Q45 shift knob

[jamesmost]

has anyone changed to aftermarket shift knob/ what does it involve?

[rsiwicki]

James...what up? sorry but I think we are out of luck switching out the knob. I think Wes said the gear knob and shift selector are basically all one unit.

[elwesso]

You can switch them..

The problem lies within the button... You *can* get automatic transmission shift knobs and some will work...... Most shfit knobs you see on ebay and stuff are for manual trannies even if they say will work on autos.. A lot of other imports (MB comes to mind) dont have shift buttons, when you hit the brake it automatically lets you move the shifter where you need it....

What did you have in mind to change it to???

[jamesmost]

http://www.autodirectsave.com/...o.asp

BK3 or C11 or C97

http://www.autodirectsave.com/...L.jpg

[vicQ45]

I doubt it would be too hard to simply modify the "shift-lock" button into being permanently engaged, but i've yet to see a shift knob I like better than the stock Q45 leather one. if anything i'd go with a B&M hammer style one.

[jamesmost]

Hey Rob, hope all is wellWes did u check out my link to the shoft knobs???

[maxnix]

...i've yet to see a shift knob I like better than the stock Q45 leather one.

My thoughts exactly. Perfect ergonomics and it matches the interior. Even if my car was perfect in all other ways, I would not even consider changing it. Many more important items about which to be concerned.

[jamesmost]

well well well cant believe this is such an opinionated subjectme personally dont like it never liked iti like a ball knob so much more comfortablejust my humble opinionas far as other things to fix my car is near perfect / or will be after my $2000 week (next)and of course the Wes supercharger project "intercooled"

[elwesso]

I doubt it would be too hard to simply modify the "shift-lock" button into being permanently engaged, but i've yet to see a shift knob I like better than the stock Q45 leather one. if anything i'd go with a B&M hammer style one.

That wont work because you have to let go of the button in order to get the key out...

[elwesso]

C97 would probably look pretty shap if you had a black interior...

[jamesmost]

will it work though how do u get origional off i did not look but i did not see set screws

[jamesmost]

i loked c97 but want a ball

[vicQ45]

That wont work because you have to let go of the button in order to get the key out...

well i'll be damned! i learn something new every day! well more like at least 10 things a day after joining NICO!

[elwesso]

You have to carefully pry off the top of the button.. it is on a spring loaded thing.. There are 2 little grabby things on the left and right that you need to push toward the middle..... Then it will come off.. From there you need like a 10mm (might be 8, dont recall) deep socket to undo a nut, and then it comes right off.....

[jamesmost]

got it offhad to compress tabs on center cap, Instead removed top assebly (3 smaoo phillps under cap got to them w/cap in place (2 top 1 bottom)Pulled out shift rod w/vicegrips12mm w/extension and B L A M O it be off.Now the shifter shaft appears only to be about 6mm, i think most shift knobs are designed for 10-12mm

[jamesmost]

it came out well ,i installed a t shaped carbon fiber shift knob with the button on the side, because of the small diameter of the shift rod i had to use longer set screws, also had to cap off the top of the engagement rod that pushes down because the action on the shift knob slides instead of push and the rod kept getting stuck,, screwed a medium wire nut over the rod

[elwesso]

Id like to see pics...

Ill call you in a few james...

[jamesmost]

wes i will post some pics of shifter after weekend i was adjusting the angle and gor a little overzealous re tightening and stripped one of the holes have to get a larger set screw

[jamesmost]

here they r

[jamesmost]

and 1 more

[rsiwicki]

that does look pretty darn sharp....especially with your black interior.

[maxnix]

That's an improvement?

Oh well, to each his own.

[jamesmost]

you know about the sphinctor NO CIRCLING

my wife thought it was GUIDO - i am origionally from Brooklyn, once she drove it and enjoyed resting her hand there then she liked

[elwesso]

Hmm i stillprefer the OEM over that.....

[qship96]

I also like the original better-this one reminds me of the knob in my inlaws old 90 accord.

[elwesso]

I think that if it werent sitting up so high and was completely flush with the bottom it would be better...

[jamesmost]

wes i thought that as well but did not want to cut anything down so i can always put the origional on. dont know if i love it either but am enjoying it for nowit is easier to manually up shift with the stock shifter.

[elwesso]

With a straight shifter that would be bette,r but with the gated one of the Q i wouldnt think itd be as good..

[jamesmost]

FYI put the stock shifter on tonight and my car is much faster