I've used black plastic shifter ***** for years; they're not too hot in summer nor cold in winter, and have no seams to distract. In the past I typically used NAPA $9 ***** that I drill and tap to fit. No set screws to come loose, they can be drilled to the desired depth, etc. BUT, on the C-5 I found I wanted somthing with a larger diameter than 1 7/8". I went through my 40 year collection of *****, checked catalogs, etc. and failed to find anything I liked over 2" in diameter. What to do?

I went to Mueller Recreational Products on the Web and ordered a solid black, 2.25" cue ball for... $4.45(!) plus about $5 shipping. Where the NAPA ***** are always poorly cast, requiring sanding and polishing, the cue ball is perfect "right-out-of-the-box."

Drill the cue ball to the desired depth--two inches to play with--tap it and there you go! Two caveats though, one being that a **** this size is not for everyone, but I love it. (I've set it where the top of the ball is about 4.5" above the left console edge where the boot protrudes on my B&M shifter, but the large surface area of the ball makes it feel like it takes less effort to shift than a smaller ****.) Secondly, the plastic is gawd-awful hard!!! I made a jig to hold it in my drill-press vice. I'd not even attempt it with a hand drill.

Though I have several steel shaft-collars installed on my B&M shaft for dampeners, the high density plastic of the cue ball simply adds more dampening--less shaft/**** buzz. :yesnod:

Simple, cheap, and effective if you or a friend already have the tools. Great for those with biiigggg hands, too. All the best. :cheers: