Ultimate Miata Shift Knob Guide

Joe Terrell
04/11/202111th April, 2021
Filed under Miata Tuning
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Are you looking to upgrade your Miata shift knob but struggling to narrow down the choice? We’re sharing our top picks in this guide.

miata shift knob

In a hurry? Here are our Miata shift knob winners:

Budget Choice Drifted Choice Premium Choice
TOMEI Duracon Shift Knob NRG Nardi Prestige
TOMEI Duracon Shift Knob NRG "The Bat" Carbon Fiber Adjustable Shifter Nardi Prestige
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Introduction

With stick shifters becoming increasingly uncommon in the modern-day world of fancy automatic gearboxes, the Miata has thankfully stayed true to the beloved stick shifter.

Since the humble Miata is a true driver’s car, there’s nothing more satisfying than cranking your way through the gears and having total control of the rev-matching downshifts without an irritating computer spoiling the fun.

Not only can a shift knob transform the looks of your interior for a reasonable price, but it can also completely transform the feel of each gear shift with the massive variety of choice that’s available.

miata red leather interior

If you’re looking to make the most of your gear-changing efficiency, many Miata enthusiasts opt to upgrade to a short shifter kit.

With a short shifter, the throw between gears will be significantly reduced, allowing you to accelerate faster, and many believe owners praise the vastly improved shifting experience.

However, the Miata has a far shorter throw than most cars, with the latest ND model being the shortest yet. Therefore, this isn’t always an aftermarket part that everyone feels is worth the money when it could be spent on other upgrades.

So, whether you think a short shifter or the stock setup will be best for your needs, this list will provide you with the perfect shift knob to complete the package.

For those that have opted for a short shifter, you will need to ensure that the kit hasn’t changed the stock thread/pitch size of the Miata before purchasing your ideal gear knob.

What size is a Miata shift knob?

When you’re doing your searches online, chances are you won’t see a vast selection if you’re searching specifically for the Miata, but opting for the correct thread pitch size - 10 x 1.25, will open up a whole realm of possibilities.

Then you’ll realize there are way too many to choose from!

Commonly known as 10 x 1.25, this can also be referred to as M10 x 1.25, or 10mm x 1.25mm, so any of these knobs will happily fit, with aftermarket knobs being a universal design.

If you’ve fallen in love with a shift knob that isn’t the correct 10 x 1.25 thread pitch, then don’t panic. There’s a great variety of shift knob adapters out there that will enable you to run just about any shifter you desire.

Shift knob considerations

If you’ve driven a wide variety of different cars, the chances are that you realize how much difference the feel of a shifter can make.

Weight

Although you may be wondering why weight would make a difference here, it can drastically affect the shifter’s throw, which is why many opt for a heavier or weighted shift knob.

With a heavier shift knob, it’ll often ‘assist’ with getting the car through the gears, where a lighter option will likely need a bit more persuasion.

Materials

When it comes to choosing a material, many opt for the likes of Delrin, where others prefer wood for that old-school feel or even aluminium for a modern touch.

Although this comes down to personal preference, mainly based on looks, it’s worth remembering that metals, such as steel and aluminium, can become painfully hot for those of you that live in warmer climates.

miata interior chrome aluminium shift knob brown leather

So, if you’re lucky enough to live in a hot region, consider opting away from the metal choices. The last thing you want to do is wait for the shift knob to cool down before you can drive away!

Shape and size

The ergonomics of a shift knob play a vital role, and it’s worth trying out a variety of shapes and sizes before you decide which one is going to suit you best.

For example, if you’re racing, where vital milliseconds count, an awkwardly shaped shifter could make a drastic difference to one that you can reach for efficiently at those critical moments.

On the flip side, if you’re looking for a shift knob for your daily cruiser, you’ll be able to choose from just about any design imaginable.

miata interior big tall shift knob

Whether you’re looking for a carbon fiber pool ball or a flowery JDM, *ahem* adult design shifter, there’s something out there for everyone.

How to remove a Miata shift knob

Many owners have struggled to remove their Miata shift knobs, but before you reach for additional weaponry that could end up damaging the shifter, make sure you check out some of the helpful YouTube videos out there.

Ultimate Miata Shift Knobs

When it comes to finding the perfect shift knob, there can be thousands of options to choose from, but we’ve narrowed it down to some of our favorites for this guide.

If you’re opting for a shifter that we’ve not featured, then you’ll want to ensure it’s an M10 x 1.25mm (or 10 x 1.25) fitment. Otherwise, you’ll need an adapter for it to fit your Miata.

Now that you know what you’re looking for and how to remove the stock shift knob, it’s time to find the perfect upgrade!

Nardi Evolution

nardi evolution wood mohogany

Our comment: When the most lucrative car manufacturers in the world choose to use Nardi products in their OEM-spec cars, you know they’re going to be of impressive quality.

Italian manufacturer Nardi is one of the most impressive aftermarket part specialists, often the wheel, and shift knob, of choice for the world’s best drifters.

Their old-school Evolution design is perfect for the gentleman drifters, racers, or fair-weather drivers alike.

