Checkout TWM's adjustable shift knobs!

[Antoine]

TWM and Mazda Forums have teamed up ​

to announce the latest performance products ​

for your Mazda...Check it out! ​

Karel @ TWM...Hi Everyone,​

In an effort to offer more options and the best products possible to
our customers we are very happy to announce the release of a new line of
shift knobs. These knobs share the same look as our classic line however we
have added our new NTIS Technology to them.

Our engineers developed a system for fastening shift knobs to shifters
that is unlike anything previously seen in the automotive aftermarket. NTIS
Technology, in short, creates a factory-like threaded on shift knob
(specific for each vehicle) which is height adjustable by an impressive
1.5" and does not need set screws to secure it to the shifter or orient its logo.

We are now also able to offer any thread pattern so if your shifter is
threaded, we've got a weighted replacement for you, regardless of the
make or model of your car! Simply e-mail us anytime
at sales@twmperformance.com if you've got any specific requests.

Below is a diagram which briefly outlines how the system works. For a
full description I invite you to read the latest article on our website
found here: www.twmshiftknobs.com/column/index.

We've replaced our Classic line of shift knobs on www.twmshiftknobs.com with the
NTIS Technology equipped knobs so if you'd like to purchase on simply select your
vehicle make and model on the left side of the homepage.

Thanks,

Karel
TWM

 

[JCell]

that's nice, i guess

 

[Murray]

Here's what this says to me:

1. Knobs can now be mass-produced more efficiently because they don't have to thread them differently per application. Prices should go down.
2. Knob weight is now potentially more consistent because the diameter of the shift lever doesn't affect the mass of the knob. This means an NTIS knob for an MP3 (thin shift lever threads) no longer weighs marginally more than one for an MSP (thicker shift lever threads).
3. You now have a layer of nylon between the knob and the lever. I can only imagine that this will eventually wear out and cause the knob to get loose over time.
4. You no longer have the set screws to keep the knob in place. It can now be only as tight as you thread it onto the lever. Because you're threading into nylon, that isn't very tight. You'll have to keep readjusting the knob until the nylon finally dies.

Now I'm all for optimizing the manufacturing process and all but this seems like a pretty big quality sacrifice for a little convenience. I hope TWM will comment on this.

 

[Ryoga28]

Personally, the whole height adjustment thing is just not worth it. I want a knob that directly screws on the shifter and weighs as much as possible.

 

[JCell]

y is it important that it's heavy? don't we want it to be as light as possible?

 

[capnsavem]

y is it important that it's heavy? don't we want it to be as light as possible?

no, when its counter weighted the weight makes it easier to throw into gear... all about leverage

 

[TWM Performance]

Here's what this says to me:

1. Knobs can now be mass-produced more efficiently because they don't have to thread them differently per application. Prices should go down.
2. Knob weight is now potentially more consistent because the diameter of the shift lever doesn't affect the mass of the knob. This means an NTIS knob for an MP3 (thin shift lever threads) no longer weighs marginally more than one for an MSP (thicker shift lever threads).
3. You now have a layer of nylon between the knob and the lever. I can only imagine that this will eventually wear out and cause the knob to get loose over time.
4. You no longer have the set screws to keep the knob in place. It can now be only as tight as you thread it onto the lever. Because you're threading into nylon, that isn't very tight. You'll have to keep readjusting the knob until the nylon finally dies.

Now I'm all for optimizing the manufacturing process and all but this seems like a pretty big quality sacrifice for a little convenience. I hope TWM will comment on this.

Hi,

You make some interesting points however there are a couple of things I'd like to mention that may clarify things for you.

First, while this system does allow us to manage our shift knob inventory more easily (thus reducing the chances of ever being backordered on an item and allowing us to provide better service to our customers), the intention of the design was to provide a more complete shift knob which can be customized to the user's needs while maintaining a set-screw free exterior appearance. We feel we've achieved these goals.

The weight difference between the MP3 and MSP knobs was very small to begin with (the MP3 is an 8mm thread while the MSP is 10mm, a 2mm difference in the diameter of the bore would represent a negligible weight difference). Though the weights for both knobs will be the same now, had you compared the shifting between the two non-NTIS knobs there would have been no perceivable difference. These knobs are all much heavier than their stock counterparts and all provide a HUGE improvement in shift feel.

The vast majority of OEM shift knobs use a nylon thread system and do not encounter any wear through use. The grade of nylon used in these knobs is actually quite hard so wear is not an issue at all. Once the knob is threaded onto the shifter it will remain there unless you choose to remove it. Have you noticed your stock knob loosening or wearing out over time? If anything these shift knobs will be even more resistant to wear since the grade of nylon is slightly harder than that used in the OEM knobs.

The set screws that were present in our original shift knobs were only there to help orient the logo and allow for some height adjustment. This new system allows you to do this yourself as the nylon will hold the shift knob solidly as it is threaded on and the height adjustment screw provides a much wider range of height adjustability.

I hope I've answered your questions. As I mentioned I understand your concerns however I think you missed the intended purpose of the system. We look at the design and manufacture of shift knobs the same way that we look at the design and manufacture of short shifters, or any other performance part for that matter. We always do our best to produce high quality parts that actually add performance value to the car or enhance the overall driving experience. NTIS has allowed us to offer a line of shift knobs that are weighted, height adjustable (without the use of set screws) and can be adapted to fit almost any thread pattern in existence.

Thanks,

TWM Performance

 

[BradC]

y is it important that it's heavy? don't we want it to be as light as possible?

When shifting the weight on top of the lever acts against the fulcrum making your shifts take less energy from you

 

[Murray]

My first two points were more observations than negative comments.

My major complaint about both of my OEM knobs (first my MP3 one, then the MSP) was that they wouldn't stay in place. Over time, they had to be tightened. If the nylon in the NTIS knobs is sufficiently harder, then that will help, but I still think it would be an issue eventually, especially with hard usage. If nothing else, I highly recommend that you make replacement nylon inserts available for purchase.

I'm really happy with my classic knob and would recommend it to anyone. I'm mostly just making sure I can still safely make that recommendation with the new ones.

 

[TWM Performance]

I didn't mean to come across harshly in the last post, just trying to clarify You're points are very well taken and we will be offering replacement nylon inserts at a very low cost. In fact, one of the benefits of this system is that you can keep your knob when you buy a new car and only need to purchase a new insert to install re-install it.

Thanks again for your comments though and it's good to hear that you're happy with your current classic knob.

Cheers,

Karel
TWM

 

[99 Pro]

Does TWM still offer free shipping anywhere in NA? I thought that I saw on their site now that they are charging for shipping. What up with that?

 

[TWM Performance]

Does TWM still offer free shipping anywhere in NA? I thought that I saw on their site now that they are charging for shipping. What up with that?

We did offer free shipping for a limited time, however the promotion has now ended. Our shipping rates are still very affordable and we ship via UPS.

Thanks,

Kevin
TWM Performance