A&Q about Lotus
Q:
I have a 9/2004 built Elise and tried to install the leather shift knob but the shifter stem is too larger. Do I need an adapter? Can I get the shift knob to fit? Any thoughts?
Allan
A:
You apparently have had the shifter replaced on the recall and have a knob designed for the original shift lever. I have heard of at least one dealer that drilled out and tapped the old shift knob, but that has got to be a tricky process. I also heard of at least one case where the accessory shift knob was purchased from Lotus and during the recall the dealer (or LCU?) exchanged the old knob for the new one that fits the new shift lever. I have not heard of any adapter.
A:
I've tried to put a little force and it almosts fits. Actually, I was getting really pissed off and forcing it.
I thought about having a machine shop bore the insides out. But other than that, I out of luck?
A:
So, it looks like the original shifter was an 8mm and the new shifter (including recalls) are a 10 mm.
From Sector 111:
As of Feb 2005, Lotus changed the shifter on all Elise. The new shifter requires an M10 threaded shift knob. Older shifters use an M8 threaded knob. If your car was built in February or later, you will need the M10 shift knob. Please select the correct shift knob size in the option tab on the right.
A:
I simply had my leather shiftknob bored to fit the newer updated shifter (after the recall) that has a larger diameter. BTW, you should get a new stock machined knob with the upgrade.
A:
Originally Posted by babak
I simply had my leather shiftknob bored to fit the newer updated shifter (after the recall) that has a larger diameter. BTW, you should get a new stock machined knob with the upgrade.
Thank you. Is that something I can have done at a machine shop? Any idea on cost?
A:
When I upgraded my dealer did it themselves. They gave me the option of shipping a new one but I had heard others machining the thread to match the new one. I was cool with and didn't want to wait. You may want to call your service guy for the specifics of what thread pitch they used etc.