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Benefit of aftermarket weighted shift knobs

43K views 22 replies 19 participants last post by  Cliffd6  
#1 ·
I'm looking at upgrading my shifter setup and I've seen a lot of aftermarket weighted knobs out there. What is the benefit of a weighted knob? Momentum while shifting? Feel? Is there any benefit to switching to a weighted knob on a stock setup? Is there a negative to shortening the shifter and keeping the stock knob? Lastly, are there any aftermarket weighted knobs that weight advantages while retaining the all weather temperature retention properties of the stock knob? Ie: won't burn in the summer and freeze your hand in the winter?
Thanks

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#2 ·
Any metal knob will retain temperature. I have the Breedt knob and it gets very hot. Just need to keep a cover in the center console.(I haven't bought one yet though)
I don't think the weight makes much of a difference on the knob. More on the trans side shift arm. IMHO
To each his own though.

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#5 ·
If you've got a short throw shifter then a weighted knob will make it less of a change in effort required for shifts. I ran a JBR knob for about a week but took it off because it got HOT in the sun and the factory knob is very neutral for temperature like you said. If you don't mind spending the money I would recommend a half copolymer weighted knob from WC lathewerks but it's pricey.

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#6 ·
I have the boomba oval knob and it awesome never burned my hand and never froze my hand it just feels great while shifting if your not a car guy and dont wana become one with your car dont upgrade anything but if you are I highly recommend the boomba oval shift knob, boomba shifter base bushings, and the cobb shift plate.
 
#7 ·
A weighted knob makes the shift "feel" easier and smoother IMO. I have a JBR weighted knob and it looks and feel great. It can be hot in the afternoon but the stock probably would be also when the car temp says 105F!
 
#15 ·
As much as I like my COBB short shift plate and Boomba knob...I'll take "snatch" FTW!

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#16 ·
I have the JBR knob and have never noticed it getting that hot that it would really get my attention, although I park in my garage most the time and have only had the car 4 months so take that FWIW. I have had the following combo's on my car:

Everything stock
JBR solid shifter bushings and everything else stock
JBR solid shifter bushings and Breedt short shift arm with stock knob
JBR solid shifter bushings, Breedt short shift arm, and JBR knob

I actually really like the stock knob and if I could find a way to add more weight to it I would keep it for sure. However, the JBR weighs like 4x more and it makes it a bit easier to shift as you build a little momentum when you take it out of gear and are pushing toward the next and makes shifting more effortless and fluid, plus with better feel. When I was searching it was the heaviest one out there. WC Latheworks makes some weighted knobs too, but at twice the price and not as heavy. Good luck!
 
#18 · (Edited)
You are asking all the right questions so it sounds like you have already done most of your research. It is entirely a feel/look upgrade. I have a WC Lathe Werks Stainless knob and love it. The knob sits slightly lower than the stock knob and the added weight improves the feel. I also prefer the ball shape to the stock shape. Heat retention can be an issue, but it is easy to just cover up the knob on hot/cold days. If you are looking for a heavier knob be careful when you are shopping. Not all aftermarket knobs are heavier (several are about the same weight and I have seen a few that are lighter).
 
#19 ·
Thanks for all the info guys. I'm looking to increase the throw and improve the feel of the shifter. Looks like the boomba oval knob offers good bang for the buck. Maybe I'll start with the Cobb short shift bracket (tranny side) and then go from there. Does the shirt shift stick reduce throw and height?
Haven't looked into it yet, can the knob be replaced without disassembling anything on the shifter base and console? Wasn't sure what's involved with the reverse lockout. Thanks!

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#20 ·
COBB plate should serve your purposes well.
Just unscrew the stock and screw the new one on with a little loctite. The Breedt knob comes with a set screw, not sure about the Boomba.

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