cables and control units. High-powered solenoids require heavy cables to deliver the very high current that is drawn from the electrical system.
6. Air actuators provide a 'cushion' of compressed air, which means they are mechanically compliant and do not impose potentially damaging shock loadings on the shift mechanism.
7. Air actuators do not generate heat - in fact, the flow of air produces a slight cooling effect. The force output of a solenoid reduces when it gets hot. Not only does a solenoid's temperature increase with the searing heat of a racing car, it also generates it's own internal heat by nature of its operation. The Geartronics pneumatic actuator is constructed using Viton seals and a PEEK piston and bearing, it can therefore operate constantly at temperatures in excess of 230 degrees Celsius.
So, in summary, if you are looking for an aftermarket shift system that is fast, reliable, consistent and affordable, then Geartronics is your first choice.