Dedenbear Automatic Transmission Shifter Solenoid
Dedenbear Automatic Transmission Shifter Solenoids: Race-Proven Precision
When it comes to squeezing every hundredth of a second out of a drag racing pass, few components matter as much as when — and how consistently — your transmission shifts. Dedenbear has long been a trusted name among bracket racers and index racers who demand repeatability, and their lineup of automatic transmission shifter solenoids represents some of the most thoughtfully engineered shifting solutions available for serious drag racing applications.
How Dedenbear Solenoid Shifters Work
Dedenbear's solenoid-based shifting system is elegantly simple in execution. When the shifter handle is pulled into low gear, the powered electric solenoid cocks automatically, and you stage and launch the car normally. A 1.5-amp holding coil keeps the unit cocked until your preset RPM or time is reached — at which point power is cut to the solenoid and a spring-loaded plunger automatically shifts the transmission from low to high gear. This hands-free operation lets drivers keep both hands on the wheel and their focus on the tree, not the shifter.
Because nothing physically connects to the shift lever itself, manual shifts can still be made at will — a key advantage for drivers who want both automated consistency and on-the-fly flexibility. And with no routine maintenance required, Dedenbear solenoid shifters truly live up to their "install it and forget it" reputation.
Engineering Built for the Strip
Dedenbear doesn't cut corners on materials. Their solenoid units feature a hard-chromed, ground shaft riding in a bronze bushing inside the solenoid body, and aluminum mounting brackets are black and red anodized for lasting corrosion resistance. The result is a unit engineered for both winning performance and the longest possible service life — a hallmark of everything Dedenbear builds.
For CO2-powered applications, Dedenbear's 2- and 3-speed CO2 shifters are engineered as a direct bolt-on with no modifications required for the most popular drag racing automatic transmission shifters — including the Turbo Action Cheetah SCS — featuring large, oversize cylinders and high-flow solenoid valves to ensure the fastest, most positive shifts possible. The installation is straightforward: bolt the assembly to the shifter, plumb the air lines, and attach two wires.
Flexible Configuration Options
Dedenbear offers their solenoid shifter units in several configurations to suit different setups. Models like the SS2 provide a universal solenoid shifter without an RPM switch, while the SS2RPM bundles in an RPM switch module for all-in-one convenience. The SS4 is tailored for use with the B/M Pro Bandit shifter. For CO2 system owners, the SOLAS1 is a high-flow bolt-in replacement solenoid compatible with AS1 shifters — a smart spare to keep trackside for unexpected situations. Units are also available with an optional ST1 shift timer for time-based activation.
Whether you're building a Powerglide-equipped bracket car or a full-race three-speed application, Dedenbear's shifter solenoid lineup provides the precision and durability that racers have relied on for decades.