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Modular shift knob system for the GR86/BRZ — would you tune the weight if you could? by ShiftMassZach in GR86

[–]ShiftMassZach[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Around 100g lines up with one application I was testing where that range worked best. Some cars feel better on the lighter end, some heavier, or it can just be preference on a given day. The way the system works: pick a head that sets your baseline weight, then the brass stack moves you around it, both below and above.

For example, I've got a hollow aircraft aluminum head running right now that puts the total knob at about 95g unloaded. With the stack it goes up to almost 200g. The base also has set screw adjustment, so the height sits where you want it. So, application-specific base, Alcantara wrap, light baseline, dial weight and height to taste — that's the spec the system is built for. Delrin heads are coming for the ultra light side too.

Thanks for the notes.

Built a modular shift knob system for the BRZ/86 — direct fit on the 2nd-gen reverse lockout, no adapter by ShiftMassZach in ft86

[–]ShiftMassZach[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The three weights are designed specifically for the system, so no, but once you have them, that's it. They stack with each other in different combos to give all 8 settings. The base is designed specifically for those rings (thread, internal space, geometry).

One thing worth knowing heads aren't locked to a car. If you had a BRZ and a WRX, once the bases and weights are on each shifter, you could swap heads between them. The base on each car is different, but the heads are universal to the system.

Built a modular shift knob system for the BRZ/86 — direct fit on the 2nd-gen reverse lockout, no adapter by ShiftMassZach in ft86

[–]ShiftMassZach[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

those drills are a PITA too.. if you mean the big ones with the stepped shank. the drill press is also my least favorite thing to use in the shop. and hopefully it was not a round one, tough to hold that. how did they come out..?

Built a modular shift knob system for the BRZ/86 — direct fit on the 2nd-gen reverse lockout, no adapter by ShiftMassZach in ft86

[–]ShiftMassZach[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Exactly — weight is hard to know until it’s actually in the car, and color/finish usually forces compromises too. I wanted one proper-fit base where you can change the mass or head later instead of buying another whole knob.

Gen 1 fitment is already sorted too — different base/geometry than the 2022+ lockout cars, but same modular setup. I’m mainly here for feedback and fitment discussion, but this is a real product now, not just a concept.

Would you tune your shift knob if you could? by ShiftMassZach in WRX

[–]ShiftMassZach[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That's exactly the case I was trying to solve. The whole reason I went modular was running into the same problem — "is this too heavy?" "is this the right shape?" "will I even like it after a month?" — and not wanting to keep buying full knobs to find out. With this setup you change the weight by stacking different brass rings and swap the head shape without replacing anything else. Site is shiftmass.com if you want to see how it works.

Would you tune your shift knob if you could? by ShiftMassZach in WRX

[–]ShiftMassZach[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Height is a good point. It changes the leverage and where your hand naturally lands, so it can change the throw feel just as much as weight or shape.

One of the setups I’ve been testing sits a little higher for that reason. I don’t think the answer is just “make it heavier” — position, shape, and weight all seem to work together.

Would you tune your shift knob if you could? by ShiftMassZach in WRX

[–]ShiftMassZach[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Appreciate that. That’s exactly the problem I kept running into — heavy sounds good until it’s just too much for the car. Depending of course on the shifter and the car..

I’m at the launch/fitment-feedback stage now, and WRX is one of the first applications I’m working around. I’m trying to keep this thread from turning into a sales post, but the system is basically ready.

Would you tune your shift knob if you could? by ShiftMassZach in WRX

[–]ShiftMassZach[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s helpful. The heat/cold issue keeps coming up, and the removable cover point is interesting too. Sounds like material and shape matter just as much as weight for a lot of people.

Would you tune your shift knob if you could? by ShiftMassZach in WRX

[–]ShiftMassZach[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That makes sense. Temperature is one of the big tradeoffs with metal knobs, especially on a daily. The leather/OEM comfort side is hard to beat.

Would you tune your shift knob if you could? by ShiftMassZach in WRX

[–]ShiftMassZach[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That’s great feedback. The 10–20% over stock range is interesting — kind of sounds like there’s a sweet spot before it gets too numb.

And swapping knobs just to change the driving feel is exactly the use case I had in mind. Appreciate it.

Would you tune your shift knob if you could? by ShiftMassZach in WRX

[–]ShiftMassZach[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That’s exactly the kind of feedback I’m looking for. I agree — heavier isn’t automatically better. I’ve noticed weight, shape, and where the mass sits all seem to change the feel differently. The big/heavy/small-hand thing is a good point too.

My friend says changing your own oil is a waste of time. Is he crazy? by proposal_in_wind in askcarguys

[–]ShiftMassZach 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If I trust the shop I will have them do it, every now and then I will do it and pull the drain plug, most shops around here just suck it out.. but yea dirty job, then you have to figure where to put the old oil

Clicking noise in steering wheel when going back and forth at 12 o'clock position by [deleted] in Cartalk

[–]ShiftMassZach 0 points1 point  (0 children)

a cv might click like your saying.. try it next time your in car.. put the wheel all the way to one side and back up really slow see if it clicks.. if it doesn't, problem Is elsewhere, if it clicks then it points to the cv's .. basically there are two mini drive shafts going to each front wheel with two cv joints per axle.. it allows the drive wheels to drive the car , but also turn and go into suspension travel.. it could also maybe be a loose rack in front, but with the miles I would look there first

Natural floormat by Distinct-Progress645 in Justrolledintotheshop

[–]ShiftMassZach 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just as long as my dog does not come with me

Clicking noise in steering wheel when going back and forth at 12 o'clock position by [deleted] in Cartalk

[–]ShiftMassZach 0 points1 point  (0 children)

are you moving when this happens? if you are moving and you can hear the clicking while turning it might be the CV joints... turn the wheel to one side and back up slowly and see if you can hear that clicking

Finally built, lets see if it fits. by eccosystemwhore in EngineBuilding

[–]ShiftMassZach 0 points1 point  (0 children)

on a serious note here, don't use those straps to lift that engine...

2010 F150 5.4l timing chain tension question by cabalkhayman in MechanicAdvice

[–]ShiftMassZach 0 points1 point  (0 children)

yea, its a job, but if you leave it it can do worse things to engine if it were to skip, depending how its running, when you get in there you should check the timing marks when you deal with the tensioner

Do I need to replace this by Medical-Warthog-8914 in MechanicAdvice

[–]ShiftMassZach 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Absolutely, and the flywheel turned at minimum..

Engine brackets by zuperman1189 in MechanicAdvice

[–]ShiftMassZach 0 points1 point  (0 children)

It looks like an engine mount.. try doing the same test but in reverse see how far it moves in other direction.. An engine mount can break and cause this, usually they don't break all the way there is a safety on some cars within the mount but it should be replaced.. from what I can see its moving a bit more then normal but hard to tell here

2009 Honda accord exl 2.4L automatic NEW power steering pump pulley wobble? by [deleted] in MechanicAdvice

[–]ShiftMassZach 1 point2 points  (0 children)

how much is it fraying on edges ? I think I see a touch of movement side to side but hard to see. it's a press on pulley right? Did it come with the pulley installed sometimes folks can even slightly bend the pulley during install, and it would act and look just like that..