While most auto buffs know that there are all kinds of mods available to make their vehicle interiors look sportier, many aren’t aware that changing their manual transmission shift knob is an upgrade that’ll also make it feel sportier. Shifter knobs are much more specialised than you think, and swapping out your OE knob will change your driving experience.
Automotive engineers have always known that shift knob weight, length, and even style can affect driver interaction, but the high volume reality of auto manufacturing has always meant that OE knobs are needed to fit the broadest range of drivers. Especially now, with less than 10% of the new vehicles sold in Australia being equipped with manual transmissions, their need to keep the lid on shift knob costs is greater than ever.
Fortunately, however, the aftermarket hasn’t been shy about filling the OE shift knob gap. They understand the demand exists, and they’re building high-quality shift knobs that are designed especially for drivers who enjoy shifting.
Great Looks and Performance With a New Gear Shift Knob
If you’ve been wondering whether it’s worthwhile to replace your transmission’s shift knob, then you need to know that today’s selection of aftermarket gear shift knobs is more specialised than it has ever been. From durable, OE-style replacement shifters made from UV-resistant Delrin® or carbon fibre, to precision-machined stainless steel parts for high-performance use, there are knobs available for any floor-mounted shifter or purpose, and installation in most cases only takes a few minutes.
A universal fit, or vehicle-specific aftermarket gear knob is the perfect way to personalize the appearance of any car or truck interior. However, there’s no shortage of valid, performance-related reasons for doing so as well, and they typically include:
· Dissatisfaction with the feel or ergonomics of OE existing shift knob;
· Replacing a heavily worn, cracked, or degraded OE knob; or,
· The desire to have a heavier or longer shifter, especially if the shift linkage has been changed.
Years of heavy use can even cause OE shift knobs to come loose and simply refuse to stay attached to the shift linkage: a situation where buying a new aftermarket shift knob becomes an unavoidable necessity. No matter what your reason is though, the decision to buy a new knob is one that you’ll be glad you made. You’re going to notice a marked difference in performance, and this will be especially true if your new knob is heavier than the OE one.
Get Snappier Acceleration with a Weighted Knob
In spite of what you may have heard, weighted, short-throw aftermarket shift knobs aren’t just for race cars. They’re for drivers who want a surer, more positive feeling when they’re going through the gears, regardless of whether they’re behind the wheel of a 3-cylinder super-mini or an 8-cylinder sportscar.
Weighted performance shift knobs can weigh up to 10 times as much as your vehicle’s OE shift knob, but that also includes 10 times the benefits.
· Easier synchronization. Weighing up to 675gr., a 304 stainless steel gear knob will let you move in and out of gear with a greater feeling of certainty than you would with a lightweight OE knob.
· Less shifting effort. The added mass of a heavier auto shift knob allows you to go though the gears with less effort, and up to 70% quicker, even if you’re just driving normally.
· Increased Dampening. Heavier knobs don’t transmit gearbox vibration through the shift linkage the way lightweight OE knobs do, giving you a smoother feel from the drivetrain.
Weighted short-throw racing shift knobs also come in a variety of colours, and their styles include:
· Round or knuckleball;
· Barrel; or,
· Fathead.
In short, not only is the extra weight and mass of a heavier car shift knob advantageous for pure performance vehicles, they’re an exceptional choice for all types of quick-revving, short-geared vehicles. Heavier knobs also won’t cause any unnecessary wear or damage to your transmission or linkage, making them the perfect choice for snappier acceleration.
Taller Knobs Let You Keep Your Hands Near the Wheel
Along with the weight of aftermarket gear knobs, height is another factor where performance advantages can be gained. Taller knobs made from 6062 aluminium, Delrin, or carbon fibre typically only 284gr., but can extend the overall height of your shift lever by as much as 140mm.
The ergonomic upside of a taller shift knob is that its longer throw places the lever as much as 35% closer to the steering wheel, and this is ideal for a number of driving scenarios.
· Technical driving. A tall racing gear knob makes for significantly quicker and easier shifting when driving on highly technical race tracks or rally circuits, without jeopardizing steering control.
· Older gearbox issues. Older, unsynchronized gearboxes that might sometimes require a bit of added leverage to go through the shift gate will be easier to operate with a taller knob.
· Classic custom looks. Nothing says classic custom more than a tall, ape hanger-style car gear knob, especially when it’s scratch-resistant billet aluminium.
Tall shift knobs for sale are available in the same array of colours as weighted knobs, and their most common styles include:
· Teardrop;
· Slim; and
· Tallboy.
Suffice it to say, if you’re driving a vehicle where you need to do a lot of shifting but still need to keep your hands as close to the steering wheel as possible at all times, a tall, high-performance shift knob is what you need.
Take the Time to Install Your New Knob the Right Way
Let’s be honest: when you’re searching for the right shift knob for sale, unless you’re also expecting to change your shift linkage, you’re also looking for the most straightforward installation. Every manufacturer has their own standards for attaching shift knobs. Some are screwed or bolted on, while others only require a firm twist and a hardy pull straight upward to come off.
No matter which style of knob you buy, and regardless of whether it’s universal fitting or model specific, you want to make sure that it comes with all the necessary mounting, setting, and adjusting hardware to fasten it safely and securely to the shift lever. Installing a new knob is an incredibly simple procedure, but you want to take your time to do it correctly.
The Final Word
At the end of the day, gear knobs are more than just sporty accessories. They play a substantial role in how capably and confidently you’re able to drive your vehicle, and that’s the single most important aspect of performance.
There’s an incredible range of aftermarket gear shift knobs available to let you explore that full performance potential. Your interior will look sportier, but the difference you can expect to feel working your way through the gears is what’s going to give you the most satisfaction.
