I have this shift knob on my Z. I use the stock shifter and boot. I left the stock plastic white ring installed under the top of the boot, but put a spacer underneath it that sits on the beveled edge of the shift stick. That way, the boot doesn't sag, and you can't see any of the metal part of the shift stick. It took about a week to get used to the feel of the shift knob, but now I would recommend no other. Hope it helps, and no, I don't work for GReddy. BTW...I like the look of the silver gear pattern emblem better.