I'm migrating from a Miata to a new justacooper. The only thing that concerned me on my test drive was the length of the shift throw. I've done some searching here about short shifter kits but haven't found much posted lately. What kind of short shifter kits are out there? How well do they work? Anything to recommend one kit over another?

 

I'm interested in this too. I have an s2000 and had the same concern during my test drive.

 

First question: what is your MINI? (year, model, etc.).

There are many short shift kits out there, some of the more popular ones are from ALTA, CravenSpeed, and B&M. But the selection available depends on your answer to the first question.

There are lots of vendors who sell these.

 

See this thread here:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ver-sweet.html

And my post on that thread:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...45-post26.html

 

A 2010 plain Cooper on order.

 

CravenSpeed.com has an adjustable short shifter.

 

The Mini is awesome and lots of fun, but shifting isn't its strong suit. Especially when compared to a Miata and S2000, which have two of the most precise, tactile shifters made.

 

I beg to differ. I thought the gearbox was pretty good then I had the Craven Speed SSK installed on my JCW. I have it at the lowest setting. I also have the NM Engineering Torque Arm Insert which replaces the rubber insert with a polyurethane insert. With those 2 mods in place the shifting is now excellent and very precise.

 

I've owned a miata, an s2000 and a 1st gen Mini (which is better than the second gen in shifting; got one of those on order). It's better with an SSK, but still falls far short of a rod-based, rwd S2000 or Miata. Far, far short. Just setting expectations.

 

FWD cars typically have less precise shifting than RWD cars. Most precise shifter I've ever used was on an Alfa Romeo Spider. Test drove an S2000, but don't recall anything special about the shifting.

 

The short shifter i like best for me,is the one in the automatic.Q

 

I've personally installed the Cravenspeed SS kit an R56 Cooper. We've installed alot more in Cooper S's but even in the just a Cooper it was great. I have to say the Craven kit is the only WAY to go. It is the esiest to adjust and fits perfect. It doesn't have screws like other brands that come loose all the tiem. Also you can use your stock shift **** if you want.

 

I love my ALTA SSK and CravenSpeed SWC setup. Looks so good and the throw is perfect. IMO, the CravenSpeed SSK is really ugly, especially the ****. Too bad ALTA discontinued their SSK. They do seem to have them in their "garage sale" section still for only 99 bucks. Maybe you can find one on the marketplace if they run out. The only thing that sucks about the ALTA SSK is that you have to unscrew it with the tiniest alan wrench in the world to adjust it, but I never adjust mine so it's not a problem.

Here's a crappy picture of my setup. Looks 1000000000 times better in real life.

 

I don't want to alter the appearance inside the car, just shorten the throw. How about the Helix adapter? It's much cheaper and looks like it's "invisible" after it's installed.

 

And here are a few pics of the awesome Craven Speed SSK with well cover and JCW CF shifter.

 

I installed the Helix SS kit, which required dropping the exhaust to access but otherwise was simple to install. My car was 1 week old when I did the install because I couldn't stand the long throw. Best $50.00 I've spent on the car.

 

I also have the Helix kit and love it. You don't have to drop the exhaust all the way off. All you have to do is remove 4 rubber hangers and let the exhaust hang. It is a simple install. I remove mine before taking in for service. Some people have told me that is going too far and shouldn't be a problem but it only takes me about 15 minutes to do now that I have done it a few times.

 

I like how the MINI shifts. Its very smooth and the clutch is very forgiving. It could be shorter, and I have an Alta SS which I plan on installing soon.

 

Does the S/S stiffen up the bit of play in the shifter while in gear? Anyone else noticed this stock? Bit if annoying to me.

 

Yep, my ALTA SSK does. Stock almost felt unsafe/unreliable to me.

 

As well as mine. I missed a shift going through the gears and hit higher RPM than I cared to... think I've done that 4 times in my LIFE.

 

i had a cravenspeed and it was very good, selling mine in marketplace if you want one 95 shipped...