TWM Performance shift knob.

**Gokart3** · 03-24-2008, 10:29 AM

I've read some great reviews and DIY's on this site, and they've helped me with a lot of my mods. So I figured I'd pay that back and write up a quick review of the new shift knob I just picked up.

I'd seen the copolymer knob that WC Latheworks makes and it's a nice piece, but I wanted something really heavy. I've always thought that basically the only place in the car where I want to ADD weight is the shift knob. I used to use UUC shiftknobs when I drove Audi's because they were metal and HEAVY. The improved shift feel is awesome. Anyway.... I had a TWM shiftknob in my S2000, and have one in my Integra (daily driver / track car) and it's awesome. So, I called TWM to see if they made one for the STi, since I only saw 5spd applications on the website. You always get a human on the phone up there so, I like dealing with them. Got Kevin on the phone, who just bought an STi. He said they were test fitting one on his car. They wanted to make sure that the reverse lockout would clear the detent cut in the knob. I tolk him if it fit, I was their first customer for it!

So, I bought the "M1 Abrams" knob for my STi. Got it in the mail quick. Killer packaging, uber easy install, and the knob is freakin' awesome. Yes, they named it after a tank. IT WEIGHS 460 grams. If you ever got attacked by a car jacker, you could put it in a sock and win that fight all day long.

Here's a link to the shift knob. I don't think they've added the application on there yet, so you'd prolly have to call or shoot them an e-mail.
TWM Performance Weighted Shift Knobs - M1 Abrams Shift Knob

There are 4 finishes. I bought mine in Satin finish, which is a pretty good match for our car. Although now I kinda want a black one too.

Anyhow, a few pix.

Nice metal adapter. No set screws.

Oh yeah, one more thing. People always asked me if my metal knob got cold in the winter and hot in the summer. Yup, it does. I just slip one of those microfiber sunglass bags over it when I park the car. It cools down or warms up pretty quick anyway.

That's it.
Brad

**WC LATHE WERKS** · 03-24-2008, 11:22 AM

I guess you didnt see my newest knob

I have a heavyweight stainless knob now too.
It doesnt use an adaptor like that one, it screws directly onto the lever. The reason that adaptor is used on yours is so they can mass produce the knob shell on CNC and just buy different thread adaptors to fit onto all sorts of cars. I make each one for the specific car.

However your TWM piece looks to be coated with someting, while I keep a brushed stainless finish on the knob.

Either way, Im sure you agree with my feeling that the heavy knob does give a pretty good shift feel!

jasonlee4180 · 03-24-2008, 11:24 AM

wow, that looks really nice!

**Gokart3** · 03-24-2008, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WC LATHE WERKS

I guess you didnt see my newest knob

I have a heavyweight stainless knob now too.
It doesnt use an adaptor like that one, it screws directly onto the lever. The reason that adaptor is used on yours is so they can mass produce the knob shell on CNC and just buy different thread adaptors to fit onto all sorts of cars. I make each one for the specific car.

However your TWM piece looks to be coated with someting, while I keep a brushed stainless finish on the knob.

Either way, Im sure you agree with my feeling that the heavy knob does give a pretty good shift feel!

Nope... didn't see your stainless knob. Nice addition to your lineup! When I went on your website I only saw the Aluminum version, at 165 grams. I was looking for max weight, which is why I bought the TWM. Just my preference. I think the UUC knob was the heaviest I've ever found, but they're only made for BMW now IIRC.

Oh, and I wasn't aiming at your knobs in any way, shape, or form regarding the set screws, etc. Just seen lots of knobs like Momo's and stuff which you just can't get to stay in one place. Your stuff is very nice indeed.

And yes... heavy shift knob = great shift feel!!!

**WC LATHE WERKS** · 03-24-2008, 12:31 PM

well its a good thing this knob is a screw-on mechanism. They are the best, thats why almost all cars come with them. Set-screws for knobs never work right

**Gokart3** · 03-24-2008, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WC LATHE WERKS

well its a good thing this knob is a screw-on mechanism. They are the best, thats why almost all cars come with them. Set-screws for knobs never work right

If they weren't just "screw-on".... I'd f'em up for sure.

It's the knobs with plastic inserts that strip and the phuqing set screws that I truly hate. This is a big part of the reason that I avoid knobs with shift patterns too. Makes my job that much easier.

