The Tommy Kaira Hebi Bebi Shift Knob Thread :D
10-07-2009, 06:30 AM
#81
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Copper/brass is showing on the turtle or the actual **** surface itself?
Does anyone know for sure what this is made out of? I hear a few people saying copper or brass which really doesn't explain the cost. I imagine whatever it is, it's platted and not painted (at least I'd hope)?
I'm very confused and intrigued about a $200+ shift ****...I'm probably in for one!
Does anyone know for sure what this is made out of? I hear a few people saying copper or brass which really doesn't explain the cost. I imagine whatever it is, it's platted and not painted (at least I'd hope)?
I'm very confused and intrigued about a $200+ shift ****...I'm probably in for one!
10-16-2009, 12:04 AM
#87
Copper/brass is showing on the turtle or the actual **** surface itself?
Does anyone know for sure what this is made out of? I hear a few people saying copper or brass which really doesn't explain the cost. I imagine whatever it is, it's platted and not painted (at least I'd hope)?
I'm very confused and intrigued about a $200+ shift ****...I'm probably in for one!
Does anyone know for sure what this is made out of? I hear a few people saying copper or brass which really doesn't explain the cost. I imagine whatever it is, it's platted and not painted (at least I'd hope)?
I'm very confused and intrigued about a $200+ shift ****...I'm probably in for one!
Looks nice though, minus the turtle.
10-16-2009, 12:50 PM
#89
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I've had my TK **** for over a year and it is worth every cent. It greatly improves the driving experience. Shifts are shorter, ball shape is comfortable in my hand at all times, and the weight is the main advantage. The heavy weight makes every shift smoother and more solid. Not for everyone but those who own a TK shift know will agree with me that it makes shifting in the Z more enjoyable and that's what counts.
10-18-2009, 01:19 PM
#90
I've had my TK **** for over a year and it is worth every cent. It greatly improves the driving experience. Shifts are shorter, ball shape is comfortable in my hand at all times, and the weight is the main advantage. The heavy weight makes every shift smoother and more solid. Not for everyone but those who own a TK shift know will agree with me that it makes shifting in the Z more enjoyable and that's what counts.
I agree that the weight helps, as I have a VERY weighted shift ****, but it didn't cost 250 bucks or even 100 bucks.
Face it, for the most part, shift ***** are a cosmetic part, plain and simple. People buy what they like, that is fine. But people who act like a TK **** somehow increases their car's performance or makes it elite are sadly mistaken.*
* - notice I did agree that it can enhance shift feel
edit - as for the turtle......well again, personal preference, however I think that if some car part company in Japan used a bright yellow fairy or purple ***** as their logo, a lot of you JDM fanboys would still flaunt them all day.
Last edited by illjim69; 10-18-2009 at 01:22 PM.
10-18-2009, 01:43 PM
#91
How in the world does a shift **** make the throws/shifts shorter?
I agree that the weight helps, as I have a VERY weighted shift ****, but it didn't cost 250 bucks or even 100 bucks.
Face it, for the most part, shift ***** are a cosmetic part, plain and simple. People buy what they like, that is fine. But people who act like a TK **** somehow increases their car's performance or makes it elite are sadly mistaken.*
* - notice I did agree that it can enhance shift feel
edit - as for the turtle......well again, personal preference, however I think that if some car part company in Japan used a bright yellow fairy or purple ***** as their logo, a lot of you JDM fanboys would still flaunt them all day.
I agree that the weight helps, as I have a VERY weighted shift ****, but it didn't cost 250 bucks or even 100 bucks.
Face it, for the most part, shift ***** are a cosmetic part, plain and simple. People buy what they like, that is fine. But people who act like a TK **** somehow increases their car's performance or makes it elite are sadly mistaken.*
* - notice I did agree that it can enhance shift feel
edit - as for the turtle......well again, personal preference, however I think that if some car part company in Japan used a bright yellow fairy or purple ***** as their logo, a lot of you JDM fanboys would still flaunt them all day.
10-19-2009, 02:50 AM
#93
shifts are shorter and take less effort due to the TK **** being shorter and having extra weight. I had a team voodoo before the TK and it was awesome, but the feel of the TK is what makes it special. It is much more than a cosmetic part. IMHO it really enhances the driving experience. Having CF overlays doesn't do that
I understand what you mean as far as enhancing the experience, but it's still just a chunk of metal that costs next to nothing to make and people drop the cash based on the name, that is what people want: exclusivity since most people don't have that **** (for whatever reason).
Not trying to break your stones or anything, just pointing out that while a shift **** that feels good in your hand can help make the drive more enjoyable, it in no way aids in performance and only costs 200+ dollars because of the name stamped on it. A **** can be the exact same, minus the turtle and TK name and cost $50 and would do the same thing.
10-19-2009, 05:07 AM
#94
I got ya on the "less effort" part due to the weight, but the shifts won't be any shorter just because the **** is. If that were the case, people would just take their ***** off and not spend money on short shifters. Besides, how much taller is a stock **** versus the TK ****?
I understand what you mean as far as enhancing the experience, but it's still just a chunk of metal that costs next to nothing to make and people drop the cash based on the name, that is what people want: exclusivity since most people don't have that **** (for whatever reason).
Not trying to break your stones or anything, just pointing out that while a shift **** that feels good in your hand can help make the drive more enjoyable, it in no way aids in performance and only costs 200+ dollars because of the name stamped on it. A **** can be the exact same, minus the turtle and TK name and cost $50 and would do the same thing.
