Ahead of SEMA: The ShiftMass System Takes Shape
SHIFTMASS ENGINEERING JOURNAL
October 2026 | Development & Production
With SEMA approaching, much of our recent work has focused on bringing together the different elements of the ShiftMass system and preparing them for demonstration.
That includes additional vehicle-specific mounting bases, new knob configurations, production machining, and a display designed to show how the interchangeable architecture works.
One Interface. Multiple Applications.
At the center of ShiftMass is a standardized mechanical interface.
Each vehicle application uses a base designed around its particular shifter arrangement, including reverse-lockout and shift-boot requirements where applicable. The knob heads themselves share a common connection.
This allows a ShiftMass head to move from one compatible vehicle-specific base to another without modifying or replacing the head.
For SEMA, we're building a mechanical display using actual shifter components from several applications, including Subaru WRX, Nissan 350Z, Ford Mustang, Honda, and Mazda Miata.
The idea is simple: rather than just showing a collection of knobs, we want visitors to see the common interface and physically interchange the heads between different shifter assemblies.
Mass Is Part of the Design
The interchangeable heads are only one part of the system.
ShiftMass uses removable, precision-machined brass weights to adjust the mass of the shift knob independently of its exterior shape.
Three available weights—18, 30, and 52 grams—provide eight possible configurations, from no additional mass to 100 grams.
The purpose is to give drivers a repeatable way to experiment with shift response while retaining the shape and surface they prefer.
All custom ShiftMass components are manufactured in-house. We machine the knob heads, interchangeable brass weights, threaded interfaces, and vehicle-specific mounting bases ourselves. Alcantara coverings are also laser-cut and sewn in our shop. Outside services are limited to processes such as anodizing, along with standard purchased hardware.
Patent Progress: Notice of Allowance
We also recently received a Notice of Allowance from the United States Patent and Trademark Office for claims relating to the ShiftMass system.
A Notice of Allowance is an important milestone in the patent examination process. It means the application has been examined and the identified claims have been allowed.
The patent has not yet issued, and the remaining steps in that process are still being completed.
We're pleased to have reached this point as we continue developing the system and expanding its applications.
Looking Ahead
SEMA provides an opportunity to put the complete concept in front of people who understand manual transmissions, mechanical design, and the relationship between a driver and a machine.
We intend to keep documenting the engineering behind ShiftMass as additional applications, materials, and head designs enter production.
The objective hasn't changed: a modular system that lets the driver choose the shape, choose the mass, and change either without starting over.