What shift light are you guys using? ---

[alwayscode390]

I was interested in getting a shift light for spirited driving.
Seems like a good idea to help keep my eyes on the road instead of the tach.
Most of the lights out there are HUGE though.
I was wondering what brand/model light you guys are using that looks clean with our interiors ... and where you ended up mounting it.
Pics would be awesome.
My friend has one of these in another car, and its pretty big ... plus I don't want to drill to mount it anywhere noticeable and cause damage (will 3m sticky tape be strong enough ... or Velcro?):
http://www.ebay.com/itm/250639165178?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649
Its the AutoMeter Pro Shift Lite #5340

I seen some of you are using a "Raptor in the A/C vent" ... I may be interested in that , but not quite sure yet. Just looking for options and opinions.
Thanks :) ---

[GOLDCYLON]

Raptor shift light in Amber. Just sits next to the left A-Pillar

[alwayscode390]

How did you mount it? Is it just loose? ---

[GOLDCYLON]

How did you mount it? Is it just loose? ---


I have a dash mat its just tucked in the corner by the drivers side A-pillar. However mounting is real easy you can used the center A pillar screw through the mounting bracket

http://i1120.photobucket.com/albums/l498/goldcylon/rap1.jpg

[alwayscode390]

I have a dash mat too , and would rather not screw into anything. That looks like it will work perfectly ... whats the dimensions on that light? ---

[cvette98pacecar]

Raptor, hidden in the fake portion of the center vent.

[alwayscode390]

Fake portion? Hmmm ... restricting airflow was one of the reasons I didn't want it in the A/C ... but I may consider that route again.

Is the entire center vent a dud? ---

[cvette98pacecar]

Fake portion? Hmmm ... restricting airflow was one of the reasons I didn't want it in the A/C ... but I may consider that route again.

Is the entire center vent a dud? ---

The right 2/3 is live the left 1/3 is fake. Let me see if I can find a photo.

[Fully Vetted]

Raptor, hidden in the fake portion of the center vent.

Yep, that's where my Raptor is located as well.

[cvette98pacecar]

Here you go.

http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa468/rdemarco06/IMG_4110_zps6e49f5b4.jpg

http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa468/rdemarco06/IMG_4107_zps088fdaf7.jpg

http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa468/rdemarco06/IMG_4108_zps0016d7d8.jpg

[WVZR-1]

That actually looks pretty good. The horizontal deflector seems to detract from it's appearance somewhat. After seeing the snapshots I might consider a bit of modification to what I had imagined the vent would require that I had already posted. Requires maybe more thought, the deflector though does seem like an "obstuction".

If you used the 3/4" mini I would think you could "counter-bore" the A/C vent from the back-side and bring the Raptor to within maybe 1/8" - 3/16" of the face of the vent and secure it with an epoxy. I would think it would go undetected to anyone other than those who knew it were there. A second center outlet could be used so you could always revert back to the stock form.

A 3/4 Vitrified grinding stone ($3) from a hobby shop in a drill press could accomplish the "counter-bore" or if you were really steady I guess you could use it in a Dremel.

[cvette98pacecar]

That actually looks pretty good. The horizontal deflector seems to detract from it's appearance somewhat. After seeing the snapshots I might consider a bit of modification to what I had imagined the vent would require that I had already posted. Requires maybe more thought, the deflector though does seem like an "obstuction".

If you used the 3/4" mini I would think you could "counter-bore" the A/C vent from the back-side and bring the Raptor to within maybe 1/8" - 3/16" of the face of the vent and secure it with an epoxy. I would think it would go undetected to anyone other than those who knew it were there. A second center outlet could be used so you could always revert back to the stock form.

A 3/4 Vitrified grinding stone ($3) from a hobby shop in a drill press could accomplish the "counter-bore" or if you were really steady I guess you could use it in a Dremel.


You could bring it all the way forward with the way it is mounted. I choose this way to keep a stock dash appearance. I would also suggest against epoxy as you wont be able to remove the vent without damaging the shift light or vent piece.
A step drill bit works perfect as it leaves the ridge which acts as a seal, once you push the shift light and vent into place the fitting is tight enough to hold the vent in place without the screws.

[Paul Workman]

Here it is installed behind the AC grille. It is out of sight, until the light comes on!

In the pic, not all the LEDs are lit. That is because on startup the lights are sequenced on and off in a pattern for a couple seconds as if to say, "Hello! I'm awake!" Trust me, when all 7 LEDs come on, there's no missing it!

http://i185.photobucket.com/albums/x220/6PPC_bucket/tech%20files/Raptorlight.jpg

As for mounting it, I used a drill bit and carefully opened the hole up with a Dremel grinder so the Raptor would just fit with a single wrap of electrical tape around the barrel of the light at the point of contact. Then a couple wraps of tapein front of the contact point so the Raptor would not slide back through the hole to fall behind the dash.

It fits snuggly, and to adjust the shift light rpm, I simply pull the light out to change the setting, and push it back into the hole for a nice friction fit.

To run the wires, I removed the carpeted hush panel screws and used wire from a wire coat hanger to fische the Raptor wiring from the dash where I could grab them and route them over to the big C-100 connector.

I connected the Raptor tach wire to the white tach wire at the big C-100 bulkhead connector, just up and slightly left of the toes of your left foot. there too is access to 12 volts when the ignition is ON. (See the FSM for details).

P.

[XfireZ51]

I like it on the A pillar for 2 reasons:

1. Can put it at eye level

2. Easy access to change shift points.

The Raptor light is small enough that it hides behind A pillar pretty easily.

[alwayscode390]

WOW, that is pretty slick guys ... thanks for the pics and for educating me on the a/c vent :) ---

[mgg]

When mounting the 'raptor" shift light behind the vent, I would suggest using a "forstner' bit I believe its called. I used it on mine as as the post said it makes for a perfect friction fit. You only see it when you need to. I absolutely love mine and would suggest it as agreat way to have a stealthy shift like that is protected and works well. Nice pics by the way. The shift light is right in front of your face so you never have to take your eyes off of whats important. Not to mention not having to worry about watching the tach. It is a sweet upgrade.

[GOLDCYLON]

I have a dash mat too , and would rather not screw into anything. That looks like it will work perfectly ... whats the dimensions on that light? ---


About the size of a roll of nickels

[alwayscode390]

OK, thanks :) ---

[2ZR1S]

Mini auto meter. This is CJ's car now. I had in several cars and they work well. It is the best picture I could find.