View Full Version : Short Shifter Compare Questions
IKE=MS3 08.5
12-12-2008, 08:57 AM
I know there have been a few threads on this but not really what I am looking for:
Besides reading that the Cobb is adjustable and the TWM is not (im assuming) what are the major differences with these?
What is the threading(?) issue that occurs with the Cobb, what does that even mean?
It seems like most people have the TWM when I look at their mod lists in their signatures, is this because it is a better product or because it is slightly cheaper?
Also what is the shifter weight used for, does it just add weight to the shift which will allow for a more efficient shift?
Sorry if all of this has been answered and if it has feel free to bring on the bash about how I should have looked harder, well I looked and I was still unclear on these points, thanks.
Circle9
12-12-2008, 09:37 AM
You can pick up a TWM SS and bushings set for $230 right now I believe. You'll want the bushings, they do help.
The Cobb retails around $275, and you'll still have to spend an extra $30 or so for the bushings. I have heard of some issues with the Cobb.
I have the TWM and love it, no problems at all.
fructus
12-12-2008, 11:20 AM
Most people have TWM because it was the only option available until recently. TWM is a great, easy to install product, and I don't see how Cobb could be any better. Cobb's shifter weight is used in place of the stock shifter weight which is heavier. Cobb's shifter weight makes shifts somewhat more effortless.
derspi
12-12-2008, 07:04 PM
I've never tried the TWM SS but have the Cobb STS. Basically, if you want shorter throws than stock but want to retain the stock shifter height then the Cobb STS is the only game in town. The Cobb also has adjustable throws but I don't find it to be that useful for most ppl. The adjustable height is a godsend though as I hate pretty much all short shifters on the market because they shorten the shaft considerably making me have to reach way down there just to shift. Maybe this is why we have the gansta-lean, IDK what's up with that.
Initial batches of the Cobb STS had the wrong thread pitch on the top shafts rendering it impossible to install the OEM shift knob. Replacement shafts were sent out to those that got the wrong ones and AFAIK, none of the current kits will have this problem. There are a couple of other minor issues with the STS that I ran into during the install. There is a thread with my review on here that outlines them in detail but none of them were huge issues because we managed to work around them and the STS works flawlessly and I'm satisfied with its performance.
The Cobb shifter weight is actually lighter than the OEM one and is supposed to make shifts a tad easier and complement the Cobb STS nicely. I just got the weight but have yet to install it so I cannot comment on the improvement, if any.
Circle9
12-13-2008, 06:59 AM
Even though the TWM shortened the shifter, I have no problem reaching it, in fact I find that it is easier to use in the lower position its in. I think I may look into the Cobb shifter weight - if its not on back order for 3+ months or something.
I can send ya a pic if you want of my set-up.
IKE=MS3 08.5
12-13-2008, 09:56 AM
Even though the TWM shortened the shifter, I have no problem reaching it, in fact I find that it is easier to use in the lower position its in. I think I may look into the Cobb shifter weight - if its not on back order for 3+ months or something.
I can send ya a pic if you want of my set-up.
That would be great. Thanks for all of the comments guys. Now I just need to decide which one I want.
spdjnke
12-13-2008, 10:02 PM
From personal experience, I've tried both the cobb and the TWM and I ended up sticking with the TWM because the top shaft has a bend just like the stock lever, where as the cobb is stright up and down so it feels a bit awkward till you get used to it. I find the TWM SS with Cobb shifter weight to be the perfect balance if your looking for super short shift feel and lightning quick 2 finger shifts.
Initially I didn't want to change the shifter at all cuz the stock was just fine, but after driving a buddy of mines after the TWM SS install, holly shyt!! I ordered mine that night!! it was that good, but that's just me.
Captain KRM P5
12-13-2008, 10:24 PM
all TWM does is shifters, and the quality is always impeccable
MTuning
12-14-2008, 01:20 AM
i think both have its pros and cons. there's a problem with cobbs twisting during a shift. the throw is shorter on cobbs>twm and as mentioned the height can be adjusted to stock. ive used twm's on other cars also and at the short height it really doesn't affect the drivability at all.
