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The Winters SideWinder Gated Shifter for Powerglide Transmissions delivers positive, repeatable gear selection for drag cars, sand cars, off-road buggies, race vehicles, and custom builds using a Powerglide automatic transmission. Instead of relying on spring-loaded levers, the SideWinder uses a stepped steel gate and mechanical guard system to guide the shift handle through each gear position and reduce the risk of missed or accidental shifts.
The reverse position is protected by an offset gate that requires a deliberate shift movement before the handle can enter reverse. Each Powerglide SideWinder shifter arrives fully assembled in its own console and includes a 5-foot cable and linkage hardware, providing a rugged, straightforward solution for race and performance applications.
Includes:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Winters Performance Products |
| Product Type | Automatic Transmission Gated Shifter |
| Shifter Series | SideWinder |
| Transmission Compatibility | Powerglide Automatic Transmission |
| Shift Mechanism | Mechanical Stepped-Gate Design |
| Reverse Protection | Offset Mechanical Safety Gate |
| Console | Included |
| Cable Length | 5 Feet |
| Installation Hardware | Included |
| Assembly | Ships Fully Assembled |
Fits:
Common Applications:
Installation Notes:
For custom installations, the Wide Open Design Winters Shifter Mounting Brackets provide a rigid, pre-drilled mounting foundation for the SideWinder housing.
The Powerglide is commonly used in drag racing, sand cars, and lightweight off-road vehicles because of its simple two-speed design and proven strength. The SideWinder complements that transmission with a durable mechanical gate that provides clear, repeatable gear positions without relying on spring-loaded lockout levers.
The stepped steel gate physically guides the shift handle through the transmission positions. Each gear is separated by a defined gate, helping the driver make deliberate shifts and reducing the chance of overshooting the intended position.
Reverse is positioned behind an offset section of the gate. The operator must intentionally move the shift handle through that offset before entering reverse, helping prevent the handle from being moved directly into reverse from a forward gear.
The correct gate depends on the valve body installed in the transmission. A conventional automatic Powerglide requires the corresponding standard-pattern gate, while a reverse-manual valve body requires a reverse-pattern gate. The shifter gate must match the transmission's actual shift sequence.
The included cable is suitable for many front-engine vehicles and compact custom builds. Rear-engine layouts, stretched chassis, or installations requiring routing around headers and suspension components may require a longer cable.
Place both the transmission selector and shifter in Neutral before connecting and adjusting the cable. After adjustment, verify that every shifter position fully engages the matching transmission detent without placing the cable or linkage under tension.
