Non-ricer shift knob with switches/buttons?

[nihil]

I took the long route with my homebrew boost gauge. It now has a 2-axis accelerometer plugged into it, awaiting magnetometer sensor(compass), and I'm working on the code for a menuing system and EBC that uses the stock N75. With the addition of the accelerometer, magnetometer, and EBC (with programmable boost curves), I'm going to need some buttons to control this mess.

So, what I'd like to do is use a shift knob with buttons on it. Preferrably something with a 5 button cross arrangment (N/S/E/W/center). I don't want neon, I don't want blinking LEDs that bounce to the music, etc... I googled, but the few (very few at that) that I found looked more at home in a Honda with a dragon airbrushed down the side of it.

Any suggestions for something euro or OEM'ish?

[nihil]

109 views and nobody? Sometimes I think this site focuses way too much on "is my car pretty enough?".

[kovachian]

Orrr maybe it's because what you're looking for doesn't currently exist? I mean, other than one of those Honda-esque shift knobs which granted, look like ass. It's either one of those, or ya do without.

[michgo]

The item your talking about is probably not in production because it partially sounds like a bad idea.

Maybe you shift differently, but most people use their entire hand. Meaning that when you shift you run a high chance of clicking a button. In your case, sounds like a boost controller is what you are trying to mount or find.

I dont know about you, but I am pretty sure that while I am shifting I dont want my boost pressure just changing on me because of my hand placement.

If anything spend a weekend getting some materials together and running some wires and makeshift something yourself! From what I have read it sounds like you know what your doing to an extent. Try your hand at a little fabrication!

[nihil]

Already contacted a local machinist about CNC'ing me up a nice aluminum knob, and will probably work on the CAD drawings this weekend. I was just hoping there was something suitable already on the market.

As for how I shift, I rarely put my hand on top of the knob. Thumb around the left side, with the index/middle/ring around the right. Since it looks like I have to go the custom route, I'll give a bit of a countersink to the buttons to prevent accidental presses.

Of course, going the custom route means it'll take even longer for me to get around to getting things together. At the rate things have been going lately, look for the install some time in 2010.

[AudiA4Turbo22]

^^wow ur slow haha.

[passatkid]

How about an Eaton shifter off a big rig?

[nihil]

It's this damn day job. I mean sure, it pays the bills, and I rarely have to interact with people, but it sure is time consuming.

[AudiA4Turbo22]

^^weekends too?

[nihil]

Yes, weekends too. But it's really not that bad.

I'm not seeing any Eaton shift knobs with buttons on them by way of google, but I did see one that could be a decent donor knob.