Alright ... so I think I've read every thread that mentioned shift kits back through mid-2007.

I'm considering the purchase of the Cravenspeed SSK... and had some questions.
First... according to all I've read, it seems that, when you go to the lowest adjustment, modifying the dust shield is required (I've seen the mod pics on two or three threads). The question I have is, if you don't push the adjustment all the way to the bottom, is this modification still required? Simply, assuming the answer to the first question is 'no', how far down can you go without the bottom touching the dust cover? Or ... does it not matter; dust cover has to be modified regardless. I haven't seen a picture or drawing illustrating the actual issue and mechanics of the install to understand what actually is rubbing (I'm speculating it's the bottom of the shift shaft as it is lowered).

Second ... Those that have installed the cravenspeed kit, and have had it more than a month (), are you still as happy with it as when you first got it (daily driving comments preferred)? Any wear signs? Sounds, creaking, etc?

Sorry to those who could care less about SSKs; there doesn't seem to be a lot of posts or questions about it ... which is surprising to me .. but I just wanted to get some clarity.

Thanks.

 

Not leaving the dust cover off or modding it you will not gain any real value out of the SSK. Most people do not mod the dust cover, just leave it off, without issue. The box is still protected by the heat shield.

 

The Helix short shift kit has worked great for me and you retain the stock shifter height and look. Cheap too.

 

I just played with this and did it to mine tonight. I had my dust cover off and just had the heat shield blocking. For this, all I had to do was bend the HS out of the way and it was all set. However, I got too much noise from the exterior of the car and could hear it through the shifter shaft because the dust cover was off. The dust cover does a great job of stopping noise. At its lowest with the dust cover on, you lose probably 4cm at the most on the shifter without it touching the cover. It still is very short at this point. I'll take some pictures tomorrow. Now you can modify it, cut a hole in the dust cover and extend the bottom. Either way, it's probably best to keep the dust cover on.

The rubbing occurs from the shifter at its lowest with the dust cover on. All you have to do is raise it a smidge to clear every gear.

I love it and I have had it for a month now. No noise, creaks, or rattles. The adjustableness of the Cravenspeed is so key to its success. In heavy traffic, put it all the way up and enjoy better than stock, smooth throws at a more comfortable height. In spirited mode, knock it down and get the notchy shift into gear, the shortness is awesome, I'm really getting good with it. Also, Kellen is a pleasure to deal with, made my experience with CS a very good one.

 

I have had a CravenSpeed Short shifter kit in my R56 for well over a year now. Since I wanted the shortest shift possible with the kit, I left the dust cover off. I have noticed no increased noise, heat or any ill-effect from doing so. The normal heat-shielding on the tunnel underside really makes the dust cover not really necessary. Some time later (like when they came out with a shift well cover for the R56) I added that to the mix. I love them both. The Cravenspeed Short Shifter and the shift-well cover are high-quality items, well-designed, well-engineered, and work extremely well.

I have no-interest in Cravenspeed, I just like their approach to add-on products and their attention to detail.

Paul

 

I made my own version of the cravenspeed shift well cover, and I just installed a helix short shifter today. Makes a huge difference. I am a short guy so third gear has always been a little bit of a reach for me. Now its prefect and the whole shifter feels tighter and crisper.

 

I have the helix SS and its amazing. the throw is much notchier which i love, and the stock height stays the same. i dont mind the height of it, and the kit is great, and as stated before, cheap! ive had it since MOTD 08 and havnt noticed much wear. (and i do a lot of driving)