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ayn
11-12-2003, 01:58 PM
They advertise at MINI2 and I'm just curious if anyone here has tried it... This is supposed to work with BMWs and MINIs...

is it just a heavier knob like the UUC RK's? they make it seem like it does more than that... how can a shift knob reduce throw? just by being lower than OEM knobs?

http://www.whalenshiftmachine.com

--Andrew

operknockity
11-12-2003, 03:05 PM
Plaz has a WSM on his UUC SSK.

I think the WSM hook is that it comes with "special" mounting hardware which is supposed to make it easier to install/remove when needed. The other hook is that the WSM is quite heavy! If forget off hand if the WSM is heavier than any of the UUC RK knobs. On the other hand, the WSM is $125 (at least the last time I looked at it). And depending on who you believe, that heavy a knob is not good for the tranny.

The throw is reduced when you use a shorter stick and/or knob as the total linear distance the top of the knob moves is smaller. Of course, the angle that the stick subtends does not change (asuming that the geometry below the pivot is unchanged).

Plaz
11-12-2003, 03:51 PM
I love mine.

It's very heavy. I'd be surprised if the RobKnobs even come close in weight.

While the shorter throw of the SSK increased the effort required to shift, I think the sheer mass of the WSM offset this difference.

I haven't had any tranny problems after 20K or so, but that's probably not conclusive. I honestly don't expect any problems as a result of the knob, though.

Masskrug
11-12-2003, 04:51 PM
I have one.

I really like it. I think it'd be perfect with a SSK.

I'm surprised Plaz has plastered pics everywhere like he did when I asked him for his advice in getting one.

Roadstergal
11-12-2003, 04:56 PM
He makes 'em for the Miata, too. I have one and love it. The weight is substantial, and feels good in shifts. The knob itself is very high-quality material, and unlike the BMW knob, doesn't scratch with rings and the like. I hear that the snap-on collar for the BMW designs is a nice feature...

http://members.roadfly.com/cargogal/8.jpg

Roadstergal
11-12-2003, 04:56 PM
I really like it. I think it'd be perfect with a SSK.

Some of the Z3ers have had problems with a very short SSK + Whalen and banging their fingers on the shift surround. Check to see if there will be any interference...

Plaz
11-12-2003, 06:08 PM
I have one.

I really like it. I think it'd be perfect with a SSK.

I'm surprised Plaz has plastered pics everywhere like he did when I asked him for his advice in getting one.

You mean "hasn't"?

For some reason, the pic that was on the 'fest as an attachment is no longer valid. Perhaps a result of the board sw switch.

Otherwise, I would have linked to it. :D

dan
11-12-2003, 06:10 PM
i think that Brian (aka Halcyon) may have one in his M Coupe, I could be wrong though.

EDIT--

nope, he's got a leatherZ knob

Doug
11-12-2003, 06:50 PM
The guys at Leather Z sell them and I know JonM likes them.
(Wish we could get them here)

mquetel
11-12-2003, 10:49 PM
Is anyone bothered by the knob getting too hot/cold depending on what the outside temp is? This is an issue that has made me hesitant to go with a metal knob...

Plaz
11-12-2003, 11:06 PM
Is anyone bothered by the knob getting too hot/cold depending on what the outside temp is? This is an issue that has made me hesitant to go with a metal knob...

No, but I'm in L.A., and park indoors 99% of the time. :dunno:

Here are some pics:

http://plaz.net/plaz/wsm.jpg

http://plaz.net/plaz/wsmclose.jpg

mquetel
11-12-2003, 11:16 PM
It is a good looking setup!! :cool:

Masskrug
11-12-2003, 11:20 PM
Is anyone bothered by the knob getting too hot/cold depending on what the outside temp is? This is an issue that has made me hesitant to go with a metal knob...

Yes.

Summer - hot. but not so hot you can't touch it.
Winter - cold. but not so cold that you can't touch it.

So, IMHO, it's not really an issue (for me). I really like the fact that it FEELS like a heavy chunk of metal. Something REAL. Substantial. Unlike cheap synthetic crappy stuff found elsewheres in the car.

I got mine from AndyM at LeatherZ. Recommend them highly.

mquetel
11-13-2003, 12:16 AM
Is anyone bothered by the knob getting too hot/cold depending on what the outside temp is? This is an issue that has made me hesitant to go with a metal knob...

Yes.

Summer - hot. but not so hot you can't touch it.
Winter - cold. but not so cold that you can't touch it.

So, IMHO, it's not really an issue (for me). I really like the fact that it FEELS like a heavy chunk of metal. Something REAL. Substantial. Unlike cheap synthetic crappy stuff found elsewheres in the car.

I got mine from AndyM at LeatherZ. Recommend them highly.

I currently have THIS (http://leatherz.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=01&Product_Code=ModifiedShiftKnob&Category_Code=ShiftKnobs) LeatherZ modified BMW knob (though in matte chrome & black). Good guys to work with and very high quality product. :smile:

Masskrug
11-13-2003, 01:42 AM
I currently have THIS (http://leatherz.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=01&Product_Code=ModifiedShiftKnob&Category_Code=ShiftKnobs) LeatherZ modified BMW knob (though in matte chrome & black). Good guys to work with and very high quality product. :smile:

Nice.

I presume you have the mattechrome trim in your car as well?

operknockity
11-13-2003, 01:56 AM
Is anyone bothered by the knob getting too hot/cold depending on what the outside temp is? This is an issue that has made me hesitant to go with a metal knob...
No doubt a metal knob suffers from those problems. The solution is to get yourself a leather knob cozy :D

Roadstergal
11-13-2003, 03:35 AM
Is anyone bothered by the knob getting too hot/cold depending on what the outside temp is? This is an issue that has made me hesitant to go with a metal knob...

When I was parked topdown in Leavenworth when it was 110 and went in for lunch, the knob was really hot when I came out.
The steering wheel was hotter, though.

mquetel
11-13-2003, 09:31 AM
I currently have THIS (http://leatherz.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=01&Product_Code=ModifiedShiftKnob&Category_Code=ShiftKnobs) LeatherZ modified BMW knob (though in matte chrome & black). Good guys to work with and very high quality product. :smile:

Nice.

I presume you have the mattechrome trim in your car as well?

Yes, added the matte chrome trim to the lower half of the steering wheel, also. :D

Masskrug
11-13-2003, 11:34 AM
I currently have THIS (http://leatherz.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=01&Product_Code=ModifiedShiftKnob&Category_Code=ShiftKnobs) LeatherZ modified BMW knob (though in matte chrome & black). Good guys to work with and very high quality product. :smile:

Nice.

I presume you have the mattechrome trim in your car as well?

Yes, added the matte chrome trim to the lower half of the steering wheel, also. :D

:cool: