Heavy shift knob bad?
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,606
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From: Tallahassee, Florida
Heavy shift knob bad?
I've been looking into changing out my shift knob. I was originally going to go for the OEM AP2 one (the one that has a strip of leather around the middle), but then was reading how it wasn't as heavy as some of the aftermarket ones, so I started looking at those when I came upon this:
So... yeah, is a heavy shift know really as bad as they claim it is above? If so, how heavy is too heavy?
Thanks.
Our knobs weigh approximately 105 to 112 grams ... or about 1/4 pound (4 oz.) as noted. They are a little heavier than many factory knobs, but are not designed or marketed as a heavy aftermarket knob. We do not agree with the current fad of having extremely heavy shift knobs that weigh a pound or more. We feel these are potentially dangerous and bad for transmissions, and we WILL NOT sell knobs this heavy. Extremely heavy knobs can possibly close the gap between the shifter rail and the gears, causing damage to the gears in much the same way as the bad habit some drivers have of resting their hands on the shift knobs constantly. When the gap closes, the transmission fluid can no longer lubricate these parts. Really heavy knobs also run the risk of bending shift forks by creating too much leverage when shifted agressively.
Thanks.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2008
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From: Brit in Athens, Greece
I think they're overstating it in order to sell the lighter knobs which aren't as popular.
I just bought the skunk2 knob (1lb billet steel), and all I have to report is a slightly smoother shift action, a bit less clunky, as you would expect.
In ten years time or so, maybe there will be a little extra wear on the gate, but I seriously doubt I'll still have the same car then!
No smoke without fire as they say, but I would still recommend a heavy knob to anyone, simply for the improved shifting feel.
I just bought the skunk2 knob (1lb billet steel), and all I have to report is a slightly smoother shift action, a bit less clunky, as you would expect.
In ten years time or so, maybe there will be a little extra wear on the gate, but I seriously doubt I'll still have the same car then!
No smoke without fire as they say, but I would still recommend a heavy knob to anyone, simply for the improved shifting feel.
Joined: Aug 2006
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When was the last time you met someone who actually had a transmission issue caused by resting their hand on the shift knob?
Sure it *may* cause more wear, but I don't know anyone who's actually had any kind of issues from it and some of my friends have a real gangster/street-racer lean.
The extra leverage only matters if you're using the extra weight to cure your already sloppy shifting. If you shift properly it should make no difference.
Sure it *may* cause more wear, but I don't know anyone who's actually had any kind of issues from it and some of my friends have a real gangster/street-racer lean.
The extra leverage only matters if you're using the extra weight to cure your already sloppy shifting. If you shift properly it should make no difference.
