he floor-mounted automatic transmission shifter is little more than a lever moved between shift positions, from Park to Drive, with little other use. Posing as a traditional manual trans shifter, it looks cool but its function is not as impressive. While it could be used to shift between gears manually, that slushbox automatic trans still won’t provide the same gear-slamming action that an old Muncie could provide.

Today however, with the advent of modern, electronically controlled transmissions, not only do we have the ability to tune and tweak the shifting characteristics of said transmission, but, thanks to Lokar Performance Products, we can partake in a more accurate manual shifting experience. In doing so, Lokar has taken the simple floor shift and infused it with influences taken from the exotic car world. The result? The Lokar Electronic Sport Mode Shifter (ESS).

Compatible with most late-model, electronically controlled transmissions, such as GM’s 4L60E, 4L80E, 6L80E, and 6L90 as well as Ford’s AODE, 4R70W, and 6R80, the ESS allows the forward gears to be selected manually by engaging the shifter into Drive and then pushing the lever toward the passenger side, effectively entering into “Sport Mode.” Forward gears can then be upshifted or downshifted as desired by simply “bumping” the shift lever fore or aft. The result is a floor shifter that provides the performance perspective one would expect from a paddle shifter setup. The fun of a four-speed without the leg cramps!

Like all of Lokar’s floor shifters, safety is paramount and their ESS is no different. Safety lockouts in both Park and Neutral prevent the vehicle from being accidentally bumped into gear, while an integrated Neutral Safety Switch prevents the vehicle from being started with any position other than Neutral or Park selected. A huge selection of levers, from 4-16 inches long with single, double, and even a special bench seat bend ensures that the shift knob of the ESS lands directly where the driver desires. Speaking of shift knobs, the ESS is compatible with all Lokar’s push-button knobs, available in brushed, black, or polished.

Installation of the ESS is similar to any Lokar floor-mount shifter, with a few caveats. First, the ESS uses a cable to mechanically shift the transmission from Park to Drive. Secondly, the ESS needs to be wired to the factory or aftermarket transmission controller for full operation of the Manual or Sport Mode. This is achieved by connecting the four switches (Manual Mode, upshift, downshift, and neutral safety) following the instructions provided by Lokar. This isn’t necessary to achieve normal operation of the ESS (standard floor shifting capabilities), but to engage in the full, manually shifting capabilities, a little direction following is in order.

If driving a classic truck is supposed to be fun, why should it end when the shifter is dropped into Drive? Bumping up and down through the gears is a great way to invigorate a new sense of excitement to even the most mundane pickup truck!