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

omfg... It's more beautiful every time I see it! I've never changed out my stock knob before... Do I need any extra washers or anything? Or I can just rip the sucker off and screw this one on? Also, on the pwjdm site there are 2 dif patterns, pwjdm and 6speed, but i see everyone on here with both lol

If I decide to go with a new shift knob, pwjdm is probably the one I will go with. Just wish they would make a rear difusser and some brake cooling ducts!!!! That is neither here nor there though. On topic, their shift knobs do look pretty legit.

And just for quick reference on the help spring here is a link for the removal if anyone is curious and doesn't want to search:

http://www.the370z.com/engine-drivet...er-spring.html

I am thinking about pulling it later this week once I get the car back from the shop for some warranty work and see if this helps to improve anything in my shifting. I doubt it will help with the 1 to 2 shift, but I am at a loss on that one. I think I remember reading something about maybe having Nissan check and making sure the gates are aligned properly, but my memory could be failing me as well.

Use a strap wrench on the knob to unscrew it unless you don't mind damaging it. Its pretty difficult to unscrew because of the tight quarters.

I actually put on a lighter knob than stock. :ughdance:

Yea, I have the procedure down as far as removing it. But do I need any extra washers for the new shifter so it doesn't rattle or anything?

Yeah... it really does look sweet. Any idea if it's heavier than the stock set-up?

PWJDM will send you a couple of o-rings to slip on the stock shaft. The o-rings will help keep the shift boot up.

Wrap the stock knob with painters tape, then duct tape for extra grip, and to protect the knob. Use a strap wrench on the knob, wrap the shaft with a microfiber cloth and use a pipe wrench to grip the shaft. The pipe wrench will keep the shaft from twisting. Hulk on it a little bit, and then enjoy the fruits of your labor! :tup:

Sorry for the thread jack. :ugh2:

No worries... this is exactly what I wanted to hear, really some great ideas!

If I buy it I'll be sure to post about it prior to install to ensure I don't screw anything up lol

rep for you. this is on my to do list

The stainless steel weighs ~400g which is a lot heavier than the stock knob.

Password JDM had a list of materials and weights in their thread. I'll see if I can find it...

Found it.

http://www.the370z.com/1433743-post309.html

Enjoy. :tiphat:

Sweet!

I like my setup quite a bit -- B&M shifter and PWJDM knob.. It provides nice, precise, quick shifts.

http://www.the370z.com/members/onzed...6-img-1722.jpg

:tup:

Edit on the post though: Pipe wrench is not what I meant. You need a pair of pliers, some have used vise grips. :)

And Nick, don't worry...it'll go smooth!

Does the B&M feel significantly different than stock?

Yes. It is shorter and easier.

From what I understand it does. I also understand that at around 5k rpm it has a bit of a buzz/rattle. Mr. Onzedge has one. Perhaps in his spare time he will comment on this thread. :)

Hey, I did. Mine buzzed when I had the stock knob. Around 4,500 RPM it made a racket but not all the time. I learned to live with it after I was not able to isolate the source of the noise. However, when I installed the PWJDM knob, it went away and it makes no noise at all now. I think the solution may lie in the rubber o-rings I have under the shift boot I put in to raise the shift boot up to meet the knob.

:icon17: they're inexpensive enough it's worth taking the chance. :tup:

how many of you guys were able to salvage your oem knob? I have seen lots of pictures of destroyed ones :ugh2:

oh mine was destroyed by my oil filter wrench. :icon17: nissan used so much thread-lock on some of our cars it is insane! i broke 2 strap wrenches while trying to remove. lol

Can't wait to try then!

if you can cleanly remove your stock knob, there's definitely a market for it in the for-sale section. :D

Mine looks like brand new. I used a large strap wrench and took my time.

^^ he's also king kong. :icon17: