SOS short gear stalk - OE Honda part? Does it look new?

[otoro]

I purchased the short gear stalk from SOS two weeks ago and finally had the chance to open the box today. Upon inspecting the item, I notice a few rings of the shift-knob threads were lightly scuffed along with some signs of visible wear?

I spoke to Brian @ SOS prior to purchasing and he confirmed that his item was an OEM Honda part. But, my gear stalk came bubble wrapped and tapped together without any signs of OEM packaging.

Here are some photos, does this part look new to you?

SOS part

 

[joboo]

That's how mine came too. I also bought from SOS as nobody else has access to these so I am not sure if its Honda part or what. I sure love how it shifts though.

 

[davidf]

To be honest it does look new. The machining looks rough but thats just how the raw material looks. The part where the cable slides over does'nt look to be scuffed from wear.

 

[otoro]

Ok, an update from SOS. I can understand why it was sent without the OEM packaging and part number, for obvious reasons, but there's clearly some wear on the item. I've had shorter shift stalks on my other cars, C's short shift, Nismo, etc. and none of them ever came this rough. Especially, being an OEM brand-new Honda part.

There are two spots that I'd like to point out.

1. The surface area where the shifter stalk attaches to Dave's short-shift kit. When I line up and attach Dave's short-shift kit, the indentation area exactly where the two pieces meet.

2. The circular area where the shifter stalk attaches to the car's shift assembly, has stuck-on old grease and sticky gunk on it.

I've asked SOS to sent me photos of the other pieces they have in stock. So far, they have been very prompt with their replies and have offer to send me another one if I send this one back. SOS has seen these photos and have assured me that this is a new part.

If I had bought this knowing that it'll be aftermarket part, then I wouldn't mind had it come in said condition. But, since SOS says this is an genuine OEM Honda part, I expected a lot more in terms of fit and finish.

 

[UnhuZ]

Hi,

i bought a used SOS short gear stalk from a Prime member... it came exactly like that.

Here is a pic of a comparison i made when i installed it:

i think that SOS didn't lied when they said it was a OEM part... IT IS an OEM part, but with a longer thread so the knobs will screw further down. I don't think anyone is making replacements for this part...

The thing here is they said to you that it is a BRAND NEW part, which clearly it isn't... unless they got it all greased up with used lubs after they extended the thread.

As it's not a visible part, and it's integrity it's all there, my opinion is that you do a good clean and install it... you will like it. Here is the final result after install:

Thanks,
Nuno

Ok, an update from SOS. I can understand why it was sent without the OEM packaging and part number, for obvious reasons, but there's clearly some wear on the item. I've had shorter shift stalks on my other cars, C's short shift, Nismo, etc. and none of them ever came this rough. Especially, being an OEM brand-new Honda part.

There are two spots that I'd like to point out.

1. The surface area where the shifter stalk attaches to Dave's short-shift kit. When I line up and attach Dave's short-shift kit, the indentation area exactly where the two pieces meet.

2. The circular area where the shifter stalk attaches to the car's shift assembly, has stuck-on old grease and sticky gunk on it.

I've asked SOS to sent me photos of the other pieces they have in stock. So far, they have been very prompt with their replies and have offer to send me another one if I send this one back. SOS has seen these photos and have assured me that this is a new part.

If I had bought this knowing that it'll be aftermarket part, then I wouldn't mind had it come in said condition. But, since SOS says this is an genuine OEM Honda part, I expected a lot more in terms of fit and finish.

 

[menfou]

For me it's new.

 

[otoro]

Hi,

i bought a used SOS short gear stalk from a Prime member... it came exactly like that.

Here is a pic of a comparison i made when i installed it:

i think that SOS didn't lied when they said it was a OEM part... IT IS an OEM part, but with a longer thread so the knobs will screw further down. I don't think anyone is making replacements for this part...

The thing here is they said to you that it is a BRAND NEW part, which clearly it isn't... unless they got it all greased up with used lubs after they extended the thread.

As it's not a visible part, and it's integrity it's all there, my opinion is that you do a good clean and install it... you will like it. Here is the final result after install:

Thanks,
Nuno

For me it's new.

Nuno and menfou, thank you for the comparison pics. I have asked my friend in Japan to look at these photos and he tells me that the original JDM Type-R shaft does not fit USDM cars, for obvious reasons.

Here's a photo of the actual Type-R drive shaft in its original packaging. And yes, SOS, the shift stalk DOES come in Honda packaging.

SOS's explanation for not shipping this part in its original packaging, is because the part is JDM and they remove the packaging to prevent the part number from being accessible; Why not just remove or blackout the labels? In their words, "JDM part numbers are not given out." Which, I can understand, but you can remove the OEM label as it is merely a sticker.

First is the issue of whether or not this part is used, and from what it seems like, it obviously is used. Look at the comparison photo between my shift stalk and that of Nuno's. The circular area in Nuno's part is shiney and not old and gunky like my part. Same goes for the Type-R stalk in its OEM package.

Again, SOS claims this part is NEW and that it's OEM Honda part. I think the only way to prove this is if SOS takes a photo of their shift stalks in stock as they can blackout or remove the part number from the photos.

This is not the the first time that I have complications with SOS.

 

[Moses]

That's how mine came too. I also bought from SOS as nobody else has access to these so I am not sure if its Honda part or what. I sure love how it shifts though.

Access? This is the same one that comes on the zanardi isn't it? I bought mine new from the dealership and it came in Honda packaging.

 

[menfou]

otoro, you have a problem with the SOS short gear stalk ??
You think it's a old short gear stalk ?
I installed mine, and I am very happy, it's the most important

 

[otoro]

otoro, you have a problem with the SOS short gear stalk ??
You think it's a old short gear stalk ?
I installed mine, and I am very happy, it's the most important

Yes and No. Well, you pay the price for something new and once the item arrives, it becomes questionable as to its condition. Clearly, after comparing it to Nuno's photo and the photo I posted above, the part they sent me DOES seem old. Would you not be agitated as well? Yes, you can't see the part one when installed, but its the integrity of this vendor that I'm frustrated about.

I have asked SOS to sent me additional photos of the shift stalks they have in stock and they tell me it'll be exactly like the one I received. Rather then send me photos of other stalks they have in stock, they just linked me to a photo on their website.

SOS tells me the shift stalk comes with the OEM Honda packaging, but because this is a "JDM Part", they went ahead to remove the packaging, labels, etc... to protect the part number for themselves; Which is totally understandable as they are in the business to make money and fulfill their own agendas.

But, unless JDM NSXs are left hand drives, what is so "JDM" about the part SOS is selling, especially since they say it will only work with left hand drive cars.

A buddy of mine pointed this out today (taken from their website):

Gear lever stalk is a direct replacement for the standard NSX gear lever stalk. This gear stalk is made for left hand drive (driver sits on left side of car) NSX only.

 

[otoro]

Access? This is the same one that comes on the zanardi isn't it? I bought mine new from the dealership and it came in Honda packaging.

Does the Zanardi part come with additional threads? Or is it similar to my photos above?

 

[otoro]

Took better photos today. Can someone confirm if the end threads are suppose to look filed/flat on the top edge?

 

[UnhuZ]

Hi,

i would love to help, but i'm not understanding what you are talking about...

Nuno

Took better photos today. Can someone confirm if the end threads are suppose to look filed/flat on the top edge?

 

[HIJACKER]

Why would the part # be such a big secret? Who cares - ITS A PART NUMBER, not a trade secret.

What is the part numbers for the NSX-R gear stalk, Zanardi gear stalk, and regular NSX gear stalk - and differences? I udnerstand SOS has a markup, that's only obvious - they're a business and businesses must make profit.

I'm just interested to know the part numbers as comparison.

 

[otoro]

Hi,

i would love to help, but i'm not understanding what you are talking about...

Nuno

Nuno,

I was referring this this photo in particular:

Look at the threads, there seems to be a flat area (wider threads, facing the top shift stalk). Was wondering if this is normal?

Why would the part # be such a big secret? Who cares - ITS A PART NUMBER, not a trade secret.

What is the part numbers for the NSX-R gear stalk, Zanardi gear stalk, and regular NSX gear stalk - and differences? I udnerstand SOS has a markup, that's only obvious - they're a business and businesses must make profit.

I'm just interested to know the part numbers as comparison.

HIJACKER,

Most vendors I have dealt with, withhold JDM part numbers because that is their niche and that's what makes it profitable. Secondly, SOS's reasoning for not sending this shift stalk in its original OEM Honda packaging is because they claim that this shift stalk is JDM and thus for the protection of their interests, the OEM packaging was removed prior to shipping.

As quoted from their website, this shift stalk is for "Left Hand Drive" vehicles only. How in the world can SOS claim this a JDM part if this shift stalk is for Left Hand Drive cars only? Does JDM not mean Japanese Domestic Market?

Which means, Japanese Domestic NSXs can be Left Hand or Right Hand drive right? It must be a dealer installed option as I haven't seen this offering in my JDM NSX brochures.

I have some parts on order and I'll get the the bottom of this.

mpkr91 or anyone with a Zanardi shift stalk or Zanardi NSX, can you confirm that your shift stalk has extended threads as pictured above?

 

[UnhuZ]

Hi,

i just checked my OEM one (the one i removed to install the SOS stalk) and that thread is exactly like my OEM one. I can't look at my SOS one, but i suspect that it will also be like that.

I think that identation on the thread is for some mounting nut or something. I don't remember from when i installed mine.



about the part numbers issue, not all vendors remove them, if they did, i wouldn't have almost every one for all NSX-R parts i bought... i have a thread with them, but it's not updated, as i cannot edit it any longer and the wiki is very stressfull to work with... i eventually will make a personal webpage for my personal database of part-numbers and part-pictures



Nuno

Nuno,

I was referring this this photo in particular:

Look at the threads, there seems to be a flat area (wider threads, facing the top shift stalk). Was wondering if this is normal?



HIJACKER,

Most vendors I have dealt with, withhold JDM part numbers because that is their niche and that's what makes it profitable. Secondly, SOS's reasoning for not sending this shift stalk in its original OEM Honda packaging is because they claim that this shift stalk is JDM and thus for the protection of their interests, the OEM packaging was removed prior to shipping.

As quoted from their website, this shift stalk is for "Left Hand Drive" vehicles only. How in the world can SOS claim this a JDM part if this shift stalk is for Left Hand Drive cars only? Does JDM not mean Japanese Domestic Market?

Which means, Japanese Domestic NSXs can be Left Hand or Right Hand drive right? It must be a dealer installed option as I haven't seen this offering in my JDM NSX brochures.

I have some parts on order and I'll get the the bottom of this.

mpkr91 or anyone with a Zanardi shift stalk or Zanardi NSX, can you confirm that your shift stalk has extended threads as pictured above?

 

[AR]

That flat area is normal is to hold some washers that have that D cut out and sandwich the shift cables.

 

[nsx1]

Don't hate me, but I have to question the merits of this thread.

Is this thread about whether or not SOS sold you a new or used part?

If so (and I believe it is), does this need to be done in the "NSX Owner Discussion" forum? Isn't there another forum for vendor complaints (Buyer, Seller & Vendor Experience)?

If I am completely wrong, and you're just interested in information, then please, call me (you have my cell phone number), let's arrange a time to get together, and I will help you install the part, and answer (or try to answer) all your questions. I've installed a few of these exact items, including Dave's Short Shift kit, and the part you have looks fine.

AND…

I really need to have someone explain to me WHY the shift stalk would be different between a right- and left-hand-drive car. The shift patterns are identical for both.

 

[AR]

Don't hate me, but I have to question the merits of this thread.

Is this thread about whether or not SOS sold you a new or used part?