The stylish mahogany finish sets it aside from its competitors, suiting the NA/NB Miata interiors to perfection.

If you’re not the perfect gentleman, and the wood grain is one step too far, but you like the design of this shift knob, there’s also their black leather alternative to consider.

We would expect nothing but exceptional quality from Nardi. Although it’s not the cheapest choice, there’s a reason that manufacturers such as Ferrari are happy to showcase Nardi products in their OEM supercars.

Manufacturer description: “Nardi is widely known for its established reputation as a steering wheel & Shift knob manufacturer of the highest quality. With a history that spans over 70 years, Nardi has been supplying their brand products not only to the world’s leading automakers but also to racing enthusiasts worldwide”.

“The company has made considerable investments in past and recent years to consolidate itself with a reputation second to none. Nardi designers and engineers collaborate using state-of-the-art technology, to ensure optimized ergonomics, comfort and reliability. Yet the level of craftsmanship involved in the manufacturing process is still, in fact, very much a traditional process where every steering wheel is assembled and finished by highly skilled artisans”.

Nardi Prestige

nardi prestige leather

Our comment: If you liked the sound of the Nardi quality that we mentioned above, but the design wasn’t to your taste, then the Prestige range could well be the ultimate choice.

This shifter is an absolute pleasure to use and comes with stunning Nardi quality combined with perfected stitching from their artisans.

Are you looking for the gentleman’s mahogany (wood) alternative? We’ve got you covered.

Manufacturer description: “Nardi is widely known for its established reputation as a steering wheel & Shift knob manufacturer of the highest quality. With a history that spans over 70 years, Nardi has been supplying their brand products not only to the world’s leading automakers but also to racing enthusiasts worldwide”.

“The company has made considerable investments in past and recent years to consolidate itself with a reputation second to none. Nardi designers and engineers collaborate using state-of-the-art technology, to ensure optimized ergonomics, comfort and reliability. Yet the level of craftsmanship involved in the manufacturing process is still, in fact, very much a traditional process where every steering wheel is assembled and finished by highly skilled artisans”.

TOMEI Duracon Shift Knob

tomei duracon 70mm 90mm

Our comment: You might be thinking that the price tag on this genuine TOMEI shifter is too good to be true, but we can assure you it’s just an absolute steal!

TOMEI offers a choice of either a 70mm or 90mm variant to choose from with this design.

This shifter is crafted from Duracon, a material of Polyoxymethylene composites known for their high degree of crystallinity, high strength, hardness, and good chemical and environmental resistance, including heat and moisture absorption.

With a weight of approximately 5 ounces, it’s one of the lightest choices in our guide, so it’s not going to be the ideal choice if you’re after a heavy shifter, but it’s a genuine bargain otherwise.

Manufacturer description: “Get the aggressive shifting you need with a 70mm Tomei Duracon shift knob. This 70mm knob gives you a firm shifter, while still offering a smaller, more responsive feel”.

“Tomei products have been utilized in nearly every motor sport imaginable. Tomei’s racing heritage means their research and design team have firsthand knowledge of the extreme demands racing puts on an engine. This shifter is built to stand up to hard use while remaining good as new”.

Skunk2 Racing Shift Knob

Our comment: This billet stainless steel shifter from Skunk2 is a simple yet attractive design, with a 5-speed layout embossed on top.

This shift knob could provide an ideal solution for those looking for a heavier option, weighing 400 grams and a perfect combination with a Skunk2 short shifter.

Unlike the previous choices, those living in warmer climates may find the steel design is likely to get excessively hot on the warmer days, which may be worth considering.

Manufacturer description: “Skunk2 Shift Knobs are machined from billet stainless steel and feature a PVD titanium coating that resists scratching and wear. Skunk2 Shift Knobs are custom-weighted to over 400-grams and designed to be used in conjunction with the Skunk2 Racing Short-Throw Shifters”.

“The added weight of the shift knob helps promote smoother and more positive shifting. This combination provides the ultimate in positive shift engagement for high-performance drag racing, road racing, and street performance applications”.

RYANSTAR Carbon Fiber Style Shift Knob

Our comment: If you’re looking for a bargain-priced carbon fiber-style shifter, then this may be the perfect option.

Although many are delighted with this shifter, the quality control does seem to be hit or miss at times. Thankfully Amazon has a great returns process, and they’d undoubtedly resolve any issues.

It may not be genuine carbon fiber, but it still looks the part, and we wouldn’t be too concerned about weight saving on a shift knob!

Manufacturer description: “Shift knobs made with high quality plastic with carbon fiber pattern and adapters made with aluminum”.

ISR Performance Ti Finish Shift Knob

Our comment: This unique offering from ISR Performance provides a fantastic-looking titanium finish.

Unfortunately, there are very few details available for this shifter, which is why we’ve marked it down slightly on the rating, despite having an excellent price tag.

We would expect it to be steel and one of the heavier options on this list, which means it probably won’t be ideal for hotter climates.

