Non-OEM Shift boot install.
Hey all. first thanks to somatic and Baer383 for making this possible.
I tried somatic's method but wanted to change a few things.
1. I didn't want to have to buy the OEM Part #969351EA1A just to use the boot.
2. I didn't want to go through the additional work of using that whole assembly and then doing the cutting Baer383 and others have done to get those great results.
So I wanted to try using one of the cheapie boots to see what happens.
I bought this shift boot off of ebay from user "autotrimming."
2008-2013 NISSAN 370Z REAL LEATHER MANUAL SHIFT BOOT GRAY STITCHING
2008 2013 Nissan 370Z Real Leather Manual Shift Boot Gray Stitching | eBay
cost: $25.99
I actually had a really good experience with this seller. Estimated shipping from Texas was a week or so and it was at my door in 3 days.
I am really happy with the quality of the boot.
Stiching is 98% dead on with OEM. The stiches are just a hair bigger but unnoticeable from a few inches away.
Also - This was a benefit to me, might not be to you.
Texture and finish - There is minimal texture to this boot. It is also very matte. This makes it great if you want the boot to blend into the rest of the interior like I did.
You can see how smooth it is compared to the OEM boot.
Sizing - Since I don't have access to a manual Z to test - I can't say it works for both transmissions. It seems fine for the AT mod.
I bought the following for my install.
1. Velcro 4 in. X 2 in. Industrial StrengthStrips 2 Pack
Velcro 4 in. X 2 in. Industrial StrengthStrips 2 Pack-90199 at The Home Depot
Cost $2.97
2. A couple of rubber grommets from HD and other hardware stores. Probably a $1 or less a piece. So say $4 total to be safe.
I cut the velcro lengthwise to use to secure the boot to the shifter plate. My main concern was that after putting the silver shifter trim plate back on that the boot would pull out during use.
EDIT - I ended up using too much velcro. You only need to cut four small pieces about an inch wide and position them along the corners. When I tried to use the full strips on the boot (see pic) it made it impossible to adjust the boot. I recommend putting velcro around the shifter plate but then using small pieces on the boot. This will allow you to position the boot as needed.
EDIT: I bought grommets to make a shift collar for the boot. Completely ended up not needing them at all. The first time I tried using one for the shift collar it put enough tension on the boot that it made it hard to manual shift.
Once you install the stock knob back it compresses the boot and there is little if any vertical play. - This is also due to the height of the stock shift knob.
I had a few unsuccessful attempts - grommets used for testing that prevented proper shifting and they also increased the height of the boot to the point that I couldn't get the shifter knob full seated with the wire installed to prevent the knob from moving.
Less is more is the slogan for this mod. I am also including a few new pics of my final install with Carbon Fiber Element wrapped shifter plate.