[RAIVJUMB]

I parted a 73 Esprit that had a 3 spd stick and it had the large black ball knob, still have it on a shelf. Car was one owner low miles so no reason to think that it was messed with. Mark

[Judge273]

Ok, so the black ball is up to 73 as far as originally from Factory?

I only ask because for these cars are subject to factory or dealer adjustments.

We call them recalls today. But, TA from 70-73 were not huge volume cars like ke todays cars.

[unruhjonny]

Originally Posted by Judge273

Ok, so the black ball is up to 73 as far as originally from Factory?

I only ask because for these cars are subject to factory or dealer adjustments.

We call them recalls today. But, TA from 70-73 were not huge volume cars like ke todays cars.

Keep in mind there are two black ball shifter balls;
1) 4 speed - this is the one most often spoken of
2) 3 speed - rarely spoken of.

The oversized black four speed ball was used on Pontiac, as best as I can tell till at least 1973 in the Lemans/GTO line.
I believe that the (regular production) simulated leather knob first showed up on four speed Firebirds during the 1971 or 1972 model year - I am admittedly getting a bit fuzzy on this one...
As far as I am aware, the only four speed knobs correct for the 1970 model year are:

• simulated leather (early production) with red insert and four speed pattern
• large black ball - this one is by a large margain the most common one.

The three speed ball seems to be the one commonly mentioned as being original to 1970-1973 Firebirds (and again Lemans/GTO).
I believe the (regular production) simulated leather knob was first used on 1974 model year cars.
Just like the four speed knobs, the only ones correct for the 1970 model year are:

• simulated leather (early production) with red insert and arrowhead logo.
• large black ball - this one is by a large margain the most common one.

I bought over a decade ago a 1974(?) simulated leather three speed knob;
I believe it to have been NOS, it came in an old resealable bag with the parts slip.
My older posts says when I bought the early production simulated leather knob with the red insert.
I know full well that of the handful of the black three speed balls out there still, the vast majority are sitting on a shelf - never to be used again.

Regaurding my newer thread where I am looking for an example of both a four speed ball, and a three speed ball;
Do I need them - nope.
Would I like them to "complete" my collection - yup.

Also, since I now have everything to return my car to being a correct Muncie three speed, I may very well prefer to have a shifter ball over a simulated leather knob...

Another factor is that although I have passed my '72 M22 on to my brother already, I actually have a 1969 M20, and another 1969 Muncie case with which I will be building another M22 - but this time in the correct pre 1971 Pontiac configuration of coarse spline input, & small output - this leaves me the ability to run one of three transmissions, to see what I prefer...
I am guessing that I will still prefer the symphony which is an M22...
I have already purchased all the parts to assemble it, and i have made sure that none of my parts will silence the original whine of an M22 - even if that means it's not going to be as durable as a super cased/stronger midplate transmission...
I'm only going with a "stock" build - so it's not like I really need to upgrade transmission parts...

So, having the four speed ball would be handy for if/when I should run a four speed in my car.

Now if I could only get on replacing some sheetmetal!