...and I'm about to buy a new WRX soon! (Like, later today maybe?) I have a couple of questions:

(1) How standard is the threading of the shifter knob? It's never too early to plan super-important performance upgrades like shifter knobs and fuzzy dice!

(2) Who's bought from Carlsen Subaru in Redwood City, CA? (Hope you don't mind, I'm posting this question here in hopes of getting the maximum response!) Did anyone manage to talk the price down from their fixed 4.75% over invoice?

Hmm, that's pretty much it. Today at another dealer I saw a silver sedan with a big moonroof. Hope the future owner of that car never rolls it! :)

- brewdude

As far as I know the only shift knobs that thread onto the WRXs shifter are the STi shift knobs that Subaru offers as an option. They are expensive though.....most people, i think, have went with a MOMO shift knob of which uses 3 set screws to be fastened to the shaft. I have had mine mounted for 2 months now and have had no problems with it loosening or slipping.....however I did counter sink 3 small holes into the shift lever shaft for the screws to seat into....and then I used thread lock to prevent them from backing out..its rock solid though......anyway, those are the only ones that I know of that thread....all MOMOs (as I was told) use set screws because of the many different ways manufacturere use to fasten knobs...including different threads and shaft thickness...........hope this helps............

Shift knob thread is pretty standard. Got a ball shift knob at NAPA for 5 bucks. Screwed right on and works great! Who needs a short shifter!

A new knob, while lower than stock, won't alter the throw of the lever much. Get a short shifter, too, for the best results!

I beg to differ, it actually did reduce the throw quite nicely. If you wanna blow money on something get something that's going to improve performance. For the price of that shifter you could get a nice whiteline rear sway bar to dial the understeer out or put it towards a decent exhaust.

Just bought mine 2 days ago at Subaru Santa Cruz for 23000 so thats about 1000 of the MSRP if that helps. Both carlsen and santa cruz are good. My friend bought his from carlsen and we were well taken cared of. Same goes for Santa Cruz. I dont know if Carlsen offers this or not but SC offers free oil change everytime for 3 years. Free carwash everytime you take it in to service, 10% off parts and labor, and free rental car everything you bring your car in. Man I love Subaru of SC hehhe. Oh and they are pretty mod friendly to :)

I beg to differ, it actually did reduce the throw quite nicely.

I imagine is ends up being 1 - 2 inches shorter than stock, so yes, it would reduce the throw. Not as much as a (shameless plug) Kartboy, which I do consider to be a "performance improver".

(Exhaust is on the way, too...must be patient...)

Ed

Ah yes, the exhaust. That too is on my list along with the springs, struts, ALK, 17" wheels,gages, quick ratio steering rack, bigger turbo, bigger intercooler, engine/fuel/boost mgmt, six speed tranny..... Does It Ever End!! : )

:rolleyes: You won't have made much of a difference in the throw of the shifter by putting on a shorter knob. Sure an inch will do something, but very, very little, maybe not even noticeable. I say, get the Kartboy, it's a much better mod than a bigger sway bar that most people will never even have a use for. It won't be blowing money away. The idea of the shorter throws is all in the geometry, not in the height of the lever. Although height plays a minor role. What I'm trying to say is I can guarantee that there isn't even a comparison between the two. Not to mention a knob cost at least $70, and a shifter would be only $30 more; there would be a much greater fun factor there.

Just picked up my sedan! Now to learn how to drive it really illegally! :p

- brewdude

ps: If you're in the Bay Area and you want a reasonable price with absolutely no BS, I can now safely vouch for Carlsen Subaru. Larry was cool to deal with and owns a silver sedan to boot!

D'oh... I guess I got reemed, eh? I paid 3500 over... MSRP... I was not happy, not at all, but I bought it in a small town in oregon where I live. I would have shopped around, but they had the car I wanted. I just bought mine about a month ago. I guess I should have gone to a bigger dealership. Hehhh, oh well, i just regret reading this post :p cause now i feel gipped, well, except for having a great car...

I bought a white WRX from Carlsen today and I agree that it was a pretty good experience. I didn't get them to go down from their 4.75% over invoice markup, but it was still a pretty decent deal.

you should never ever buy a car over sticker.