Lokar’s Electronic Sport Mode Shifters let you keep a traditional, mechanical-feeling floor shifter while commanding modern electronically controlled transmissions. They’re built for a wide range of GM and Ford automatics (including the 4L60E, 4L80, 6L80, 4R70W/AODE and 6R80), work with many aftermarket controllers, include safety interlocks, and are sold in multiple lever lengths and bend styles so they fit everything from muscle cars to lifted trucks.
1. Why an “electronic sport” shifter?
Modern automatic transmissions increasingly use electronic control modules and shift-by-wire or electronic range selectors. That’s great for performance and packaging, but it breaks the tactile connection many drivers want: the ability to bump through gears manually, feel a detent or gate, and have a classic floor-shifter look and motion.
Lokar’s Electronic Sport Mode Shifter (sometimes sold as “Electronic Sport Mode” or “Sport Mode” shifters) bridges that gap: it provides a mechanical-looking floor shifter that sends electronic/manual-mode signals (or works via a cable to a compatible controller) so you can shift into a manual/sport mode and then upshift/downshift from the lever. It keeps neutral/park safety features and is built to match modern factory transmission controllers as well as many aftermarket units.
2. Compatibility — the transmissions you asked about
Lokar explicitly lists compatibility with the transmissions you named:
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GM: 4L60E, 4L80, 6L80 (and related GM electronic transmissions).
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Ford: AODE / 4R70W and 6R80. Lokar’s Ford-specific units are available and, in some Ford cases (AODE / 4R70W), the kit includes a Lokar selector-shaft / trans-arm adapter that must be installed in the transmission for correct operation.
Important practical note: while the shifters are designed for the listed transmissions, precise fit and the way they interface (cable vs. electronic/manual-mode controller) depends on your vehicle, year, and whether you’re using a factory ECU/transmission controller or an aftermarket transmission controller. Lokar also states compatibility with many aftermarket controllers (Speartech, US Shift, TCI, Holley, etc.), but there are cases where additional adapters (selector shafts or trans-arm kits) or wiring changes are required—so always consult the vehicle-specific installation instructions before ordering.
3. What’s inside — features & hardware highlights
Lokar’s Electronic Sport Mode Shifters are intentionally modular and user-friendly for custom builds:
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Multiple lever lengths & bends: available in 4", 6", 8", 10", 12", and 16" lengths, and single-bend, double-bend, and bench-bend options — so you can position the lever where you like relative to the console/seat.
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Detent/gated sport mode: traditional automatic detent positions are retained, plus the ability to push the lever into a manual/sport lane to let the driver bump-shift gears (or use buttons depending on knob).
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Safety features: positive lockout in Park and Neutral, integrated neutral safety switch, and retaining of other safety interlocks typical of Lokar shifters.
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Cable or electronic interface: shifter assemblies come with shifter cable and mounting hardware; they’re designed to work with factory/manual-mode-capable controllers as well as many aftermarket controllers. For some transmissions (notably older Ford AODE/4R70W), Lokar supplies a selector-shaft/trans-arm kit as part of the installation package.
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Knobs & adapters: works with all current Lokar push-button knobs and adapters so you can pick a knob style (mushroom, pistol, billet) and customize button functions.
4. Installation — what to expect
Lokar publishes detailed PDF instructions for each transmission family and even Gen 1 / Gen 2 installation notes. A few practical points pulled from the instructions and product pages:
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Electrical safety & prep: disconnect the negative battery, secure the vehicle with wheel chocks, and ensure good grounding before beginning. Lokar’s instructions emphasize reading the full manual first.
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Transmission-specific steps: most GM electronic transmissions can be connected without internal transmission modification; Ford AODE/4R70W installations often require the Lokar selector shaft and trans-arm kit (included or sold with the Ford shifter), because the OEM selector arrangement is mechanically different. Always check the PDF for your exact transmission model.
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Mounting options: the shifter housing can be mounted in different orientations (bottom-down, top-up, or on vertical surfaces) for custom consoles. Lokar supplies mounting brackets and a cable integrated bracket for a clean install.
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Interfacing with aftermarket controllers: if you’re using a standalone transmission controller, you’ll usually wire the shifter’s outputs to the controller’s manual-mode inputs; in some cases the controller will accept the Lokar’s cable-detected positions directly. Check your controller manual and Lokar’s wiring diagrams.
If you’re doing the install yourself and are comfortable with wiring and moderate mechanical work, Lokar’s instructions are sufficiently detailed. If not, budget for a professional shop to avoid damaging a transmission or voiding warranties.
5. Driving & performance: what the sport shifter actually feels like
Owners and installers commonly describe Lokar’s Electronic Sport Mode Shifters as achieving the “best of both worlds”: the comfort and safety of a modern electronically controlled transmission with the driver engagement of a traditional manual shift gate. Practical observations:
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Manual bump-shifting: when you move the lever into the sport/manual gate, upshifts and downshifts are commanded in sequence — you can bump through gears without paddles. This is especially useful for towing, spirited driving, or any application where you want more control over shift points.
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Tactile feedback: while action is cable/lever-based at the driver end, the transmission still does the actual gear changes electronically — so shifts feel factory-smooth but with the satisfying lever action and detent.
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Customization: with Lokar knobs that have push-buttons, you can assign functions (where supported) like up/down buttons or launch-control-type inputs when paired to compatible controllers. This makes the shifter adaptable to numerous performance setups.
6. Choosing the right model and options
Because Lokar sells a family of sport shifters targeted at different transmissions and vehicle types, consider three main selection factors:
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Transmission application: pick the model designed for your trans (ES6L80 for GM 6L80E, ES6R80 for Ford 6R80, etc.). The part pages clearly label the model fitment.
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Lever length & bend: measure from the mounting plane to where your hand naturally rests. Short levers suit tight consoles and race cars; long levers are popular in trucks or for dramatic show builds. Lokar lists 4–16" options and multiple bend profiles.
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Knob & adapter choices: if you want push-buttons for up/down, choose a knob/adapter that supports that, and confirm your transmission controller can interpret the signals.
7. Safety, durability & maintenance
Lokar emphasizes safety as a core design principle:
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Positive lockouts prevent accidentally shifting out of Park or Neutral.
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Neutral safety switch is integrated for fail-safe starting.
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Quality materials & machining: Lokar uses precision-machined aluminum and stainless hardware to resist long-term wear. Regularly check the cable end, mounting bolts, and switch connections—especially if the vehicle sees heavy use, off-road duty, or towing.
Maintenance is minimal: keep linkage and cable ends clean and lubricated per the instructions, and inspect the electrical connectors for corrosion. If you experience erratic behavior, the likely culprits are wiring or controller setup, not the shifter mechanism itself.
8. Common pitfalls & troubleshooting
Based on official instructions and installation notes, common issues people encounter include:
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Wrong model selected: ordering the wrong transmission-specific model (e.g., picking GM unit for a Ford 6R80) — double-check part numbers and fitment.
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Need for selector shaft/trans-arm kit on older Fords: Ford AODE / 4R70W installs often require the extra selector-shaft/trans-arm adapter; omission leads to incorrect range selection. Read the Ford-specific PDF.
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Controller wiring/configuration: If your vehicle uses an aftermarket transmission controller, you may need to map the shifter inputs or change controller settings so the transmission accepts manual-sport-mode commands.
If installation problems occur, Lokar’s tech line and the detailed PDF instructions are useful first stops — and many aftermarket retailers offer customer support for fitment questions.
9. How it stacks up vs other solutions
There are three broad routes when you want manual-like control of an electronic transmission:
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Console-mounted electronic controllers / paddles — subtle and modern, but sometimes lack the tactile satisfaction of a floor lever.
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Factory/manual-mode adapters — use OEM manual modes or OEM-style console shifters (limited by factory ergonomics).
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Lokar Electronic Sport Shifter — provides the traditional lever look plus manual-mode control and broad compatibility with aftermarket controllers.
For builders wanting a show-quality floor shifter that still gives real manual control, Lokar tends to be a very popular, reliable choice because of fitment options, build quality, and the safety features included. Retailers’ listings and user reviews generally reflect solid satisfaction for fit-and-finish and functional behavior.
10. Price & where to buy
Prices vary by transmission model, lever length, and knob option. As an example, the Lokar 6R80 8" Electronic Sport Mode Shifter is listed at Lokar’s site in the ballpark of several hundred dollars (~$700–$800 for certain configurations)
Conclusion — who should buy one?
If you:
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Drive a vehicle with one of the supported transmissions (4L60E, 4L80, 6L80, AODE/4R70W, 6R80),
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Want a classic, tactile floor-shifter experience while retaining electronic/manual-mode control,
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Need a robust, modular shifter with multiple lever options and safety interlocks,
then Lokar’s Electronic Sport Mode Shifters are an excellent, proven solution. They combine modern transmission compatibility with traditional ergonomics and are supported by clear installation documentation and a wide dealer network. For truck owners and custom builders who want both form and function, they’re often the first product to consider.