If so (and I believe it is), does this need to be done in the "NSX Owner Discussion" forum? Isn't there another forum for vendor complaints (Buyer, Seller & Vendor Experience)?

If I am completely wrong, and you're just interested in information, then please, call me (you have my cell phone number), let's arrange a time to get together, and I will help you install the part, and answer (or try to answer) all your questions. I've installed a few of these exact items, including Dave's Short Shift kit, and the part you have looks fine.

AND…

I really need to have someone explain to me WHY the shift stalk would be different between a right- and left-hand-drive car. The shift patterns are identical for both.

AFAIK They are the same and the only one that differs is the NA1 R as it has a female end on the stalk. Incidentally I purchased a short shifter stalk that was modified in Japan and it has a slight offset to the right. This is a modification that would make it hard to use for LHD drivers.

Cheers,

AR

 

[powerneedy]

LOL its supposed to be like that on the threads. that is how cast metal looks... I do not see what you are complaining about?

look at your shifter in your car and compare before you start trying to wreck a business's name.

If your such a expert about what is new or used or wether you get the oem packaging you would of not spent the 1xx.xx bucks on the shifter but yet modded yours to be excact same for 10th the price...

end of thread/, its new stock

 

[NSXCessive]

That flat area is normal is to hold some washers that have that D cut out and sandwich the shift cables.

I agree with AR99NSX this is correct just installed mine a month ago there is a 'D' shaped keyed washer that fits the shape... looks filed but that is OEM mine looked exactly the same. When you take yours apart to install you'll see what we are talking about. Hope this helps :smile:

See this pic (Note this is with blue short shift kit adapter installed) :

Courtesy of http://www.nsx1.com/

Mods Page http://www.nsx1.com/shifter.html

 

[otoro]

Hi,

i just checked my OEM one (the one i removed to install the SOS stalk) and that thread is exactly like my OEM one. I can't look at my SOS one, but i suspect that it will also be like that.

I think that identation on the thread is for some mounting nut or something. I don't remember from when i installed mine.



about the part numbers issue, not all vendors remove them, if they did, i wouldn't have almost every one for all NSX-R parts i bought... i have a thread with them, but it's not updated, as i cannot edit it any longer and the wiki is very stressfull to work with... i eventually will make a personal webpage for my personal database of part-numbers and part-pictures



Nuno

Hi Nuno,

Thanks for checking and I've confirmed that with a fellow member today, that the thread is shaped like that for a reason. Since I started to question the validity of this parts condition when arrived, I've started to second guess everything else along with it. As compared to your photo above, my shift stalk does seem used and I have since decided to return this part to SOS.

Would be happy to see a full NSX parts DB along with updated part numbers and photos, that would help a lot.

- Jerry

That flat area is normal is to hold some washers that have that D cut out and sandwich the shift cables.

AR99NSX,

You are right AR, the threads are like that specifically for what you said. As explained above, I started to question OTHER things after seeing comparison photos and believing that the part I received is used. I'll be in contact with SOS tomorrow to start my return process.

Don't hate me, but I have to question the merits of this thread.

Is this thread about whether or not SOS sold you a new or used part?

If so (and I believe it is), does this need to be done in the "NSX Owner Discussion" forum? Isn't there another forum for vendor complaints (Buyer, Seller & Vendor Experience)?

If I am completely wrong, and you're just interested in information, then please, call me (you have my cell phone number), let's arrange a time to get together, and I will help you install the part, and answer (or try to answer) all your questions. I've installed a few of these exact items, including Dave's Short Shift kit, and the part you have looks fine.

AND…

I really need to have someone explain to me WHY the shift stalk would be different between a right- and left-hand-drive car. The shift patterns are identical for both.

Steve,

LOL, there's no hate. You've helped me since day 0 of my NSX purchase. Clearly, compare my shift stalk to that of Nuno's and the part I have received, it has (IMHO) clear signs of it being used. We can continue with 101 reasons as to why there's old grease, gunk, etc., but I still believe an OEM part direct form Honda would be of higher standards. If you have ever installed other shift stalks from C's, Nismo, etc., you can understand why I believe I was shipped a used part.

Thanks for your install offer, but I think your DIY is an excellent resource to get around this task. Waiting for a few more parts to arrive, before I can post any comparison photos.

- J

AFAIK They are the same and the only one that differs is the NA1 R as it has a female end on the stalk. Incidentally I purchased a short shifter stalk that was modified in Japan and it has a slight offset to the right. This is a modification that would make it hard to use for LHD drivers.

Cheers,

AR

AR,

My friend in Japan had ask the dealer about the shifter stalk and they said it would not fit RHD cars. But, he didn't get an explanation to why it wouldn't fit and now we know. Thanks for the info.

LOL its supposed to be like that on the threads. that is how cast metal looks... I do not see what you are complaining about?

look at your shifter in your car and compare before you start trying to wreck a business's name.

LOL, how is a simple thread like this about to "wreck a business's name" ??? A little sensitive are we? If you wouldn't mind receiving a used part while paying for it new, then I'll be more than happy to sell you my NSX for sticker price. Heck, I'll do my sticker price less 10%.

If your such a expert about what is new or used or wether you get the oem packaging you would of not spent the 1xx.xx bucks on the shifter but yet modded yours to be excact same for 10th the price...

end of thread/, its new stock

Phew, guy. Take a deep breath now... It was confirmed to be a brand new OEM Honda part prior to purchasing and that's what was expected when it arrived. Unfortunately, I found it to be different then what was promised and I'm questioning the integrity of SOS; Thus my premise for this thread. Actually, it's the principle of the fact. You can re-read my posts again if you like and take in the other comments as well.

Please don't go off on a tangent here and throw out ideas of your own money saving ways. Telling other NSX owners to save money by not buying a short shift stalk, would just take business away from your beloved company. However you decide to mod your own car is your prerogative, whether you decide to cut your springs to lower or punch holes in your exhaust to make a sound - it's all up to you.

I agree with AR99NSX this is correct just installed mine a month ago there is a 'D' shaped keyed washer that fits the shape... looks filed but that is OEM mine looked exactly the same. When you take yours appart to install you'll see what we are talking about. Hope this helps :smile:

Thanks and acknowledged. :smile:



CliffNotes:
- Bought SOS short gear stalk
- Item arrived and I believe it was used.
- Posted photos on Prime to ask suggestions and feedback
- Member comparison photo confirms my doubt of item received was a used part.
- Because of my doubts, I start to question other parts of the shift stalk.
- Other parts of the stalk in question is normal and nothing to be worried about.
- Still have what I believe to be a used part at hand.
- Will return part to SOS.

 

[Sudesh]

Can I just point out that the shift lever that SOS sell is not a JDM part and not an NSX-R part.

The genuine NSX lever doesnt even look the same as the standard NSX one. NSX-R lever has a female shaft and the genuine NSX-R gear knob has a male end which fits into the shaft and why it sits lower.

Heres the JDM parts pic, NO 46 and 47 are the NSX-R parts. It also only fits RHD cars.

 

[nsx1]

The parts you indicate below must be for the NA1 NSX-R. The NA2 NSX-R shift knob has female threads.

Can I just point out that the shift lever that SOS sell is not a JDM part and not an NSX-R part.

The genuine NSX lever doesnt even look the same as the standard NSX one. NSX-R lever has a female shaft and the genuine NSX-R gear knob has a male end which fits into the shaft and why it sits lower.

Heres the JDM parts pic, NO 46 and 47 are the NSX-R parts. It also only fits RHD cars.

 

[ScienceofSpeed]

All the extended thread shift stalks we sell are new. The stalk in your photos you sent look exactly like all the ones we sell. The threads you shown in your photos are not smashed - that's how they are made so that they will work with the factory key'd D washer.

As I mentioned in my e-mail to you, we'd be happy to exchange it for you if you'd like another.

Cheers,
-- Chris