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?

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.

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.

:iagree:

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...

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.

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

http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/...011370Z009.jpg

http://i1109.photobucket.com/albums/...011370Z008.jpg

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??

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

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.

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.

tommy kaira hebi bebi!

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

Dooo it!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6...11dd8063_z.jpg
DSC_0190 by J M Gale, on Flickr

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6...aa77155e_z.jpg
DSC_0195 by J M Gale, on Flickr