Upgrade Your 2022 Subaru WRX Shift Knob for Better Performance

Upgrading Your 2022 WRX Shift Knob

If you're a proud new owner of a 2022 Subaru WRX, congratulations! You now have one of the most fun, practical, and tuner-friendly cars on the market. The new WRX carries on the rally heritage of its predecessors, with a powerful 2.4L turbocharged boxer engine sending power to all four wheels. It's an excellent platform for both daily driving and performance modifications.

One of the easiest ways to start customizing your new WRX is by installing an aftermarket shift knob. The factory shift knob works fine, but upgrading to something more unique and stylish can add to the enjoyment of rowing through the gears in your new performance car. In this article, we'll look at reasons to upgrade your shift knob, what to look for when shopping, how to install your new shift knob, and a few of our favorite options for custom WRX shift knobs.

Why Upgrade Your Shift Knob?

Here are some of the benefits of installing an aftermarket shift knob in your 2022 WRX:

• Improved styling - An aftermarket shift knob allows you to put your personal touch on the interior. Custom shift knobs come in many shapes, colors and designs.
• Enhanced grip and comfort - Aftermarket shift knobs can provide more grip and a better feel in your hand compared to the stock knob.
• Shorter throws - A shorter shift knob can reduce the throw between gears for faster, more precise shifting.
• Increased weight - Heavier shift knobs can add a more solid, substantial feel when changing gears.
• Personalization - A custom shift knob lets you customize your WRX to match your style.

What to Look for in an Aftermarket Shift Knob

Once you've decided to upgrade your WRX's shift knob, you'll want to choose the right aftermarket option. Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Thread pitch - Make sure to get a shift knob designed specifically for your car's thread pitch. The 2022 WRX uses an M12x1.25 pitch.
• Shape - Consider the shape of the shift knob and whether it fits your hand well. Spherical and oval shapes are common upgrades.
• Material - Shift knobs come in a variety of materials like metal alloys, carbon fiber, leather, rubber, and more. Pick what matches your style and comfort preferences.
• Weight - Heavier shift knobs around 400-500 grams generally have a more positive shifting feel.
• Color - Aftermarket shift knobs let you choose unique colors to customize your WRX's interior styling.

Installing Your New Shift Knob

Putting on your new shift knob takes just a few easy steps and basic hand tools - no need for professional installation. Here's how to swap shift knobs in a 2022 WRX:

1. Shift into neutral and set the parking brake.
2. Remove the shift boot by gently pulling up and unsnapping it from the center console.
3. Use a small flat head screwdriver to pry off the retaining clip on the bottom of the stock shift knob.
4. Unscrew the stock shift knob counterclockwise and remove it.
5. Clean any dirt or debris from the shift lever threads.
6. Screw on your new shift knob clockwise, ensuring proper thread alignment.
7. Tighten firmly by hand - do not overtighten.
8. Reinstall the shift boot over the base of the new shift knob.

Be sure to keep the stock shift knob retaining clip, as you may need it if you ever change the shift knob again. Aside from that, it only takes about 10-15 minutes to upgrade to an aftermarket shift knob. Then you can enjoy your newly customized WRX interior.

Cool Shift Knob Upgrades for the 2022 WRX

The options are nearly endless when choosing a custom shift knob for your new Subaru. Here are a few great looking and high performing shift knobs to consider:

• Raceseng Ashiko - CNC machined from 6061 billet aluminum. Distinctive ashiko footprint shape with 600g weight.
• Perrin Weighted Shift Knob - Anodized black or red aluminum with 400g or 500g options. Matches Perrin's WRX parts.
• Billetworkz Banana Knob - Eye-catching billet aluminum banana-inspired shape. Available in many colors.
• Cobb Tuning Shift Knob - Made from stainless steel with pro rally look. 350g or 500g weights.
• Mishimoto WRX Shift Knob - Anodized red aluminum design with carbon fiber insert. Weighs 425g.

Any of these aftermarket shift knobs will give your 2022 Subaru WRX a more customized, performance feel over the stock knob. The chunkier shape, increased weight, and unique styling accentuates the rally-bred 5-speed manual transmission.

Get More Power from Your WRX with Basic Mods

An aftermarket shift knob is one of the simplest ways to customize your new 2022 WRX. But there are many more options to enhance the performance and style of your car. Here are some other basic mods to consider:

Suspension Upgrades

The WRX handles great from the factory, but stiffer suspension components can take cornering grip and turn-in response to the next level. Lowering springs, shocks, strut tower braces, and sway bars all offer incremental improvements.

Wheels & Tires

Larger diameter wheels with high performance tires put more power to the ground while also enhancing style. Many choose lightweight 18" wheels and grippy summer tires. Don't forget a proper wheel alignment after new tires.

Engine & Exhaust

A drop-in air filter like the Perrin high flow filter adds power up top. A cat-back exhaust system reduces restriction while adding turbo spool and exhaust note. An Accesstuner tune optimized for mods unleashes more power gains.

Brakes

Performance pads and rotors provide increased fade resistance and greater stopping power. For big horsepower builds, Brembo and StopTech upgrade brake kits take things up a notch on track.

Appearance

Complete the look with JDM-inspired exterior mods like a new front lip, side skirts, rear spats and diffuser. Inside, carbon fiber trim and embroidered floor mats add custom style.

With the right combination of basic bolt-on mods, you can transform both the look and performance of your 2022 Subaru WRX. A unique shift knob is the perfect starting point to making your WRX your own.

FAQs

Does installing a new shift knob void my car's warranty?

No, upgrading your shift knob does not void your WRX's factory warranty. Shift knobs are considered a basic interior accessory modification.

What's the stock shift knob weight on a 2022 WRX?

The factory equipped shift knob weighs approximately 250 grams. Many enthusiasts prefer heavier aftermarket knobs between 350-600 grams.

How difficult is it to install a new shift knob?

Putting on an aftermarket shift knob is very easy and can be done in about 10-15 minutes with basic hand tools. No professional installation needed.

Will a shorter shift knob hit my legs when shifting?

Proper shift knob height should be considered. But most aftermarket shift knobs are not drastically shorter, so this is rarely an issue.

Can I re-use the stock shift knob retaining clip?

Yes, you can and should reuse the factory retaining clip when installing an aftermarket shift knob. It secures the knob to the shifter.