It's this drama (from a NASIOC post) that I H8.

" (1) un-screw the OEM one by turning it counter-clockwise (believe me, this is the easiest step

).

(2) put the ring/round cover thing (with MOMO engraved) on it around the shift stick first.

(3) Put the plastic cap that came with the MOMO shiftknob onto the shift stick.

(4) screw in the set-screws on the shiftknob WITHOUT the pointy thread protruding into the hole in the shiftknob.

(5) Push in the shiftknow onto the shift stick. Do not let the ring/round cover thing cover up the set-screws.

(6) Slowly, turn each of the set-screws to just touch on the shift stick. Do not screw them onto the stick too tight. The shiftknob should be pointing up straight w.r.t. the stick.

(7) Now, turn the shiftknob clockwise, SLOWLY, to "screw" the shiftknob onto the stick. Make sure you always keep the shiftknob pointing up straight w.r.t. the stick.

(8) When the ring/round cover almost covered up the set-screws, screw the set-screws in a little bit more. Do not tighten them too much! You will damage the thread on the shift stick (which I did...).

(9) Screw the ring/round cover thing onto the shiftknob.

(10) Screw in the shiftknob onto the stick a little bit more."

Fun fun fun...

shan mann · 03-24-2008, 04:26 PM

curious to know what headunit that is?

**Gokart3** · 03-24-2008, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shan mann

curious to know what headunit that is?

It's a Sony WX-7700MDX. I bought it here used from another forum member. I was kinda mesmerized by the looks. In a funky way it matches the Defi's and for some odd reason it reminds me of something that would be in the "Looking Glass" on the show LOST. If you don't watch that show.... well, that'll sound pretty stupid. I think they were sold in Japan and Europe only, but not sure.

krig84 · 03-26-2008, 05:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gokart3

It's a Sony WX-7700MDX. I bought it here used from another forum member. I was kinda mesmerized by the looks. In a funky way it matches the Defi's and for some odd reason it reminds me of something that would be in the "Looking Glass" on the show LOST. If you don't watch that show.... well, that'll sound pretty stupid. I think they were sold in Japan and Europe only, but not sure.

1st let me say sweet LOST reference! lol.

2nd shift knob looks great. def am getting one but kind of want to wait to see the anodized finishes TWM are coming out with. but again it looks great!

**Gokart3** · 03-26-2008, 07:17 AM

[quote=krig84;1780889]1st let me say sweet LOST reference! lol.

Heh heh..... I just KNEW somebody would get that. Dude, am I right or what? I mean, it's really kinda twisted, but I didn't even care if the thing worked. If it didn't, I would have just would have rolled down the window and listened to the exhaust.

Actually, it's a great headunit. JDM weirdness, Mini-disk, CD, Aux inputs, etc. But for a "low-fi to mid-fi" kinda guy, it's perfect. This one had already had an adapter plug wired on so it was totally plug and play. And for me that's big, since most electrical things I touch have a 50/50 chance of bursting into flames.

Yup, I dig it.

And thanks for the comments on the knob. I've always liked the heaviest shift knob I can find for all my cars. Feels great.

**TWMPerformance.com** · 03-27-2008, 07:13 AM

Hi Gokart3,

Thanks for the awesome review, the shift knob looks great in your STi!

We just released this shift knob, the new M1 Abrams RL which is reverse lock compatible for the STi. Here's a link to the new page where you can check out all the different finishes we offer: New M1 Abrams RL Shift Knob.

TWM has been manufacturing weighted stainless steel shift knobs for about 5 years now, and since I just bought my first STi it made sense to make a shift knob for it

All of our shift knobs are CNC machined from billet stainless steel regardless of the finish. The M1 Abrams RL shift knob is available in satin like the one you have pictured, as well as stainless steel, flat black, gun metal (gloss black), and our newest addition, mirror finish. The mirror finish resembles chrome, except that it is more durable since it is raw stainless steel polished to a mirror finish. It will not corrode or chip over time like chrome can. It's actually pretty difficult to take pictures of because of the reflection but I'll try to take some and post them later.

The shift knob also uses our NTIS system, the threaded insert to install the shift knob. The advantage to this setup is that when you change cars in the future, you can keep the shift knob and just order a $5 dollar insert to install it on your new car

Thanks again for the great review, I'll try to post more pics later of the different finishes.

Thanks,

Kevin
TWM Performance

**Gokart3** · 03-27-2008, 07:41 AM

Cool. Nice product, I really like it.

TestaRossa · 03-27-2008, 03:33 PM

great write up, props! i was thinking about buying it these days, coz i had the voodoo knob on my s2k and i loved it.
everytime i look @ your avitar i miss my s2k,lol

**Gokart3** · 03-27-2008, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TestaRossa

great write up, props! i was thinking about buying it these days, coz i had the voodoo knob on my s2k and i loved it.
everytime i look @ your avitar i miss my s2k,lol

I still have mine.... DOH, better write that for sale ad.

**Cr8zyJAP07** · 03-29-2008, 01:34 PM

nice shift knob! and that headunit is crazy. how do u put cd's in?

03-24-2008, 10:29 AM	#1
Gokart3 Gold Member Car: 06 CGM STi Fav Mod: PDX Tuning Location: Portland, OR Posts: 132 Join Date: Nov 2007 Trader Rating: (1)	TWM Performance shift knob. I've read some great reviews and DIY's on this site, and they've helped me with a lot of my mods. So I figured I'd pay that back and write up a quick review of the new shift knob I just picked up. I'd seen the copolymer knob that WC Latheworks makes and it's a nice piece, but I wanted something really heavy. I've always thought that basically the only place in the car where I want to ADD weight is the shift knob. I used to use UUC shiftknobs when I drove Audi's because they were metal and HEAVY. The improved shift feel is awesome. Anyway.... I had a TWM shiftknob in my S2000, and have one in my Integra (daily driver / track car) and it's awesome. So, I called TWM to see if they made one for the STi, since I only saw 5spd applications on the website. You always get a human on the phone up there so, I like dealing with them. Got Kevin on the phone, who just bought an STi. He said they were test fitting one on his car. They wanted to make sure that the reverse lockout would clear the detent cut in the knob. I tolk him if it fit, I was their first customer for it! So, I bought the "M1 Abrams" knob for my STi. Got it in the mail quick. Killer packaging, uber easy install, and the knob is freakin' awesome. Yes, they named it after a tank. IT WEIGHS 460 grams. If you ever got attacked by a car jacker, you could put it in a sock and win that fight all day long. Here's a link to the shift knob. I don't think they've added the application on there yet, so you'd prolly have to call or shoot them an e-mail. TWM Performance Weighted Shift Knobs - M1 Abrams Shift Knob There are 4 finishes. I bought mine in Satin finish, which is a pretty good match for our car. Although now I kinda want a black one too. Anyhow, a few pix. Nice metal adapter. No set screws. Oh yeah, one more thing. People always asked me if my metal knob got cold in the winter and hot in the summer. Yup, it does. I just slip one of those microfiber sunglass bags over it when I park the car. It cools down or warms up pretty quick anyway. That's it. Brad This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad. Last edited by Gokart3 : 03-24-2008 at 12:25 PM.

03-24-2008, 11:22 AM	#2
WC LATHE WERKS Authorized Vendor Car: 04WRX /STi Swap Fav Mod: TiC AST Coilovers!!! Location: Tri-State, USA Posts: 1,146 Join Date: Nov 2005 Trader Rating: (84)	Re: TWM Performance shift knob. I guess you didnt see my newest knob I have a heavyweight stainless knob now too. It doesnt use an adaptor like that one, it screws directly onto the lever. The reason that adaptor is used on yours is so they can mass produce the knob shell on CNC and just buy different thread adaptors to fit onto all sorts of cars. I make each one for the specific car. However your TWM piece looks to be coated with someting, while I keep a brushed stainless finish on the knob. Either way, Im sure you agree with my feeling that the heavy knob does give a pretty good shift feel! Last edited by WC LATHE WERKS : 03-24-2008 at 11:26 AM.

03-24-2008, 11:24 AM	#3
jasonlee4180 Junior STI Driver Car: 06 Aspen White STI Location: ABQ, NM Posts: 100 Join Date: Mar 2006 Trader Rating: (1)	Re: TWM Performance shift knob. wow, that looks really nice!

03-24-2008, 12:31 PM	#5
WC LATHE WERKS Authorized Vendor Car: 04WRX /STi Swap Fav Mod: TiC AST Coilovers!!! Location: Tri-State, USA Posts: 1,146 Join Date: Nov 2005 Trader Rating: (84)	Re: TWM Performance shift knob. well its a good thing this knob is a screw-on mechanism. They are the best, thats why almost all cars come with them. Set-screws for knobs never work right

03-24-2008, 04:26 PM	#7
shan mann Grassroots STI Racer Car: 06 Subaru WRX STi Fav Mod: TBE & V1 FTW! Location: Addison, IL Posts: 511 Join Date: Sep 2007 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: TWM Performance shift knob. curious to know what headunit that is?

03-26-2008, 07:17 AM	#10
Gokart3 Gold Member Car: 06 CGM STi Fav Mod: PDX Tuning Location: Portland, OR Posts: 132 Join Date: Nov 2007 Trader Rating: (1)	Re: TWM Performance shift knob. [quote=krig84;1780889]1st let me say sweet LOST reference! lol. Heh heh..... I just KNEW somebody would get that. Dude, am I right or what? I mean, it's really kinda twisted, but I didn't even care if the thing worked. If it didn't, I would have just would have rolled down the window and listened to the exhaust. Actually, it's a great headunit. JDM weirdness, Mini-disk, CD, Aux inputs, etc. But for a "low-fi to mid-fi" kinda guy, it's perfect. This one had already had an adapter plug wired on so it was totally plug and play. And for me that's big, since most electrical things I touch have a 50/50 chance of bursting into flames. Yup, I dig it. And thanks for the comments on the knob. I've always liked the heaviest shift knob I can find for all my cars. Feels great.

03-27-2008, 07:13 AM	#11
TWMPerformance.com Authorized Vendor Car: WRB 04 WRX STi Fav Mod: TWM M1 Abrams RL Shift Knob Location: Montreal, Canada Posts: 22 Join Date: Mar 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: TWM Performance shift knob. Hi Gokart3, Thanks for the awesome review, the shift knob looks great in your STi! We just released this shift knob, the new M1 Abrams RL which is reverse lock compatible for the STi. Here's a link to the new page where you can check out all the different finishes we offer: New M1 Abrams RL Shift Knob. TWM has been manufacturing weighted stainless steel shift knobs for about 5 years now, and since I just bought my first STi it made sense to make a shift knob for it All of our shift knobs are CNC machined from billet stainless steel regardless of the finish. The M1 Abrams RL shift knob is available in satin like the one you have pictured, as well as stainless steel, flat black, gun metal (gloss black), and our newest addition, mirror finish. The mirror finish resembles chrome, except that it is more durable since it is raw stainless steel polished to a mirror finish. It will not corrode or chip over time like chrome can. It's actually pretty difficult to take pictures of because of the reflection but I'll try to take some and post them later. The shift knob also uses our NTIS system, the threaded insert to install the shift knob. The advantage to this setup is that when you change cars in the future, you can keep the shift knob and just order a $5 dollar insert to install it on your new car Thanks again for the great review, I'll try to post more pics later of the different finishes. Thanks, Kevin TWM Performance Last edited by TWMPerformance.com : 04-05-2008 at 04:12 PM.

03-27-2008, 07:41 AM	#12
Gokart3 Gold Member Car: 06 CGM STi Fav Mod: PDX Tuning Location: Portland, OR Posts: 132 Join Date: Nov 2007 Trader Rating: (1)	Re: TWM Performance shift knob. Cool. Nice product, I really like it.

03-27-2008, 03:33 PM	#13
TestaRossa Amateur STI Driver Car: 07 OBP STi Fav Mod: APv2 Location: Monrovia,CA Posts: 40 Join Date: Jan 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: TWM Performance shift knob. great write up, props! i was thinking about buying it these days, coz i had the voodoo knob on my s2k and i loved it. everytime i look @ your avitar i miss my s2k,lol

03-29-2008, 01:34 PM	#15
Cr8zyJAP07 Gold Member Car: 07 STI OBP Fav Mod: STG2 Location: Bushkill, PA Posts: 250 Join Date: Feb 2008 Trader Rating: (0)	Re: TWM Performance shift knob. nice shift knob! and that headunit is crazy. how do u put cd's in? This ad is not endorsed by this member. Please register or login to hide this ad.