NRG “The Bat” Carbon Fiber Adjustable Shifter

nrg the bat adjustable carbon fiber

Our comment: Unlike the previous carbon fiber offering, this option from NRG has been crafted from genuine carbon fiber alongside a unique design.

Not only does it look fantastic, but you can adjust the height of this shift kob, making it the perfect choice for a weekend racer looking for precise shifter positioning when at the track.

Alongside the adjustability, the weighted aluminium and carbon fiber construction of the shifter increases the inertial weight to allow for smoother shifting.

We love this innovative design, and the carbon fiber finish will undoubtedly be the perfect finishing touch for any Miata interior.

Manufacturer description: “This product improves the overall look of the interior of the vehicle while providing some performance gain. Different shapes of the knob are ergonomically correct depending on shifting style. Height adjustable for low and high shifting advantage”.

“Weighted aluminum construction with real carbon fiber body improves shifting by increasing inertial weight in order to allow shifter to more smoothly and quickly engage into the gear box. A secret storage for your special stuff can be protected inside empty space of the shift knob”.

Crystal Transparent Bubble Shifter

Our comment: If you’ve spent as many hours watching old-school JDM drifting videos as we have, you’ll undoubtedly recognize these “di*do”-style shift knobs!

With a vast selection of sizes and colors, this shift knob will be the perfect choice for those who want their Miata to capture attention.

Since you’ll be able to choose from 10cm to 30cm and just about every color imaginable, it’s no surprise that these shift knobs are soaring in popularity.

Manufacturer description: “Provide a JDM/VIP look to your interior with this Laser Cut Acrylic Plastic shifter knob”.

Dewhel Flower Shift Knob

Our comment: Another JDM-style design that has captured tuning enthusiasts’ attention is the infamous flower shifter knobs.

These are the perfect choice for our female fans but could also provide an additional laugh for male Miata enthusiasts with their wind-up buddies calling it a hairdressers car.

It may not look quite as impressive as some of the ‘true’ JDM shifters with real flowers in the acrylic. Still, those are notoriously expensive, and this provides an excellent, reasonably priced US-based alternative.

Manufacturer description: “Made from high quality durable acrylic”.

VMS Racing Carbon Fiber Shift Knob

Our comment: Here’s the final carbon fiber choice in our guide, and this high-quality, hand-laid option may well be the perfect answer for many.

The reviews have praised the quality of the item, but others have stated that it may leave a slight gap between the boot and the shift knob.

In their description, VMS Racing has stated the following: “If the shift knob is not aligned correctly after fully threaded, the locking nut is raised up until the numbers align at the desired position and then tightened against each other”.

If you were to have any issues and be dissatisfied with the product, we do not doubt that Amazon will provide a convenient refund process, so it’s well worth a try.

Manufacturer description: “VMS Racing Shift Knobs are manufactured from ONE solid piece of Aircraft-Quality, T-6061 Billet Aluminum that is Precision-Machined for a firm, reliable feel against your palm that results into positive shifting”.

“The Carbon Fiber is then Hand-Laid and a glossy finish is applied for a long-lasting protection and comfortable feel against your palm. All this to ensure a long lasting finish that will provide years of trouble-free reliability. These are special processes that are used by most major OEM manufacturers”.

Our winners

When it comes to shifting knobs, much of it comes down to personal preference, and we feel you can’t go far wrong with any of the choices in this guide.

Here are our recommended picks.

Our Drifted Choice award goes to the NRG “The Bat” Carbon Fiber Adjustable Shifter

Our Miata shift knob winner is the NRG “The Bat” Carbon Fiber Adjustable Shifter.

With its unique, adjustable-length design, this is the perfect option for drifters and racers that want pinpoint precision with their shifter location.

Not only is it practical, but it looks fantastic and comes with a reasonable price tag for genuine carbon fiber.

A fantastic all-around choice, even if the design isn’t to everyone’s taste.

NRG “The Bat” Carbon Fiber Adjustable Shifter

nrg the bat adjustable carbon fiber

Our Premium Miata Shift Knob Choice

Our Premium Choice is the Nardi Prestige Shift Knob.

For those looking for a classy addition to their interior, the Nardi Prestige leather shift knob is our premium pick.

Also, the mahogany alternative can look incredible alongside matching wooden accessories.

Nardi Prestige Shift Knob

nardi prestige leather

Our Budget Miata Shift Knob Choice

Our Budget Choice is the TOMEI Duracon Shift Knob.

Much to the surprise of many, JDM tuning legends TOMEI has brought one of the most reasonably-priced offerings to our guide.

You may be expecting it to be less than their typical quality, but that’s certainly not the case, thankfully! It’s just a genuine bargain.

If you like the style of this shifter, we do not doubt that it’ll make the perfect addition to your Miata.

TOMEI Duracon Shift Knob

tomei duracon 70mm 90mm

Thank you for reading our Miata Shift Knob guide.

Photography credits

We want to thank the following sources for the use of their images:

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author avatar Written by Joe Terrell Drifted.com founder, motoring journalist and all-round car enthusiast. Read more about Joe and the Drifted team on our about us page.

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