Hi

I'm looking at Helix Short Shifter and Alta Short Shifter.

Just wondering anyone encounter any problems with both the shifter?

Any other recommendation on other brand short shifter?>

Thanks guyz.

 

I've had a Helix SS on my car for about 40K miles with absolutely no problems. It has a shorter throw than the Alta and is much, much easier to install. Then again, the Alta has more bling and it is adjustable. For me, I didn't need an adjustable shifter - and that was worth the $130+ I saved. The Helix extension also leaves the shifter at it's stock height.

....on another note... you could get a Helix short shift & Pulley with $$ left over. Now that's a real performance increase

 

I love the Helix S/S, never tried the Alta so I can't give you feedback on it.

My experience with the Helix:

1. If you have a catback with a resonator (ala Milltek) there is very little space for the extension. I had to lower the exhaust piping about 1" to avoid interference.

2. Some (including myself) feel heat through the shifter if the windows and/or sunroof is open while driving. Others don't have the same experience .

Other than those two things I absolutely love it.

Use the search, you will find my thread and others...

 

That is true. With the Helix SS, you will need to permantely remove the bottom panel to your shift box. The heat shield will be plenty to keep dust and dirt out but you will feel a little heat form the exhaust. I also had to take out my heat shield and give it a few small taps from a rubber malet to give enough clearance for the shifter.

 

I had the Helix and loved it. i did experience the increased heat coming through, but it was not a problem (took me a couple months to notice for the first time), and I think that most, if not all, kits require removal of the bottom panel.*
Bottom line is: Helix cheaper and easy to install, but not adjustable, Alta more expensive but adjustable . . . so which do you need?
If you're looking for an adjustable shifter, also consider the Craven.

Edit- * and I know there's at least one thread out there about ways to reduce the heat 'leak'. Some have kept the bottom panel with a cutout to accomodate the shifter extension, while others have wrapped insulation around the exhaust.

 

I'll throw in a bid for the Craven Speed SS. I like the fact that I can adjust it and the shifts are very tight. At last years AMVIV I bought a Craven Speed shift well cover to go with it. It looks very nice and also blocks heat from the exhaust. The Whalen shift **** is also a must IMOP .

 

I have the Alta SSK, with a new addition, a Whalen "Misfit" shifter. I absolutely love it. One of the best improvements is that the shifter does not feel flimsy like it could break when I throw it now. I can play with the adjustments very easily and I have had no problems in the year I have had it on my car. To me it was worth the money.

 

I see..
Thanks guyz for giving me those information.

May i know how short is the helix or alta?
Is it almost like Subaru STI '02 or S2000?

 

If I remember correctly(as to how an S2000 is) my Alta can go as low as an S2000, but also higher than stock mini.

 

The Helix does not change the height of the shifter (can't believe I didn't mention that difference above). . . so if you like stock height stay with Helix, but go with Alta or Craven if you want to actually change the height of the shifter.
If you're asking how much it shortens the throws -- I'd guess the Helix provides about a 33% reduction in throws.

 

I do not remember what the %'s are for the Alta, but it is plenty short if you want it that short. Or even a little more(taller than stock).

 

I have the B&M ssk and love it. It comes with 4 aluminum bushings that replace the rubber ones on the stock shift housing. Making the shifts and shifter feel rock solid. If your going to get a fixed ssk, get the B&M or atleast look into trying to find the aluminum bushings for the shift housing.

 

I see i see

Thanks guyz
Will think over about it .. :D

 

but searched for a newer one. Anywho..I just installed the Rouge Engineering Short Shifter/extention dude, man what a difference. Should have done this sooner! I wish I had the cabbage to spring for the whole SS from (insert fav. vendor), this will definatley hold me over till then.

 

I doubt that you would notice any difference between the two other than the adjustability. If you are happy with the position of your shifter you have made the right choice and saved $ and install time.
Steve

 

can you post a link to this part...i tried to google but came up with nothing.

thanks!

 

Didn't see this on their web site, I bought mine used from a fellow NAMer.
But, Helix 13 makes one, Detroit Tuned sells them also(helix).

http://www.detroittuned.com/products...ion=powertrain

http://www.helix13.com/mini/products/suspension-chasis Four Items down.

 

thanks for the link! How hard is the install? Does the exhaust need to be dropped?

 

jtack
You do need to unbolt the cat from the exhaust in the front and also the front support and then let the exhaust just hang down. There is no need to go any further. After that just remove the heat sheild and then the bottom of the shifter box. Remove one cable and install the extention. You will not reinstall the bottom of the shifter box and it really is not needed. You can do a search for short shifters and several DIY will come up. It really is an easy project.
Steve

 

Are there pictures for ALTA or Helix short shifter ?

 

Spot on!

 

Technically it's an extender of the shift arm under the pivot point. Not an entire "short shifter". Stock shifter length is the same the "throw" is shorter.

 

What pictures are you looking for? I can gladly help. Just send me a Pm if you want!

 

Also (not to rag on the competition) we have had reports from clients using the style shown above, that they came loose, or even fell off the OEM shaft after some time.

Is that installation error, or product fault? Seems like it may be the part as a set screw to hold all of that force, for that many uses seems concerning.

Just curious!

 

Come on Adam, you're not curious, you are trying to cast doubt about the efficacy of our shifter so as to sell your. Let's call a spade a spade.