AGspeed3
12-16-2008, 12:10 AM
I've had the TWM for 5k miles and it's excellent. I have a 6'3" arm span and the shortened height is not an issue for me - I thought maybe I'd be bonking my elbow on the armrest on the 2,4,6 shifts, but it doesn't happen. I don't do much modding anymore ( just CAI and SS ), but the TWM has been money well spent.
Circle9
12-16-2008, 07:17 AM
I'll post some pic when I get to work
Circle9
12-16-2008, 12:27 PM
Here the pics
I find it more comfortable to rest my hand on now that its lower.
IKE=MS3 08.5
12-16-2008, 04:13 PM
Thanks
PCspeed3
12-16-2008, 05:39 PM
I have the Cobb shift weight with the stock shifter steup and it helped enough to feel a difference. Shifter feels like it locks into gear much more securely now. Good luck with choosing.
IKE=MS3 08.5
12-16-2008, 06:42 PM
From personal experience, I've tried both the cobb and the TWM and I ended up sticking with the TWM because the top shaft has a bend just like the stock lever, where as the cobb is stright up and down so it feels a bit awkward till you get used to it. I find the TWM SS with Cobb shifter weight to be the perfect balance if your looking for super short shift feel and lightning quick 2 finger shifts.
Initially I didn't want to change the shifter at all cuz the stock was just fine, but after driving a buddy of mines after the TWM SS install, holly shyt!! I ordered mine that night!! it was that good, but that's just me.
This might be dumb but you can run this combo and the bushings? Have you tried that or just TWM with Cobb weight?
Circle9
12-16-2008, 08:14 PM
Yea, you can run that combo, the bushing are really like thick washers that are placed underneath the shifter assembly, the Cobb shifter weight would replace the stock weight is located in the engine bay under battery.
DaleNixon
12-16-2008, 08:19 PM
How difficult is the install on that shifter weight? I'm always up for a cheap mod that might improve my shifting slightly!
logik816
12-16-2008, 09:23 PM
Here the pics
I find it more comfortable to rest my hand on now that its lower.
i see that u're still using the stock shifter boot. i combo'd my set up with the twm ss shift boot. fits nicely, and looks great.
Circle9
12-16-2008, 09:36 PM
I actually just got my TWM boot in, but they forgot to put in the red stitching, so I'm leaving the stock one on
The shifter weight is simply bolted onto where the stock weight was, just two bolts.
turbo23
12-16-2008, 11:01 PM
I hate the short shaft of short shifters, here is the interior of my 7 before I stripped it to get it race ready. Long shaft, and the the throw is still less then stock, the handle is right next to my hand, so Im able to keep my hands on the wheel longer:)
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b316/PandaFC/100_4045.jpg
IKE=MS3 08.5
12-16-2008, 11:08 PM
DAMN, that's a long shaft!!!(That what she said)
Circle9
12-17-2008, 07:43 AM
The lenghth of that shaft is an abomination!!
j/k
turbo23
12-17-2008, 05:07 PM
Ill be doing the extact thing to my 3 when I pick up a short shifter. I may even jump on a lathe and turn out a long style knob for the stock setup and see how I like it.
derspi
12-17-2008, 06:12 PM
Here the pics
I find it more comfortable to rest my hand on now that its lower.
Ugh, that's exactly why I despise 95% of the short shifters on the market - having a short stubby little shifter that sits even lower in the console. Just for kicks, I'm gonna adjust my Cobb STS to the lowest height and see if there's any way in hell it could be feel better than the stock height.
PCspeed3
12-17-2008, 08:31 PM
How difficult is the install on that shifter weight? I'm always up for a cheap mod that might improve my shifting slightly!
If you have an aftermarket intake, you just look right under the filter(SRI) and there are two bolts you undo then slap it on and retighten. If it takes you over 5 mins you have problems. haha
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