[Ames]

Hey,

I'm new to this forum and just signed up cause i need some help. Basically, it's my brother's birthday and he has a 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Base and i wanna get him a shift knob for his car. Except i have no clue on how to get one! Does anyone have any good recommendations for store/sites that allows for returns (just in case i end up buying the wrong one)? Or any recommendations on style or specifications?? I'm not a car type of person so i dunno what a STI enthusiastic person would want in a shift knob. Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated!

thanks!!
Ames

[corey]

I'd check out the Vendor Styling/Interior section. Look for shift knobs there.

[boondocksaint]

STi's require certain things in a shift knob - specifically a recess for the reverse lockout ring. You came to the right place. You know your brother's tastes, but I'd check the interior classifieds for WC Lathe Werks - he makes nice shift knobs for the STi. PM him or drop a post in his thread in the classified section.

[Chinky_Sti]

yes hit up Chris his sn is WC Lathe Werks. i have his hand made shift knob and its great. Chris is a great vendor.. i have the black brush alumi knob and i love it..

[Draco-REX]

Originally Posted by Chinky_Sti

yes hit up Chris his sn is WC Lathe Werks. i have his hand made shift knob and its great. Chris is a great vendor.. i have the black brush alumi knob and i love it..

+1. I have the WC Lathe Werks 2" Copolymer black sphere for both my STI and WRX, and they're both great. Perfect fit and they don't get overly cold or overly hot. I ordered them from Helping you to enjoy your car - Turn In Concepts but you can also check out the Vendor forums for his thread where he has some specialty knobs. He can also do engraving now.

[Gokufive]

WC LATHE WERKS Black anodized STi Sphere, best ever, you wont be dissappointed! there is a GB for it.

[WC LATHE WERKS]

I'll be able to make your brother a custom shiftknob so he'd be the only one with that knob in the world. You can click on the link in my profile to scroll through some of the STi knobs I offer

[ogintheback]

+1 for WC Lathe....my co poly knob is perfect....spend your time on less obvious decisions!

[reid-o]

Originally Posted by Ames

Hey,

I'm new to this forum and just signed up cause i need some help. Basically, it's my brother's birthday and he has a 2005 Subaru Impreza WRX STi Base and i wanna get him a shift knob for his car. Except i have no clue on how to get one! Does anyone have any good recommendations for store/sites that allows for returns (just in case i end up buying the wrong one)? Or any recommendations on style or specifications?? I'm not a car type of person so i dunno what a STI enthusiastic person would want in a shift knob. Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated!

thanks!!
Ames

I think that, aside from the issues mentioned here, there are 2 other things you may want to consider.

Metal versus Leather (or covered)
Metal shift knobs can get hot in the sun, but they do look pretty cool. Aluminum shift knobs also can oxidize and leave black marks on your palm if they're not anodized (as in colored). But if you like that polished look, you have to put up some oxidation (usually very little).


Next is weight
Some knobs are weighted, meaning they literally weigh more than normal. Some people feel that weighted shifters make the shifter throw feel more solid. Some people hate them. They tend to prevent the shifter from rattling and give a more solid clunk when going in gear. But the weighted ones tend to cost a tad more.

[WC LATHE WERKS]

Originally Posted by reid-o

I think that, aside from the issues mentioned here, there are 2 other things you may want to consider.

Metal versus Leather (or covered)
Metal shift knobs can get hot in the sun, but they do look pretty cool. Aluminum shift knobs also can oxidize and leave black marks on your palm if they're not anodized (as in colored). But if you like that polished look, you have to put up some oxidation (usually very little).


Next is weight
Some knobs are weighted, meaning they literally weigh more than normal. Some people feel that weighted shifters make the shifter throw feel more solid. Some people hate them. They tend to prevent the shifter from rattling and give a more solid clunk when going in gear. But the weighted ones tend to cost a tad more.

To add more info:
Aluminum knobs that are not anodized (at least the ones I make) come in a brushed finish, onto which I also apply polishing compound. This helps to seal the outer surface of the metal to prevent oxidation. In addition, natural oils from the user's hands will always be on the knob, which will keep oxidation off. I've had the aluminum knobs last over a year without any signs of discoloration, oxidation, or black residue coming off. I cannot say the same for other brands though.

Weight does make a large difference in shift feel. Considering the knob is the 2nd most touched object in the car (besides the steering wheel), its obvious how a good knob can improve the overall driving feeling of the car. This is also why personal knob preference makes a big difference in feel (like a sphere or piston style appealing to different types of people based on preferences).

Copolymer is my best material, especially when a brass thread insert is used inside. This adds weight to make it about equal in mass to an aluminum knob.
Rattling can be a problem with a loose shifter assembly, and a heavier knob would help to dampen rattles, but a better fix would be greasing the shifter connections and tightening the bolts to stop the noise. Sometimes, people have noted the stock STi knob rattles after the top cap with the pattern becomes loose. That may be fixed by gluing it down permanently.

Hope this helps. Anymore questions, just ask!
~Chris

[Ames]

Thanks sooo much guys!!!! This is been a GIANT help. Im looking at Chris' stuff and yeah i think imma go with him, seeing the great level of satisfaction he has here. But question #2, do most people like the sphere or piston style??

[Chinky_Sti]

Originally Posted by Ames

Thanks sooo much guys!!!! This is been a GIANT help. Im looking at Chris' stuff and yeah i think imma go with him, seeing the great level of satisfaction he has here. But question #2, do most people like the sphere or piston style??

i like the sphere, more of a natural feel..

[ayanami22]

Originally Posted by Gokufive

WC LATHE WERKS Black anodized STi Sphere, best ever, you wont be dissappointed! there is a GB for it.

+1 on the black its sick n ur bro will LOVE it

[Peleg]

I'll share some pictures I took a while back just to give you an idea of what Lathe Wreks does:

[WC LATHE WERKS]

the sphere shape is the best-seller by far
(although I use a piston shape on my car but im weird)