What is the best short-throw shifter and shifter knob combo?

ZInferno0248 · 02-28-2012, 02:04 PM

Which aftermarket manual shifter is the best? There are many opinions and comments in many threads about short-throw shifters and shift knobs. Let's distill it down into one cohesive discussion. Which one's are the best: ie.) Speed up shifting significantly over stock. Also which weighted knobs most impact the quality of the shift feel, or is it not really worth it and mainly just a cosmetic improvement. Finally, which combo of the two works best together?

kenchan · 02-28-2012, 04:28 PM

the throw isn't that long nor are the gates wobbly to begin with.

i suggest you check out shorter weighted knobs first. ive done short shifters/bushings on previous cars so i know what benefits they offer. but the Z, nah. no need.

Spikuh · 02-28-2012, 06:08 PM

Unless you can find someone who has tried every single combination availble, this is going to be nothing but opinion sharing and you will arive at no "best" solution.

IMO, there is no best solution if for no other reason than people have different driving habits, different shifting habits, and different expectations and opinions on what "feels good".

For what it is worth, I have the stock setup and am overall frustrated with it. My shift between 1 & 2 is just....inconsistent would be the best term. Sometimes it is fluid (albeit still notchy) and other times an outright nightmare. It seems to be a total crap shoot and I am not sure what to do about it just yet.

I may swap to a different setup in the future though, not sure which option I want to go with.

SPOHN · 02-28-2012, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

the throw isn't that long nor are the gates wobbly to begin with.

i suggest you check out shorter weighted knobs first. ive done short shifters/bushings on previous cars so i know what benefits they offer. but the Z, nah. no need.

KevinB · 02-28-2012, 07:01 PM

I would be very interested to know what the track and autocross guys think and those who drag race as they probably have the most to lose/gain by changing these setups.

kenchan · 02-28-2012, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KevinB

I would be very interested to know what the track and autocross guys think and those who drag race as they probably have the most to lose/gain by changing these setups.

uhhhh...SPOHN has a track machine...

Nick911sc · 02-28-2012, 07:59 PM

I also personally wouldn't go further than swapping out the shift knob. I agree that the transmission can be notchy, but honestly, I don't find it to be so horrible. I'm personally more concerned with the idea of a short shifter doing damage to our transmissions as they are clearly the weakest link in our car. Too many people having to get synchro's replaced with a stock shifter for me to contemplate a short shifter...

I do plan on changing the knob eventually to improve the shifter with weight and a shorter height on the knob itself. But honestly, it's not my primary concern.

SPOHN · 02-28-2012, 08:08 PM

I just feel that the Z shifts perfect as is. It's throw is dead on for my likings. But that is after I changed out the stock shift knob. The bulky stock knob is awful IMO. Changing out knobs makes a big impact to me and how it throws. But I feel this depends on shape and weight. Mostly shape. Here's mine

ZInferno0248 · 02-28-2012, 08:12 PM

All valid comments. I am annoyed by the 1st to 2nd shift also. I've driven manuals my entire life and this one shift is by far the most inconsistent. Living with it is fine, but it would be sweet to fix it... make it smooooooth!

If a knob is the answer, which one? The ARC knobs seem to be extinct now and so many of the others look cheap and gimmicky. What weight is best? Is heavier better? Do you go with a ball, or other shape? There is a frustrating plethora of options. Who's got one they really like??

ZInferno0248 · 02-28-2012, 08:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPOHN

I just feel that the Z shifts perfect as is. It's throw is dead on for my likings. But that is after I changed out the stock shift knob. The bulky stock knob is awful IMO. Changing out knobs makes a big impact to me and how it throws. But I feel this depends on shape and weight. Mostly shape. Here's mine

What model is your's? How much does it weigh compared to stock? It does look cool.

kenchan · 02-28-2012, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZInferno0248

All valid comments. I am annoyed by the 1st to 2nd shift also. I've driven manuals my entire life and this one shift is by far the most inconsistent. Living with it is fine, but it would be sweet to fix it... make it smooooooth!

If a knob is the answer, which one? The ARC knobs seem to be extinct now and so many of the others look cheap and gimmicky. What weight is best? Is heavier better? Do you go with a ball, or other shape? There is a frustrating plethora of options. Who's got one they really like??

A lot of us are using the latest pwjdm knobs (round kind) in stainless.

Also swap out your clutch helper spring. That makes a big difference in clutch feel.

SPOHN · 02-28-2012, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ZInferno0248

What model is your's? How much does it weigh compared to stock? It does look cool.

It weighs more than stock but I like that. It's pretty solid piece. But for myself the feel is what I'm partial to. You can pick this up only threw Forged Performance. There number is 770-792-0202. Tell them Christopher Spohn (sp on) sent you. It's not listed on the site and there not the cheapest knob either.

As kenchan mention the clutch helper spring is a very nice improvment over stock also.

kchu221 · 02-28-2012, 08:44 PM

tommy kaira hebi bebi!

Nick911sc · 02-28-2012, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kenchan

A lot of us are using the latest pwjdm knobs (round kind) in stainless.

