Finding the Perfect Shift Knob to Enhance Your Toyota GR86 Driving Experience

Finding the Perfect Shift Knob for Your GR86

The Toyota GR86 (formerly known as the Scion FR-S and Subaru BRZ) has quickly become a favorite among enthusiasts looking for an affordable, rear-wheel drive sports coupe. With its low center of gravity and near-perfect weight balance, the GR86 delivers an incredible driving experience right out of the box.

One of the joys of owning a GR86 is customizing it to your liking. An easy yet meaningful upgrade is installing an aftermarket shift knob to enhance the manual transmission. Not only can a new shift knob change the look and feel inside your GR86, but it can also improve your shifting precision and enjoyment.

Benefits of an Aftermarket Shift Knob

The factory shift knob in the GR86 is just plain plastic. It feels hollow and unsatisfying when going through the gears. An aftermarket shift knob offers some key advantages:

• Improved grip and comfort - Aftermarket shift knobs come in a variety of materials like leather, aluminum, carbon fiber, etc. This provides more grip and a premium feel.
• Shorter throws - The shape and weight of an aftermarket shift knob can make shifts feel tighter and more precise.
• Unique styling - An aftermarket shift knob lets you customize the look and feel of your interior.
• Heavier weight - More weight improves shifter feel and control.

Popular Shift Knob Materials

There are several materials commonly used to manufacture aftermarket shift knobs, each with their own characteristics:

Leather

Leather shift knobs add a touch of luxury to your GR86. Leather provides excellent grip and ages well over time. Real leather shift boots also complement a leather knob nicely.

Aluminum

CNC machined aluminum shift knobs are popular for their cool looks and light weight. The metal construction is very durable against daily abuse. Aluminum comes in many colors and can be polished to a like-new sheen.

Carbon Fiber

Carbon fiber shift knobs are appreciated by enthusiasts for their exotic looks and low weight. The carbon weave pattern provides terrific grip as well. But carbon fiber is pricier than most other materials.

Wood

Wooden shift knobs employ natural materials like walnut, maple, or exotic woods. This gives a traditional, organic look. Wood shift knobs tend to be heavier but provide less grip than other materials.

Delrin

Delrin is a firm, durable plastic that makes for long-lasting shift knobs. It offers good grip and can easily be molded into a variety of shapes and designs. Delrin is also very affordable.

Key Considerations for GR86 Shift Knobs

Here are some important things to consider when choosing a shift knob for your GR86:

• Thread pitch - Ensure the shift knob thread pitch matches your transmission. GR86 uses an M12x1.25 thread.
• Style - Choose a shape and design that fits your preferences. Spheres, dimples, cues, etc.
• Size - Consider the size of the shifter. Too large or small will affect comfort.
• Weight - Heavier shift knobs around 400-500 grams improve shift feel.
• Material - Leather, aluminum, carbon fiber, etc. all have different properties.
• Color - Match or contrast your shift knob to your interior styling.

Our Top 5 Shift Knob Picks for GR86

Here are five great shift knob options to consider for your GR86:

Raceseng Ashiko

The Raceseng Ashiko is a perfectly-weighted, CNC machined aluminum shift knob. Its unique dimpled design provides excellent grip. The Ashiko is available in many vibrant anodized colors to give your interior a sporty look.

Perrin Weighted Shift Knob

Well-known GR86 tuner Perrin offers this 350g weighted shift lever in a minimalist design. The combination of rubber and aluminum provides great grip and precise shifts. It's compatible with the GR86 reverse lockout as well.

GSW Walnut Shift Knob

For the enthusiast seeking a warm, upscale look, GSW makes a handsome wooden shift knob from exhibition grade walnut. The rich wood grain pairs nicely with leather interiors. Includes an aluminum insert for durability.

Ikon Motorsports Shift Knob

The Ikon shift knob has a heavy-duty stainless steel core encased in leather. At over 500g, it provides a rock solid shifting feel. The shape helps with quickly finding gears. A red stitching option matches the interior.

CarbonMiata Checkered Shift Knob

Add a touch of carbon fiber flair with this M12 checkered shift knob from CarbonMiata. The 3D carbon fiber pattern looks great while the metal insert gives durability. Fits the factory shift boot.

Take Your Driving Experience to the Next Level

The GR86 delivers an incredible driving experience right off the showroom floor. But enhancing it with an aftermarket shift knob is an easy upgrade that can make every shift more enjoyable. Whether you value styling, comfort, precision, or heft, there are many shift knob options to consider for your needs and tastes.

A new shift knob provides tangible benefits over the factory plastic knob and allows you to customize the look and feel of your GR86. For maximum shifting enjoyment, upgrade to an aftermarket shift knob today.

FAQs

What are the benefits of an aftermarket shift knob?

Aftermarket shift knobs can improve grip, feel, precision, styling, and shifter engagement over the factory plastic shift knob. Materials like leather and metal provide more weight and comfort as well.

Will any M12 shift knob fit my GR86?

No, you need to ensure any aftermarket shift knob is specifically designed for the GR86/BRZ/FR-S. These cars use an M12x1.25 thread pitch. Using the wrong thread pitch can damage your transmission.

How difficult is it to install a shift knob?

Installing a shift knob on a GR86 is very easy and can be done in under 5 minutes. You simply unscrew the factory shift knob, apply thread locker to the threads, and screw on the new shift knob. No special tools required.

Should I modify the shift boot when installing a new knob?

You may need to modify the shift boot depending on the size of the new shift knob. Boot reducers are available to cinch down the opening for smaller knobs. For larger knobs, trimming the boot opening may be necessary.

What shift knob color options match the GR86 interior?

The GR86 interior uses black, red, silver, dark gray, and white. Matching or contrastingshift knob colors include red, black, gray, white, polished aluminum, and carbon fiber.