One thing that has always bothered me with the TSX shift boot is that there's quite a gap between the bottom of the shift knob and the top of the shift boot. I like the look when the boot fits snug against the bottom of the knob, especially if you have an aftermarket knob installed

I was browsing through a clearance bin at Canadian Tire today and these little guys jumped out at me:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/acurazinedan
It's an assortment of rubber caps you can use to bypass coolant lines. The box of 8 was only $0.25, so I figured I could probably afford to experiment with them.

The one on the right is the one I ended up using. It has a 15mm outside diameter, 11mm inside diameter, and it's 28mm long. The length and the OD aren't that important, but it's good to stick around the 11-12mm ID range so you'll get a snug fit. You'll see what I mean in a minute...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/acurazinedan

The only modification you have to do is to chop about 5mm off the end so you can slide the bypass cap down the shift lever:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/acurazinedan



Next you have to unscrew the shift knob and pull up the center console plate so you can get access to the shift lever. No tools are required for this step:




Once the shift lever is exposed, slide the modified bypass cap down the shaft. You won't be able to push it down all the way by hand because it's a very snug fit (which is a good thing because you don't want it to move after you've installed it).

Slide it down as far as it will go, then put the shift boot back on along with the rest of the console. As you screw the shift knob down to it's final resting spot, it will press the bypass cap into position. It's a very snug fit in my car, but if you find it slipping, you could always just fasten it with an adhesive like Goop.

The cap in it's final place after pressing it down with the shift knob:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/acurazinedan
Here are the results!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/acurazinedan
http://www.flickr.com/photos/acurazinedan

I love simple mods like this that make a big difference.

 

wow nice clean look, great job

 

does that come in JDM rubber?
j/k

that 'gap' on the shifter has ALWAYS bothered me.
now i can fix it. Thanks!

 

Nice job Dan.

 

another alternative is to just wrap rubber bands around, i've used that for a long time now

 

Thanks alot for the writeup..I know many have wondered how to do this, including myself...way to go

 

Awesome. Looks much better. I have no idea how to remove the console but it looks easy enough.

 

You just grip it and rip it.

I usually start at the very top to release the top two clips, then i put my hands inside the shift boot area and pull straight up. It takes quite a bit of force to release the clips, but it will pop out eventually.

 

Does this make a no-gap solution for the OEM knob and lock-nut w/o any other modifications?

 

It would just push it to the bottom of the locknut, but yes, that would work fine.

 

Nice knob!

 

looks good

 

Fresh off the lathe.

 

Good job Dan! Very nice knob

Where's the 5AT shift knob?!

 

I have the Skunk2 and it will mount with the lock nut all the way to the bottom perfectly.

Nice mod though Dan!!!!

 

Dan's knob > Skunk2 knob.

Trust me, I have the skunk knob.

 

Nice DIY Dan. This definitely needs to be included in the "cheap mods" thread.

jlukja, who also is jealous of Dan's knob.

 

Ouch... you've seen Dan's knob. :ghey:



I've seen Dan's custom shift knob at Mid-Ohio a few years ago. It is very nice. I like the Skunk2 for looks.

 

I should create a Skunk2 upgrade kit.

 

You should hob those knobs!

(always wanted to say that)

 

Thanks alot. This has gotta be the best thread ever poster on the forums!

Well, this...and the one with the hottie laying on top of her TSX are a tie.

 

Or you can get a 5AT!! No shift boot gap to worry about

 

Just did the mod on my car. Couple thoughts.

1)got the caps at autozone. I used 9.57mm caps and they worked just fine.

2) the console is a pain in the ass. use a small flathead screwdriver to pry at the clip points and it's a little easier. I never did get the back clips so I just slid the rubber on reaching my hands under the console. oh and don't pull on the plastic around the boot because it breaks off very easily(use superglue to fix).

3) I ended up taking off the lock nut which allows my knob to sit even lower on the shifter. with the rubber holder in place the boot comes right up to the bottom of the knob. looks great and makes the throws a slight bit shorter.

Great cheap mod.

 

Looks nice it has that "finished" look but I prefer the gap :p

 

I've seen Dan's knob!

It has great fit and finish. And with good weight to it, it sits well in your hand.

 

 

TMI...

And seriously, take your almost married selves and get a room!

 

Hey ---- I wasn't the one who brought up the fitment of the his knob in the boot.............DAN!






































Seriously though, the shiftknob is awesome, and looks even better in its slightly lower stance.

 

I just wrapped a ring of velcro underneath the shift boot ring around the shift lever above the bend. Cheaper than $0.25!

 

Hey Dan, do you got any before shot ?

 

Just did this on the weekend. First off I can't believe how easily that center console comes off. I was expecting much more of a fight.

I went the elastic route as well since it was all I had. Works and looks great so far.

 

What type of shift knob is that? It looks nice. I like how it is clean, plain, and smaller.

 

Clean, clean, clean. I'm going to have to do that w/ my S..

 

you can always get the comptech short shifter and then the boot just pushes against the knob cuz it's so short!

 

The comptech shifter doesn't change the lever height, it just extends the bottom.

 

wouldnt the knob lit lower?

 

No, it screws on exactly the same way. The comptech short shifter just extends the bottom of the lever so it moves the shift linkage faster, which reduces the shift throw. It doesn't make the knob sit any lower.

 

^good to know!