Also swap out your clutch helper spring. That makes a big difference in clutch feel.

You guys are tempting me to buy that new pwjdm knob...

GaleForce · 02-28-2012, 08:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick911sc

You guys are tempting me to buy that new pwjdm knob...

Dooo it!

DSC_0190 by J M Gale, on Flickr

DSC_0195 by J M Gale, on Flickr

02-28-2012, 02:04 PM	#1 (permalink)
ZInferno0248 Base Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 154 Drives: 2010 370Z Nismo SC'd Rep Power: 14	What is the best short-throw shifter and shifter knob combo? Which aftermarket manual shifter is the best? There are many opinions and comments in many threads about short-throw shifters and shift knobs. Let's distill it down into one cohesive discussion. Which one's are the best: ie.) Speed up shifting significantly over stock. Also which weighted knobs most impact the quality of the shift feel, or is it not really worth it and mainly just a cosmetic improvement. Finally, which combo of the two works best together? __________________ 2010 370Z Nismo, Silver / GTM Stage-1 SC / Custom Tune / GTM Oil Cooler / FI Resonated Test Pipes / FI CBE / Alpine HU / Focal's / JL AMP & Sub / AP Racing BBK / TTA TE-37's / RE-11's / KW V3's / SPC Camber Arms / Whiteline Sways

02-28-2012, 07:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
KevinB Base Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Louisiana Age: 53 Posts: 75 Drives: 09 370z blk m6 Rep Power: 14	I would be very interested to know what the track and autocross guys think and those who drag race as they probably have the most to lose/gain by changing these setups. __________________ 09 6MT MB: Int/Ext LEDs, Stillen G3 + FI test pipes + FI cat back + Stillen sways + Clutch Helper Spring

02-28-2012, 08:08 PM	#8 (permalink)
SPOHN A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Covington, GA Age: 46 Posts: 14,844 Drives: Waiting on next Z Rep Power: 221	I just feel that the Z shifts perfect as is. It's throw is dead on for my likings. But that is after I changed out the stock shift knob. The bulky stock knob is awful IMO. Changing out knobs makes a big impact to me and how it throws. But I feel this depends on shape and weight. Mostly shape. Here's mine __________________

02-28-2012, 08:12 PM	#9 (permalink)
ZInferno0248 Base Member Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 154 Drives: 2010 370Z Nismo SC'd Rep Power: 14	All valid comments. I am annoyed by the 1st to 2nd shift also. I've driven manuals my entire life and this one shift is by far the most inconsistent. Living with it is fine, but it would be sweet to fix it... make it smooooooth! If a knob is the answer, which one? The ARC knobs seem to be extinct now and so many of the others look cheap and gimmicky. What weight is best? Is heavier better? Do you go with a ball, or other shape? There is a frustrating plethora of options. Who's got one they really like?? __________________ 2010 370Z Nismo, Silver / GTM Stage-1 SC / Custom Tune / GTM Oil Cooler / FI Resonated Test Pipes / FI CBE / Alpine HU / Focal's / JL AMP & Sub / AP Racing BBK / TTA TE-37's / RE-11's / KW V3's / SPC Camber Arms / Whiteline Sways

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02-28-2012, 04:28 PM	#2 (permalink)
kenchan A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: N/A Posts: 76,801 Drives: N/A Rep Power: 141521	the throw isn't that long nor are the gates wobbly to begin with. i suggest you check out shorter weighted knobs first. ive done short shifters/bushings on previous cars so i know what benefits they offer. but the Z, nah. no need.

02-28-2012, 06:08 PM	#3 (permalink)
Spikuh A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: The Ark Posts: 2,357 Drives: '09 370z Rep Power: 21	Unless you can find someone who has tried every single combination availble, this is going to be nothing but opinion sharing and you will arive at no "best" solution. IMO, there is no best solution if for no other reason than people have different driving habits, different shifting habits, and different expectations and opinions on what "feels good". For what it is worth, I have the stock setup and am overall frustrated with it. My shift between 1 & 2 is just....inconsistent would be the best term. Sometimes it is fluid (albeit still notchy) and other times an outright nightmare. It seems to be a total crap shoot and I am not sure what to do about it just yet. I may swap to a different setup in the future though, not sure which option I want to go with.

02-28-2012, 07:59 PM	#7 (permalink)
Nick911sc A True Z Fanatic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Long Island, New York Posts: 1,698 Drives: 2010 Nissan GT-R Rep Power: 20	I also personally wouldn't go further than swapping out the shift knob. I agree that the transmission can be notchy, but honestly, I don't find it to be so horrible. I'm personally more concerned with the idea of a short shifter doing damage to our transmissions as they are clearly the weakest link in our car. Too many people having to get synchro's replaced with a stock shifter for me to contemplate a short shifter... I do plan on changing the knob eventually to improve the shifter with weight and a shorter height on the knob itself. But honestly, it's not my primary concern.

02-28-2012, 08:44 PM	#13 (permalink)
kchu221 Enthusiast Member Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: torrance Posts: 391 Drives: 2012 BMW M3 E92 Rep Power: 14	tommy kaira hebi bebi!