New shift "knob" for the 323 GTX

"MarquetteLa" (marquettela) 11/26/2016 at 14:09 • Filed to: 323gtx

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I got a raise at work recently and to celebrate I replaced my Mazda 323 GTX’s old, rubbery factory shift knob with something a little more race-inspired.

It’s a 7-inch Delrin “Competition” knob from TWM Performance. Delrin is lightweight (the whole knob is 160 grams) and it won’t be freezing cold to the touch in winter. Its length makes for a nearly 4-inch increase in height over the factory knob. I learned earlier this year that I like shift knobs close to the steering wheel after I installed an extended, angled short shifter in my Miata.

The Miata is in first gear here. The combination of short shifter + extended shifter results in throws slightly shorter than stock, with the knob ~4" closer to the steering wheel.

After driving the GTX for a bit with the new shift “rod” in place, I very much like the ergonomics of having it closer to the steering wheel. Previously the knob was down level with your thighs and, depending on your body and seat positioning, shifting into fifth required you to move your torso over a bit or at the least reach the limit of your arm’s extension.

Stock shifter, stock steering wheel (with cover), stock floor mats (with stains).

Now, the top of the shift rod is well above your elbow. The shift throws really aren’t too bad; the revs can take a little while to fall in the GTX. I may end up fabricating a short shifter for the car, but it’s fine for now. Gates seem to be a little trickier to find, particularly on startup, but that’s endemic to this transmission and I’m used to it at this point. The improvement in ergonomics and aesthetics make this a successful mod in my judgment. It’s even easier to pretend I’m driving a rally car now.

Seat rips make me sad :’(

The shift rod’s diameter matches the shift boot’s pretty darn well!

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JeepJeremy > MarquetteLa 11/26/2016 at 14:25

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That’s really cool. At first I thought it was a Maglite flashlight.

Batman the Horse > MarquetteLa 11/26/2016 at 14:31

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Dat Nardi wheel doe. Gorgeous.

MarquetteLa > JeepJeremy 11/26/2016 at 14:31

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Well now that you mention it, that’s all I can see! haha :)

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > MarquetteLa 11/26/2016 at 14:33

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That’s excellent. I agree wholeheartedly on the ‘knob near the wheel’ thing, my dad has a ‘94 Z28 with a Hurst shifter that’s like rightthere when you take your hand off the wheel. I’ve been trying to replicate it in every stick shift car I’ve ever owned, with minimal luck.

Between the shifter and the wheel, it just looks like a really fun place to drive from.

MarquetteLa > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 11/26/2016 at 14:36

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Thanks! The factory Recaro seats have adjustable side bolstering for the driver, which really does make it feel like a race car once you set it up like a bucket seat!

JeepJeremy > MarquetteLa 11/26/2016 at 14:41

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I think it’s super cool!

MarquetteLa > Batman the Horse 11/26/2016 at 14:42

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Thanks, it’s really made a difference in the way the car drives. The stock one was just barely too large.

DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time > MarquetteLa 11/26/2016 at 14:45

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What do you mean the way it drives? I’ve always been curious about aftermarket wheels since I’ve never known someone who had one.

That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms > MarquetteLa 11/26/2016 at 15:11

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You should have the ripped center piece reupholstered with same-color alcantara. That would be perfect.

MarquetteLa > DC3 LS, will be perpetually replacing cars until the end of time 11/26/2016 at 15:23

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The larger stock wheel required more effort to enter the same amount of steering input compared to the smaller Nardi. The GTX does have power steering, but it’s still a very heavy rack. The smaller wheel has made both parking lots and spirited drives much better.

MarquetteLa > That Bastard Kurtis - An Attempt to Standardize My Username Across Platforms 11/26/2016 at 15:24

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I’ve been wondering what to do with these seats...that sounds lovely.

Khalbali > MarquetteLa 11/26/2016 at 20:10

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Love this and love your car. I just put a hurst t-handle in my miata lol and found it a little too short so I ordered an extension that should arrive Monday!

TheBimmerGuyWhoNowOwnsAChevy > MarquetteLa 11/27/2016 at 17:41

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I love the wheel, “knob,” and the instrument cluster; I love unique clusters. Although I prefer shifters that have a knob, it looks really looks good in that interior.