I understand what you mean as far as enhancing the experience, but it's still just a chunk of metal that costs next to nothing to make and people drop the cash based on the name, that is what people want: exclusivity since most people don't have that **** (for whatever reason).
Not trying to break your stones or anything, just pointing out that while a shift **** that feels good in your hand can help make the drive more enjoyable, it in no way aids in performance and only costs 200+ dollars because of the name stamped on it. A **** can be the exact same, minus the turtle and TK name and cost $50 and would do the same thing.
10-20-2009, 07:31 PM
#95
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Not trying to break your stones or anything, just pointing out that while a shift **** that feels good in your hand can help make the drive more enjoyable, it in no way aids in performance and only costs 200+ dollars because of the name stamped on it. A **** can be the exact same, minus the turtle and TK name and cost $50 and would do the same thing.
10-21-2009, 10:37 AM
#97
https://my350z.com/forum/exterior-an...aira-****.html
Posted this over on g35driver, figure you guys could use this info as well.
Stock:
Weight- 210.6 grams (confirmed)
Height- 3 5/8"
Price- FREE
Comment: Nice shift **** for the price. Provides what a stock shift **** should provide, stock feel with the stock look. It's been a long time since I've used the stock ****, but what I do remember is that because of it's height, the throws felt longer.
THX SS Shift ****:
Weight- 311.5 grams (confirmed)
Height- 3"
Price- $115
Comment: Very well designed ****. Nice weight and very ergonomic for small hands. I think if you have large hands, the shift **** may feel small. The base of the **** is a nice design feature that allows you to rest your hand on while shifting. The height and weight of the **** gives a crisp feel when moving into gears.
If you shift by grabbing it into your fist, than this would be a very ideal shift ****. If you shift using the palm of your hand on top of the ****, than there are other alternatives such as the Tommy Kaira Shift ****.
Another positive aspect of this shift **** is that you do not need any type of finisher as the shift **** sits flush on the shift boot.
Tommy Kaira "Hebi Bebi" Shift ****:
Weight- 515.6 grams (confirmed)
Height- 2.5"
Price- $225
Comment: The weight, and price, of this shift **** is legendary. Because of it's low height and heavy weight, this shift **** is ideal for those who shift with the palm of their hand. The curved neck does allow you to shift with a closed fist, but it is not as comfortable as compared to say the THX shift ****.
Shifting gears feels short and quick. Using the stock **** would feel like driving a big rig after using the TK ****.
One downside with this **** is that you would need a finisher to complete the look. After tightening down on my shift boot, there is still about a 1/4" gap between the **** and the boot. Home Depot has stuff you can use for as little as $3.00
Final comments:
It is hard to compare the THX **** with the TK **** as they provide a different feel. Depending on your driving style, you would have to select accordingly. Both are hands down better than the stock ****. Both the THX and the TK **** get hot in the sun, but so does the metal gear selector on top of the stock ****.
The THX shift **** is a great shift **** for its price. Hands down better than in other shift **** in its category, including the Nismo GT **** which I first owned.
It may be hard to justify $225 for a shift ****. There are other alternatives out there for those looking for a round shift ****, but you probably will not find the same weight in those ***** as you do in the Tommy Kaira.
"Hebi Bebi" means Heavy Baby in Japan, and it sure lives up to its name.
Hope this helps those trying to decide on an aftermarket shift ****.
Stock:
Weight- 210.6 grams (confirmed)
Height- 3 5/8"
Price- FREE
Comment: Nice shift **** for the price. Provides what a stock shift **** should provide, stock feel with the stock look. It's been a long time since I've used the stock ****, but what I do remember is that because of it's height, the throws felt longer.
THX SS Shift ****:
Weight- 311.5 grams (confirmed)
Height- 3"
Price- $115
Comment: Very well designed ****. Nice weight and very ergonomic for small hands. I think if you have large hands, the shift **** may feel small. The base of the **** is a nice design feature that allows you to rest your hand on while shifting. The height and weight of the **** gives a crisp feel when moving into gears.
If you shift by grabbing it into your fist, than this would be a very ideal shift ****. If you shift using the palm of your hand on top of the ****, than there are other alternatives such as the Tommy Kaira Shift ****.
Another positive aspect of this shift **** is that you do not need any type of finisher as the shift **** sits flush on the shift boot.
Tommy Kaira "Hebi Bebi" Shift ****:
Weight- 515.6 grams (confirmed)
Height- 2.5"
Price- $225
Comment: The weight, and price, of this shift **** is legendary. Because of it's low height and heavy weight, this shift **** is ideal for those who shift with the palm of their hand. The curved neck does allow you to shift with a closed fist, but it is not as comfortable as compared to say the THX shift ****.
Shifting gears feels short and quick. Using the stock **** would feel like driving a big rig after using the TK ****.
One downside with this **** is that you would need a finisher to complete the look. After tightening down on my shift boot, there is still about a 1/4" gap between the **** and the boot. Home Depot has stuff you can use for as little as $3.00
Final comments:
It is hard to compare the THX **** with the TK **** as they provide a different feel. Depending on your driving style, you would have to select accordingly. Both are hands down better than the stock ****. Both the THX and the TK **** get hot in the sun, but so does the metal gear selector on top of the stock ****.
The THX shift **** is a great shift **** for its price. Hands down better than in other shift **** in its category, including the Nismo GT **** which I first owned.
It may be hard to justify $225 for a shift ****. There are other alternatives out there for those looking for a round shift ****, but you probably will not find the same weight in those ***** as you do in the Tommy Kaira.
"Hebi Bebi" means Heavy Baby in Japan, and it sure lives up to its name.
Hope this helps those trying to decide on an aftermarket shift ****.
