ZC33S, 970kg Hot hatch

I have the solid shift mounts on the cradle and gearbox bracket. The actual gearstick is still standard but I do plan on getting R's Racing short shifter that reduces throw 25~% and marginally raises the gearstick but otherwise looks standard.

I have developed an irrational compulsion to collect different gear knobs, I currently have seven (!), one in the post and plan on another. They cover various styles and weights from 65 - 440g. I enjoy swapping between them but generally find I prefer a light weight knob as it gives a nice mechanical feel with a more defined snappy feel. The heaviest knob is smooth but has a kind of dull soft edge to it.


The Monster Sport knob made from Delrin, weighs 65g for nice snappy positive shift. Quite a small item but I really like the shape as it acts like a ball in socket in the palm where if it were larger you tend to actually grip the knob rather than a more fluid action.


I liked the Monster Sport knob so much I had a machinist reproduce it in polished Aluminium. This is my current favourite.


I asked WC Lathewerks from USA to adapt their "short Piston" design to fit the ZC33S which has an unusually large reverse lockout ring. It is in Stainless Steel with an iridescent heat treated Gunmetal/Bronze finish, it is a beautiful piece of art in itself. The shape suits the way I like to shift and being a bit taller brings the knob closer to the wheel, although a subtle difference does make a change to shifting.

The WK shifter does look like a nice bit of kit. While technically a short shifter, because the lever is much longer I think the throw actually ends up similar to normal. I think the real benefit for on track is that your shift and steering wheel are a much closer distance.

While the Bilstein/Eibach combo have firmed and tightened things up I did choose it very much with the intention of a road set up. I guess it depends how far on the scale you want to go but I might say that my car would probably still be classed as quite soft for a track set up, but obviously firmer than standard. The bracing should reap benefits on track.

Great read this thank you. Im leaning towards getting one myself, maybe some time later this year.

Sorry i missed your reply. Yes the zc33s is a threaded knob. M12x1.25, the lift up reverse collar is particularly large so the need for large internal bore limits off the shelf options. It has to be atleast about 34mm, i will take an exact measurement when i get my vernier caliper.