Shift Knob damaging Transmission?

[Dave323is]

Hi,

I know this has been debated before...

Some people suggest that using a heavier shift knob can cause damage to the transmission, similar to resting your hand on the shifter itself. Check out this link for more info:

http://www.rogueengineering.com/Mer...egory_Code=SNNN

If you have replaced your stock shift knob with one that weighs more than stock, have you had any problems with your transmission? Of course it probably would take a while for any damage to occur, so please also mention how long you have had the shift knob and what kind you have.

I am personally considering the MOMO Cobra which I know weighs much more than the 3oz stock knob.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[terry]

???? damage the trans ???

let me get this right you are all saying the transmissin could be damaged by fitting a heavier shift knob , what weight r u all talking about ? I,d say it wwould have to be realy heavy to do any damage . enlighten me to as why this would happen please.

 

[Dave323is]

I'm not saying that it will damage it, other people are saying so, specifically Rogue Engineering. I'd like to know if other people have experienced problems like Rogue Enginering says could happen.

They say that the stock shift knob weighs approx. 3 ounces and that they found that increasing this weight to 8 ounces interfered with the gap between the gear and shifter rail where the lubrication flows. Of course all of this could be a sleazy way to sell THEIR shift knobs and discourage people from buying OTHER shift knobs...

BUT, My BMW manual says not to rest your hand on the shifter because it could cause problems. They don't go into detail.

I see that I didn't copy the link properly in my post, here it is again.

http://www.rogueengineering.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=RE&Category_Code=SNNN

Thoughts?

 

[frolf]

hello. I can an 8oz shift knob? thats kind of heavy. And yes, it would produce a similar effect to resting your hand on the knob, which is a big no no.

It would not be as bad, and even resting your hand just wears things down over time, its not immediate damage.

But yeah, don't get a 6lb shift knob, and don't rest your hand on it. Just good tips to ensure a longer life of your car.

 

[flyinH]

i've heard of this problem with some old saginaws, t-10's and maybe some muncies's from domestics,but not from a zf tranny.with these,if you hold the shifter in gear with your hand while driving,it wears the synchros.

 

[Dave323is]

translating that into plain English means "Its not a problem with the BMW transmissions".

Correct?

 

[frolf]

ZF is the first part of the transmission number.

(i.e. ZF S5D 310Z is for most E36 M3's (the 99 was the 320Z))

 

[flyinH]

translating that into plain English means "Its not a problem with the BMW transmissions".

yup.

 

[carcus]

Get your aftermarket shift knob....not going to hurt the trans.

Just a side topic though, having a big old heavy key chain with alot of junk hanging from it can mess up an ignition switch.....

Just threw that one out there for fun.

If you REALLY want to do damage to a trans, speed shift a manual or do some real damage to a automatic by doing a brake torque launch, foot on the brake, raising the RPM to about 3 grand and launching.....not good for the brakes, suspention, or the tires....LOL. Not to say I never did it before in my last car.

Some say manually shifting a automatic or A4 as I call them for a 4 speed will hurt the auto trans as well. Downshifting to 2nd at a high speed....will dip the front end and really mess up a converter....all about heat and friction. Most of my experience is from muscle cars though.

I baby the BMW....it is a nice cruiser....and alot more expensive to fix a trans on it.

 

[Dave323is]

Ok, I am so getting that MOMO shift knob