Been looking around and I seen that if you're lucky to have a 500 like me with the awf21 trans, we might be able to make paddle shifting work to get around the horrible acceleration of the car without massive engine changes.

I first saw on a 2011 range Rover evoque that had the same transmission be able to paddle shift and thought why not us too? Funny enough ford offers their own version in some modern cars with SelectShift, in theory could I not replace the shifting wiring from L under drive to become S and activate the paddle shifting SelectShift sport mode.

Obviously I'd need to get a compatible shifter or steering column but the same column from range Rover is currently about $150~$200.

 

I don't have that tranny, have the CVT all wheel drive unit - yeah, talk about gutless. But my car had the original plugs in it until ~225K miles; they were in bad visual condition. As second owner I replaced the plugs and I can tell an modest increase in acceleration. Still not great, but 'tis better ... NGK iridium plugs

 

Looking into this, it seems the solenoids in the valve body of the 6 speed are set up to accept manual input if the shifter is put into low(manual) mode so paddle shifting is 100% possible with the correct wiring.

I found wiring diagrams detailing where the wires for paddle shifting go and volts/ohms. Plan to make a simple two button up and down shift proof of concept in the near future before a full wheel swap and wireup.

Also did replace sparks not long ago, do recommend 3e spark plugs instead for a more complete combustion plume in cylinder.

 

Have you made any progress on the proof of concept?
Also, could you share where you found the wiring diagrams?

I wouldn't the TCM need to have the software to support SelectShift?