does it really disapate heat and cold better than stock Al?
or is it just a slight improvement?

Thanks

 

Perhps it is designed to separate a litle more money from your wallet to the dealer's.

 

Better? It depends on which you consider better, to dissipate faster or to dissipate slower?

Titanium conducts heat about 11 times more slowly than Aluminum. A cold aluminum shift knob draws heat more rapidly from your skin, causing your hands temperature to drop faster, thus creating a colder "feel" than titanuim. Titaniums actual temperature will stay cold longer, but it won't "feel" as cold because it's not stealing the heat as rapidly.

Under bright sunlight the reverse process happens. Because the aluminum knob absorbs heat very quickly from its surroundings, it can quickly get hotter than your skin. But the titanium knob heats up more gradually thus causing only a mild response from your skin.

 

Ken, I like your reply, but all things considered the heat transfer coefficients amoung these metals is not that different! (I once taught thermodynamics). The difference between metal and wood for instance is far more significant.

I doubt the user will notice any significant difference in heat dissipation. (The Ti advantage is it's mass according to other posters here).

 

It was merely a cosmetic mod for me. It gets pretty hot here in the summer so it doesn't matter which one I have. I usually cover it with a cloth pouch in the summer so I won't burn my skin especially when it's over 100 plus days.

 

The sole purpose of the Ti knob is to increase "throw weight" of the shifter thereby giving a more positive shift engagement. Those that have switched from Aluminum to Titanium all note this.