Shift knob vs a shift stick?
 

I already know you can easily place a new knob but I am also seeing people put sticks instead of a knob and was wondering how that effects shifting.

I also really like this katana hilt stick shift.

http://www.dndperformanceinterior.co...ant=1051381868

You mean a long stick style shift knob, like this
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5098/...a58d55df_b.jpg

or the actual shift lever? Like this

http://auctions.c.yimg.jp/img355.auc...fbier49182.jpg

If you mean the one from the first pic. Then it does jack shit. It makes your shifts throws longer. But looks cool to some people.

It's a ricer thing now a days. The idea came from rally racing where they had long shift knobs so your hand was as close the steering wheel at all times. What the ricers forgot it was connects to a custom super short throw lever. So instead of moving it less than an inch your hitting your stereo with those things. Simple mathematics would tell you it's a bad idea. Unless you have a super short throw lever to go with it. But they don't so it's purely cosmetic.

+1 to that. Well said!

I also think what they're forgetting is that those lever style shift "knobs" were on sequential transmissions that only require bumping the stick forward or back. It's not actually being thrown like a standard transmission is. Like you said, it was intended to keep the stick close to the wheel.

Going to play devil's advocate here for a second. I use normal height shift knobs, so it's not my preference either, but I need to math here.

By increasing the length or height of a shift knob, you've increased the amount of leverage in the system. Although your shift throws become longer, you've decreased the linear force required to impart the same amount of torque. Assuming the same mass between the old knob and the new knob (which is improbable, given the weight of the OEM), it would be a perceptible difference.

If you want to get the shifter up higher near the steering wheel with a shorter throw pattern than stock that is more positive there is a way to do it properly, but it will cost you $$$ because you are replacing the whole assembly with a precision made German unit:

http://www.hardmotorsport.com/cae-ul...nd-scion-fr-s/

http://abload.de/img/unbenannty3ypl.jpg

[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDKXgShCcuc"]17.04.2015 Mettet - My fastest lap of the day - YouTube[/ame]

Well I really like this one if it doesn't harm performance

http://www.dndperformanceinterior.co...ant=1051381868

Yes the you'll have easier time shifting because of the leverage. BUT.... The time you spend traving the added distance is the trade off. Then again how weak of vegan 10 year old girl do you have to be to need the extra strength to shif gears?



Preformance wise you'll be going backwards. It's all for show.
Spend money on it if you don't like it, you can try and sell it.

Didn't say that I think it's worth it. ;)

I know, I just wanted to add a bit of a joking sarcasm.
I think it looks cool to have a katana hilt, but I know it's useless.

Leverage and shift travel aside let's look at the ergonomics involved. A short shifter keeps your arm lower, the elbow closer to the body and your wrist and shoulder in a reasonably neutral position.
Every inch you raise that contact point on the shifter you raise the arm, force the elbow out, angle the wrist and shoulder.
Try it. Place your arm at shift lever height and position and then lift it 10"s straight up. If you do it right you will feel a pull in your shoulder. Add the highly repetitive nature of shifting and you increase the risk factor by a huge level.
If at work I could punch it up and give a risk rating but I know that it would be at the top of the scale and probably exceeds all OSHA guidelines if it was your job.
Something tells me that in a few years there will be a pile of ricers that will have some pretty sad rotator cuffs and they will have no clue what caused the problems.

Adding on to what Mr. ac said, this is for show only. By that, I mean car shows. Park, install, then have fun. Afterward, take off and install original knob. People with manual transmission have broken their katana/other screw on shift stick while driving. Even though the site says "stronger and more durable", I would not trust that to hold up..

If I were in your shoes, go with a knob.

Have fun operating the reverse lockout with that sword handle...


It's the main reason I think long shift knobs are stupid on this car.

I got the 6 for my 86 I'll let you know how it feels when it arrives in the mail but I think you're overthinking the physical strain like someone said we arnt 10yr old little girls...with this shifter I think the hand will be resting on the handle most of the time and the 10imch would just be stupid on the 86 anyways