Machining Your Shifter

[chamolm]

TL;DR: you can machine the end of your shifter to take generic knobs.

I couldn't find anyone else who had done this so wanted to document the process. I purchased a short shifter for my 2010 Camaro SS and I was unhappy with the vibration levels so I returned it. I also came to realize that the super metallic, short, notchy feel of the shifter didn't really match the vibe of my car, which I treat like a grand tourer. I just wanted to have aftermarket shift knobs for ergonomics and styling and have the shifter sit a bit lower in the console.

So I ordered a spare, stock shifter on eBay from a later model year car, I think it was like a 2013. I drew up the operation and machined the end on a lathe at work and cut the threads with a die.

Works great! Now I can have a stylish knob that sits lower in the car and has the factory feel and NVH. I still need to figure out a shift boot which I'll likely end up machining as well but that's farther down the list.