I've read most of the discussions about the various ssk's available for the R53 and am leaning towards the Helix. What I'd like to know though, is will it stiffen up the play? Does it come with a solid bushing?

 

The Helix SSK doesn't touch the shifter bushings. It extends the lower cable ball connector, thus changing the fore-aft leverage ratio.

I've installed a number of these and IMO, the change is pretty dramatic, although there is no change in the side-side gate distance. MINIMania sells(sold?) a similar version that isn't as long, with a less of a change.

The really nice thing about the Helix SSK is the ease of installation. About an hour depending on how difficult the front cat-back exhaust flange bolts are to remove. A little longer if you don't have a lift.

 

I just installed mine (maybe 500 miles ago?), I got scared when reading about heat issues/more difficult to shift. I didn't have a single problem, no heat problems, no difficult shifting (nearly the same as stock), just a shorter front and back throw. I definately recommend some pbblaster to loosen up the exhaust bolts on the cat.

 

Speaking from experience with my Alta shifter... the complete shifter is a royal pain in the @$$ to install, although it's a bit easier on the R50/R53 than the R56. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely adore my Alta SSK and would recommend it to anyone, but the install blows.

I bet the Helix could be installed in under 30 minutes, AND I bet you could probably get away with not taking the exhaust off just removing the heat shield (don't quote me on that though).

Also, the complete kits are much stiffer, but, personally, I kinda like that. I think it makes a feel a little more solid.

From what I've heard the Helix is pretty nice, and not overly stiff like the complete kits. I would go for it.

 

I don't think it's possible to remove the heat shield w/o at least disconnecting the exhaust from the cat. At least not w/o bending the hell out of the thing... Not to mention access for getting the box cover off and cable off.

I haven't installed a Helix SSK since getting my new cable removal tool... itching to see how much faster I can do it... I usually spend half the install time getting that cable off without damaging it.