Originally Posted by Phimosis

The threads in the shift knob are tapered, so there is a LOT of resistance for the first 10+ full turns. You could use vice grips, then do the first 3 counterclockwise turns, then start filming like you have never touched it. It would still be really hard to do by hand and you would easily still be flexing the stock linkage.

It would look like the real deal, but no way to prove it, one way or the other.