187-1B
The Winters SideWinder Lockout Shifter for GM 4L80E Transmissions gives builders positive mechanical gear selection with an added reverse lockout for race, rock crawling, rock bouncing, and high-performance off-road applications. The SideWinder uses a stepped steel gate to physically guide the shift handle through each transmission position instead of relying on spring-loaded shift mechanisms.
The lockout design adds another level of protection between the forward gears and Reverse. The driver must intentionally operate the lockout and move the shifter through the correct gate before Reverse can be selected, helping prevent an accidental shift into Reverse during aggressive driving. The lockout configuration also includes a neutral safety switch for additional starting protection.
Available Shift Patterns:
Includes:
Builder Note: The shifter controls the mechanical gear selection of the 4L80E, but it does not replace the electronic controls required to operate the transmission. Make sure your build has the appropriate transmission controller or compatible engine/transmission management system.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Winters Performance Products |
| Product Type | Automatic Transmission Lockout Shifter |
| Shifter Series | SideWinder |
| Transmission Compatibility | GM 4L80E |
| Shift Pattern | Standard or Reverse Pattern |
| Shift Mechanism | Mechanical Stepped-Gate Design |
| Reverse Lockout | Yes |
| Neutral Safety Switch | Yes |
| Cable | 5-Foot, 3-Inch Travel Push-Pull Cable |
| Console | Included |
| Assembly | Ships Fully Assembled |
Designed For:
Installation Notes:
For fabricated consoles and tube chassis installations, the Wide Open Design Winters Shifter Mounting Brackets provide a rigid, pre-drilled mounting point for the SideWinder housing.
The lockout version adds a mechanical mechanism that requires an intentional action before the shifter can be moved into Reverse. This provides additional protection against accidentally selecting Reverse during aggressive driving or competition use.
The gate must match the shift pattern of your 4L80E transmission configuration. Select Standard Pattern for a conventional shift sequence or Reverse Pattern when the transmission has been built for the corresponding reverse shift sequence. The shifter does not change the transmission's internal shift pattern.
No. The SideWinder mechanically selects the transmission range. The 4L80E is electronically controlled and still requires the appropriate transmission controller, ECU, or compatible engine management system to control transmission operation.
The neutral safety switch provides a circuit that can be incorporated into the vehicle's starting system to prevent the engine from being started when the shifter is in an unsafe gear position. It must be properly wired as part of the vehicle's electrical system.
Five feet works for many conventional front-engine installations. Tube chassis vehicles, unusual cockpit layouts, or builds requiring the cable to route around exhaust and drivetrain components may require a different cable length.
Start with both the shifter and transmission selector in Neutral. Adjust the cable at the transmission linkage, then cycle the shifter through every position and verify that the transmission fully reaches each corresponding detent without binding or placing unnecessary load on the cable.
No. Shifter, reverse lockout, neutral safety, and other safety requirements vary by racing organization, class, and vehicle. Always check the current rulebook for the organization and class you plan to compete in before finalizing the build.
