Has anybody out there done this in there garage as a quick saturday change on there s? I'm looking to do it but just want to do it myself.....seems like everything I've seen says that you have to drop your whole exhaust to do the mod! Kinda crazy if ya ask me.....is it worth it?

 

I did the Helix SSK. Easy enough to do in half a day (and I'm slow).

 

Unfortunately, you do have to drop the front part of the exhaust system and support bracket to access the gear box panel.

Expect to come across some frozen nuts/bolts during this process....so wearing mechanics gloves is a must. And a good torch will help loosen them up. This also means having the ability to easy out/drill out and possibly re-tap any that didn't come out correctly.

You would also have to have some extra nuts/bolts and possibly a new exhaust flange gasket to get all that gear back up as well.

If you have any doubts, the book rate should be about 2-2.5 hrs in a shop, and should cost about $200.00US to install properly. Some MINI shops will perform this install as well.

Some SSK's do not allow you to replace the dust panel under the gear box once installed. This is due to the different linkage lengths of some new kits. With exception of the B&M Kits, a few are designed to be run that way, and should not be too much of an issue regarding dust ect. If someone else does the install, make sure you get all your old parts back including this OEM panel.

I have a B&M Sport SSK kit, and it was definately worth it.

Good Luck.

 

It took me a few hours to do, but it was fairly simple. I did it on my driveway on a pair of small ramps. I haven't had much experience working on cars before, other than changing the MCS manifold.

I fitted the B&M kit on mine. Love it!

 

Everyone seems to love any SS they install. Just take your time and make sure you have the right tools and ramps and or jack stands. SAFETY 1st
We encourage customers to use the Craven Adjustable SS kit. Gives you the best of both worlds and adjustments are made with right hand in just seconds. http://www.autoxcooper.com/craven.html

 

You may enjoy the Texas Speedworks engine Dampner more than the SSK or weighted shift ****. I have found that it makes the best addition to the feeling of the shifts. But without a lift I think this job could be a pain in the ***. But that is just me.

 

The TSW Damper will help with shifting too, but the SSK's are also a winner. That's why many of my customers have both. The TSW Damper is easier to install and also helps put power to the ground faster, something a SSK won't do. http://www.autoxcooper.com/tsw_engine_damper.html

 

Random comments:

I have installed many Helix SSK's (six, I think). Most with the car on ramps.

Yes, the exhaust has to be loosened, but not removed. With the Helix, the interior remains untouched. I leave the cover off. The heatshield seems to protect the shifter box well enough.

If you have a salt-belt car, you may have fun getting the exhaust flange bolts off. Get the car on the ramps, spray Kroil or PB Blaster on the flange nuts. Then go inside and do something else for a couple of hours. Even then, the bolts can be stubborn and access isn't the best... I use a 6-pt socket with a 1/2" dr breaker bar to get them off.

Personally, I'm not crazy about the SSK. Both of our MINI's have one. IMHO, it makes the already notchy-feeling MINI shifter even more notchy... However, the other half likes it, so I'm out-voted.

Moss sells a SSK similar to Helix. However, the Moss version is slightly shorter, so the leverage doesn't change as much and the effect isn't as dramatic.

 

Interesting advice from all....I still looking into seeing weather I really want to do it to my cooper s. It's never tracked.....just spends some long days doing canyon driving in the LA area. Seems like if somebody has ramps though it's an easy enough conversion for a couple hours on a saturday too thats for sure!

 

i had mine done at a shop.

a little birdie told me to..

the install only took 20 minutes or so at a shop/with a lift