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Wasn't sure if this goes here or in Performance Mods: Drivetrain, so Mods feel free to move if necessary...
Okay, I need your expert advice... I have an 05 MCS and hate the shift knob (way too big). I'm a small person with small hands, so I definitely want something smaller. So here are a couple questions:
1. Is the Whalen shift knob smaller than the standard MINI knob?
2. While I'm contemplating a new shift knob, I wonder what the opinions are on a short shifter - might as well get them both at once for compatibility. I won't be racing, but I do like a tight, fast shift. Any recommendations?
I would suggest a momo shift knob similiar to one Jason has and it is not a ball knob. If your going to install a short shift kit I'd go with an alta because of the adjustability and the look of it is also shorter which I personally like. I actually have neither the alta SS or momo knob in my car but will probably make the change soon. Jason has both and I like the set up he has.
The Whalen is a little smaller... much more comfortable IMHO. I had Doug put my company logo on mine and I absolutely love it. He was awesome to work with too!
My whalen knob is easily the most enjoyable mod I have done to my MINI.
Shifts become smooth and nearly effortless with it installed
__________________ Disclaimer: No claim is made that the quality of the MINI-related advice offered by Yucca Patrol
is greater than the quality of MINI-related advice offered by other NAM members.
Doug Whalen makes the best shift knobs I've ever seen. They feel perfect and really improve the shifter feel. You can also have him do a custom design on the top. Here is the knob he made of me.
MINI knob?
..... I wonder what the opinions are on a short shifter - might as well get them both at once for compatibility. I won't be racing, but I do like a tight, fast shift. Any recommendations?......
the cheapest, fastest way is to just cut off the shaft about 3 1/4" to 3 1/2" and stick whatever knob you want on the stump that remains. this is described in another thread here on NAM and on MINI2:
I use a Whalen shift knob on an Alta short throw shifter and it is the best. Crisp short throws with excellent feel.:smile:
__________________ '03 MCS - 17% pulley, Craven CAI, custom exhaust, Milltek header, Alta Short Shifter, Alta air diverter with sprayer, WMS sway bar, H-sport control arms, Wilwood BBK, Spax coilovers, DT by-pass valve, Mynes tune.
I was a bit skeptical that a shift knob could dramatically change the feel of a transmission. However, within ten minutes of installing my Whalen on Saturday, I was convinced. It is a significant improvement. Also, Doug is a pleasure to work with..I had my custom shift knob 72 hours after my first conversation with him on Wednesday.
One more positive vote for the Whalen. It is a work of art, Doug is great to work with and when you think about it the number of times the shifter is touched and moved is second only to the gas pedal Think this one carefully and go for quality. I have the B & M short shifter / Whalen combo with custom logo.
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17" Comp SSR, Quaife LSD,Sachs clutch,PSS9 coil over,GRM IC, RDR camber plates,H&R front/rear sway bar,H sport adj control arms, ETC.
Doug Whalen makes the best shift knobs I've ever seen. They feel perfect and really improve the shifter feel. You can also have him do a custom design on the top. Here is the knob he made of me.
Awesome graphic. Did you design that or find it somewhere? Oh and dont worry i wont go copying your idea Im just curious
Thanks, everyone, for your great feedback and suggestions!
I think I'm gonna check out Jason's Momo/Alta setup but also find someone local with the Whalen knob installed and get a feel for both.
Oh, and thanks for all the great pics! Very helpful to see things in-place and also the side-by-side comparison shot. I'm pretty convinced Whalen is the way to go, just a little concerned about the size.
Thanks again!
I put in a B&M shifter kit in, and I think it makes the car shift the way if should have from the factory. Nice, short and crisp... very schnicky-schnik
...but I can't comment on the shift knob, since I use the stock one (sorry, I like it), but I do know the B&M can use either the stock knob or an aftermarket knob.
I got a MOMO Aluair knob from a friend of mine before I even had my MINI. He ordered it from Out Motoring.
It was a little tricky to install, but it's a lot smaller than stock. It's not heavier than stock, though, and the way it installs actually makes the shift lever a little longer.
Hmm...maybe I'll have to buy myself a Whalen.
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A car is safe in a garage, but that is not what cars are for.
I have the MINI Mania Ultrik Short Shift kit and a very light Wooden MOMO shift knob. Shifts are short, precise, light and fast. The feel of the shifts is much different and much better than stock. The shift lever is stock length inside the car. The MOMO knob adds about .75"/20mm to the height of the knob, keeping you hand close to the wheel for quicker shifts.
The wood knob is warm in the winter and cool in the summer, unlike the metal knobs from Whalen, UUC and others.
Could not be happier. Will be switching the MOMO knob to my new '05 MCS. The short shift is too much trouble to remove from the old car so will be replaced with a new kit.
Just to add to the thread, I recently added an Isotta knob, and cut my shaft about a half inch or so. But it may not be much better in your case as it is hardly smaller than the stock knob.
With a little bit of filing on that annoying plastic lip, I fit my MOMO on. Now the boot goes right upto the collar. The helix SS will go on soon. The weight seems to be the same, but the MOMO is a little smaller in diameter.
B&M shifter is next. Anyone in the south SF Bay area know of a reasonable place for the install??? AE Performance in Campbell quoted me $110/hr for a 1-2 hour job (I'm sure I'd end up paying for 2 hours).
Think this one carefully and go for quality. I have the B & M short shifter / Whalen combo with custom logo.
