Alternative to a Tachometer - Smart Car of America Forums : Smart Car Forum

BRM42 · 04-02-2008, 11:21 AM

I installed a Shift-I progressive shift light system from www.ecliptech.com.au in My smart and think it is better than most tachometers I have used. Check out their web site for more information and a photo of my installation.

**jwight** · 04-02-2008, 11:27 AM

How do your customized shift points match the smart computer indicated shift arrows? Any impact on mpg from using the different shift points?

BRM42 · 04-02-2008, 11:43 AM

The shift points in automatic mode from first to second is about the same point but the others are lower than the RPM at which you would reach the shift point. In manual mode you can shift at a higher RPM if you need to stay in a gear longer to time the movement of traffic or get to a corner without shifting up and then back down again. When setup correctly it also helps you stay in the power range for spirited driving. I have not filled up with gas since I installed it, but I expect to get about the same MPG. Most of my driving is not where I go to the full shift RPM on each shift, but I know where it is when I need to.

Cory1000 · 04-02-2008, 11:45 AM

I have this exact shift light installed in my Lotus, its a great product.

soooo many ways to configure it, its amazing!

Lgaruti · 04-02-2008, 10:19 PM

Brm42, Nice product. Any problem finding the tach sense wire?

BRM42 · 04-03-2008, 07:04 AM

The Shift-i is driven from several sources. On the Smart you can use the wire from the ECU to the coil on the plug. An installation guide is on their web site at
http://www.ecliptech.com.au/media/sh...o_451_2008.pdf

KP4 smart · 04-03-2008, 08:26 AM

The straight one seems to block out the top portion on the speedometer. Did you try the template of the curved one they have posted on their site?

Evilution · 04-03-2008, 10:30 AM

What do you want a shift light for, it isn't a race car.

Cory1000 · 04-03-2008, 11:32 AM

Most cars these days have a tachometer (even auto cars), it was a alternative for people who dont want/didnt order the "pod" on the dash from the factory.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Evilution

What do you want a shift light for, it isn't a race car.

dcrooks · 04-03-2008, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cory1000

Most cars these days have a tachometer (even auto cars), it was a alternative for people who dont want/didnt order the "pod" on the dash from the factory.

Yeah, I never understood why cars with automatic transmissions had tachometers and then cars with manual transmissions did not have tachometers...

Whoever has one installed: Do you have any pictures of it installed?