FatBoy Race Spec Series Shift Knob

[LtimmyJ]

Recently purchased a TK clone, FatBoy shift knob from:

https://grfxp.myshopify.com/

While doing some research to find out more information on the knob, I didn't stumble across many threads/articles on it. So I've decided to make my own thread on it. Hopefully this will help other people in the future.

What is it:

Basically a shift knob clone of the infamous TK turtle knobs. Approx. same size/weight.

Mine weighted 1.4lbs
Cost: 90$ shipped. Took two days at the time of order to get to me.

There are multiple knobs patterns/finishes you can choose from, and they're not as hard to get compared to the TK knobs.

Story:

I called the contact information found on their site, and questioned about the availability of the shift knob (their website states that the shift knobs may not be in stock for awhile). After a few rings, a male (presumably the co-owner) of GRFXP picked up. I inquired about the availability of the shift knob, and he responded professionally. He stated that the one I wanted (graphite) was in stock, then I asked how long it would take to ship it to my door. He stated that if I order online today, then call him back within the hour, he'll be able to package and have it at my door in two days.

I ordered online, called him back, confirmed my order, and acquired the tracking information within an hour.

Initial impression of the knob:

Product arrived at my door exactly two days from the order date. It was nicely packaged and bubble wrapped.

Heavy, small, shiny black.

For some reason, I expected the knob to be significantly larger. In comparison with the stock 370z knob - Fatboy knob was heavier, smaller, and sat lower on the shifter.

Driving impression:

Overall - simply better.
The knob sits significantly lower than the stock one. It makes the throws feel shorter.
The knob is mighty heavier than the stock one. The engagement of the gears seems a lot smoother vs the stock knob while I was going through the gears. It felt noticeably smoother/easier to shift.
The feel is great, I usually shift with my palm on the top, and the grip is near perfect - wished it was slightly larger. I also tried shifting it by holding it on the sides, like some people do - the knob is tall enough for my hand to hold it on the side. I wear medium gloves, glove size 9-10 to give you an idea.

Is it worth 90$?

For me, yes. The shifts are smoother, and the throws are quicker. The graphite one matches the interior very well.

Pictures:

370z - Album on Imgur

[Jayhovah]

Nice find!

[Nixin]

Holy $#!t, you destroyed the old OEM shift knob. Nice review.

[OptionZero]

I got one about a year ago, it is AWESOME

heavy, ergonomically sound (for me), low

way cheaper than TK

[Jayhovah]

Originally Posted by Nixin

Holy $#!t, you destroyed the old OEM shift knob. Nice review.

I would have thought that reaction would go with someone successfully removing the OEM knob without destroying it.

[cooltoy]

Great knob. Had one for a long time.

[LENTZ]

Just purchased one two weeks ago in "You Matte Bro" matte black. Cant wait to get it installed, just need to find a way to get the stubborn stock one off. Might need dynamite or a chainsaw.

[littlejuanito]

I've had a weighted shift knob for a while now. I purchased a round stainless steel one from lathewerks and although its pretty nice looking and it has a good feel to it, I still find myself going back to the OEM (I was able to remove mine originally without destroying it).

I think the issue with these knobs is the height. If there was a company that made a knob the same shape and size as OEM but heavier, that'll be just awesome.

I also believe you get more leverage and in essence... a heavier shift knob; when the knob itself sits higher.

[LtimmyJ]

Originally Posted by Nixin

Holy $#!t, you destroyed the old OEM shift knob. Nice review.

Lol, I messed up a little bit of the leather, and decided there was no value left to proceed with caution

Originally Posted by LENTZ

Just purchased one two weeks ago in "You Matte Bro" matte black. Cant wait to get it installed, just need to find a way to get the stubborn stock one off. Might need dynamite or a chainsaw.

I used a channel lock, and secured it to the top leather part of the knob(I didn't care if the stock knob will be destroyed). Took me about 2mins.

[OptionZero]

Originally Posted by littlejuanito

I've had a weighted shift knob for a while now. I purchased a round stainless steel one from lathewerks and although its pretty nice looking and it has a good feel to it, I still find myself going back to the OEM (I was able to remove mine originally without destroying it).

I think the issue with these knobs is the height. If there was a company that made a knob the same shape and size as OEM but heavier, that'll be just awesome.

I also believe you get more leverage and in essence... a heavier shift knob; when the knob itself sits higher.

you don't want a higher knob
you want a lower one

weight is good, as you want to be able to feel that shifting

its also part of the fun

this is a z not a damn big rig truck

[TerribleONE]

Nice review

[littlejuanito]

Originally Posted by OptionZero

you don't want a higher knob
you want a lower one

weight is good, as you want to be able to feel that shifting

its also part of the fun

this is a z not a damn big rig truck

Speaking from personal experience, that's not the case... well for me at least. The shifting feels much better to me with the OEM and since I'm able to go back and forth between the two at any time, I can see the difference.

Idk if you still have your original, but for those of you that may still have the oem one laying around, change it and you'll see what I'm talking about.

[OptionZero]

sounds like you haven't done much aggressive driving

i have multiple cars with multiple shift setups

shorter, heavier throws always preferred. any sort of sporting driver would benefit from a more direct connection, no missed shift and no uncertainty about what gear you're picking

if you want a light long throw get whatever manual toyota car

its like saying i want a floaty suspension because it feels more comfy. get a bentley

[RanRich]

Have had this exact same knob for about 1.5 years and can't praise it enough. Excellent design and weight. really helps this hulk of a gearbox achieve smoother throws.

[RumbleFish]

Yep, got one of these as well, very nice.