Are you looking to enhance your Honda Civic’s interior with a custom gear knob upgrade? Whether you’re driving a manual transmission or automatic/CVT Honda Civic, upgrading your shift knob can significantly improve both the aesthetics and driving experience of your vehicle. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about upgrading gear knobs for Honda Civic, with separate sections for manual and automatic transmissions.
Why Upgrade Your Honda Civic Gear Knob?
Before diving into the installation process, it’s important to understand why many Honda Civic owners choose to upgrade their gear knobs. Weighted shift knobs offer several benefits beyond just aesthetics 8. The additional mass provides smoother shifts by increasing momentum during gear changes, which helps overcome resistance points in the gate pattern and counter springs. This results in more confident and consistent shifting experience with less overall effort required from the driver.
Manual Transmission Gear Knob Upgrades
For Honda Civic models equipped with 6-speed manual transmissions, the upgrade process is relatively straightforward. The key specifications you need to know:
- Thread pitch: M10x1.25 for most Honda Civic manual transmissions.
- The knob typically unscrews counterclockwise from the shifter shaft.
Before starting your manual transmission gear knob upgrade, gather these essential tools:
- Plastic pry tool
- Phillips screwdriver
- Optional: plastic panel removal tools to prevent scratching
Step-by-Step Installation for Manual Transmission
Step 1: Remove the Shift Boot First, you’ll need to pull down the shift boot to access the knob. Some users report that “if you pull the boot down, you will see some plastic tips (they are white). Take a flat head and push it in and the boot should come off”.
Step 2: Unscrew the Stock Knob The stock knob should unscrew counterclockwise. “All you have to do is pull the boot off and unscrew the knob” as one user explains. The knob threads directly onto the shifter shaft with the standard M10x1.25 threading.
Step 3: Install Your New Knob Simply thread your new knob clockwise onto the shifter shaft. Ensure it’s properly seated and tightened, but don’t over-tighten to avoid damaging the threads.
Step 4: Reinstall the Boot Replace the shift boot by reversing the removal process. Some aftermarket knobs may require specific adapters to properly interface with the shift boot retainer.
Automatic and CVT Transmission Gear Knob Upgrades
Upgrading gear knobs on automatic and CVT Honda Civics is significantly more complex than manual transmissions. The process involves removing interior panels and dealing with shift boot retainers.
For automatic and CVT transmissions, you’ll need additional tools:
- Plastic panel removal tools
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Proper CVT Adapters (often required)
Automatic and CVT Transmission Gear Knob Upgrades
Step 1: Panel Removal
“You do need to pop the panel out to swap the shift boot retainer out”. Use plastic panel tools to carefully remove the surrounding trim pieces to access the shifter mechanism.
Step 2: Installation process
Install the CVT Adapter, adjust the appropriate height, tighten the 8 hexagonal screws to fix it, and then you can screw on the custom shift knob you like through the M12*1.25mm thread.
Types of Shift Knobs Available
Weighted shift knobs are popular among enthusiasts because they “improve your driving experience” through increased momentum during shifts. However, some drivers prefer lighter options, as one user noted: “I found I like the lighter feel over weighted. I didn’t find the extra weight made shifting any easier it just maybe dampened some vibration”.
Material Considerations
Metal Knobs: Provide excellent weight and durability but can get hot in summer and cold in winter. Representative materials: Stainless Steel, Aluminum Alloy, Titanium Alloy.
Hybrid Knobs: Feature “a Delrin (plastic) exterior and a solid stainless steel metal core” which prevents temperature issues while maintaining the benefits of added weight.
Carbon Fiber: Offers a compromise between weight and temperature comfort.
Wood: Handcrafted wooden shift knob offers premium tactile feedback with natural grain texture. Each piece showcases unique wood patterns for sophisticated styling that elevates your interior aesthetics.
Thread Specifications and Compatibility
Manual Transmission Threading: For manual Honda Civics, the thread pitch is 10×1.25mm and similar threading applies to manuals. This standardization makes most aftermarket knobs compatible.
Automatic Transmission Compatibility: Automatic transmissions are more complex, with “there isn’t an actual shift knob that is made for our civics”. You need a Honda CVT Adapter to fit universal custom shift knobs.
Upgrading your Honda Civic’s gear knob can significantly enhance both the appearance and driving experience of your vehicle. Manual transmission upgrades are straightforward with simple unscrewing and threading procedures. Automatic and CVT upgrades require more careful planning and attention to detail regarding panel removal and adapter compatibility.
Whether you choose a weighted knob for improved shift feel or a lightweight option for personal preference, the key to success is understanding your specific transmission type and following the appropriate procedures. With the right tools, patience, and attention to detail, you can achieve a professional-looking upgrade that enhances your Honda Civic’s interior for years to come.
