The leather wrapped automatic...
The leather wrapped automatic shifter handle in the new Challenger is nice, but when it comes to Mopar shifters nothing beats the Pistol Grip. Fortunately, Custom Pistol Grips has CNC shifters for all LX Mopars, with custom handles to fit the theme of your ride.
Mopar transmissions have come a long way since the A-833 and 727 TorqueFlite, and so have the shifters we use to control them. Want proof? Jump out of your classic Mopar and into the driver seat of a new Challenger, Charger, or 300 and feel for yourself. Automatic equipped LX models have five forward gears and operate smoothly and efficiently with a lockup torque converter. New Hemi powered Mopars with manual transmissions are equipped with six forward gears, and shifting is far more precise than any A-833 could hope for, even with the best shifter. Speaking of shifters, we’ve always thought that the new Mopar offerings should be equipped with an iconic shifter that was made popular in classic Chrysler offerings, the Pistol Grip. Fortunately, a company called Custom Pistol Grips is making replacement shifter handles to convert your automatic-equipped Challenger, Charger, Magnum, or 300 to the classic look of a Pistol Grip shifter.
We’ve enjoyed our new Challenger since owning it, and although we opted for an automatic transmission, the new Mopar NAG1 automatic does have a manual shift, or “autostick” feature. While technically an automatic transmission with a torque converter, the NAG1 can be shifted manually by making side to side movements, left to downshift and right to up-shift, making the car fun to drive and putting the driver more in control of the vehicle. Since transmission shifting is controlled by electric switches in the console mounted shifter control, it’s easy to simply remove the stock shifter handle and replace it with a replacement unit from Custom Pistol Grips.
Removing the factory shifter...
Removing the factory shifter knob in 2008 and newer LX Mopars is easy. Simply insert a screwdriver between the leather of the shift handle and the chrome lower bezel and pry them apart.
It’s not that we didn’t like the factory leather-wrapped shifter from Dodge, but when we discovered we could easily replace the stock handle and have the look of a classic Pistol Grip, we had to do it. Custom Pistol Grips has shifters to fit both older and the latest LX Mopars, with bodies CNC-machined from billet aluminum and inscribed with the proper shift pattern. Shifter grips are available in light or dark wood, carbon-fiber, or in plastic wood grain just like the originals.
We chose the carbon-fiber handles for our Challenger since the majority of the interior is black. It only took a couple of minutes to install the shifter, and while performance isn’t really affected, we love the way it looks. Additionally, the Pistol Grip shifter is a little taller, making it easier to rest your hand on it while resting your elbow on the center arm rest. Best of all, this is an easy swap you can accomplish in just a few minutes with a screwdriver and Allen wrench.
Once separated the shifter...
Once separated the shifter handle and bezel just slide off the shifter separately. On 2007 and lower LX cars, just turn the shifter counter clockwise and it unthreads.
The Custom Pistol Grips shifter...
The Custom Pistol Grips shifter handle is made up of three pieces and simply slides over the factory shifter in place of the stock unit.
On older LX cars, this piece...
On older LX cars, this piece threads onto the factory shifter. Once in place, ours uses set screws to hold it in position while the earlier LX shifter is held in place with thread-locker.
The new handles are now installed...
The new handles are now installed with the provided hardware and that’s it, you’re finished. This is definitely something just about any enthusiast can do themselves, and if not, your wife or kids likely can. While this may not improve your car’s performance, it definitely enhances the already cool Mopar interior.
We chose carbon fiber grips...
We chose carbon fiber grips for our shifter handle, and Custom Pistol Grips offers a variety of wood or N.O.S. style plastic handles as well. The shift pattern is machined into the top surface of the shifter handle for a nicely finished appearance.
The Pistol Grip shifter looks...
The Pistol Grip shifter looks right at home in the new Challenger, blending nicely with the faux carbon-fiber in the factory trim. We also like the way the shifter feels, especially since it puts your arm slightly higher when resting your right hand on the shifter. Even better, this shifter handle only takes a few minutes to install.