Just got NM's new SSA only to find out you can't re-install the linkage cover plate once installed. That ain't gonna happen on my MINI. Found a +2yr old post by a guy who put an extension on his cover plate, but he didn't give dimensions for the plastic extension or how big a hole has to be cut in the cover plate. Anybody know? I want to have all the bits and pieces on hand before the install. Thanks for any help.

PS: The guys name is MaxGSeeker. You still around Max?

 

When i modified my plate for my ssk. I just took a hack saw and a hammer to it. You have to knock out a good bit of it too in order for the linkage to clear in all gears. Dont forget reverse btw. Literally about half the plate is removed with just the frame left to clip back in. Good luck.

 

Just about everyone with a SSK leaves the cover off. I have had mine on for well over a year. NO issues.

 

NM is working on a replacement cover it should be out soon.

 

Hi Dwight,

Here is a little more detail on the cover I sent to someone else that might help. I still recommend an enlarged cover over a complete removal since air flow from the bottom of the car is not a good idea.

The extension towards the rear added only about 0.5 to 0.75 inch and the front tapered down to flush (near the two holes). Your SSK may be different so the best way is to extend in as low as possible and cycle the shifter through all gears checking clearance. The depth I added had no interference with the exhaust and never hits inside while shifting.

Here is a photo of the inside of the cover after addding the extension. It shows the shape cut out of the bottom.

Max

 

THANK YOU MAX!! That's exactly the info I was looking for, especially the depth and heat shield clearance.

 

I found a tupperware thing at walmart for $3. It was about 3" by 12", I dremelled the cover, got that plastic glue and with a bit of trimming it was done in an hour. Thanks to MaxGSeeker for the photos.

Scott.

 

That little plate is a b!tch to get off!

 

Get a hook and pick set

http://www.lowes.com/pd_239658-930-3...ductId=1207839

 

About to start on the pan extension and have a question. Can Permatex 5-min. epoxy be used to bond aluminum to hard plastic? I think so, but ain't sure. Thanks - DW

 

YEA, got the pan extension done. No Rubbermaid/Tupperware for me. I went high-tech with teflon coated aluminum, ie: found a defenseless meat loaf pan in the kitchen LOL. Instead of Permatex, I used silicone RPV and pop rivits. Went with a .75" drop tapering down to zero over 5.25". Now to install and pray it clears.

PS: Hey Max, you think this'll work?

 

Sweet. If I send you my cover and some cash will you make one for me? Assuming you were successful and all. Please keep us posted.

 

I was going to make a new cover that was deeper all the way around but I never got a chance to this semester. In my CADD class, we have a machine (forgot the name of it) that prints ABS plastic and as long as I got all the measurements right it would look OEM. If I ever get around to designing it in the fall I'll make a bunch of them and sell them on here.

EDIT:

Just saw this:

They'll probably be done longgggg before I am.

 

INSTALL DISASTER!! After all that work and double checking, I still screwed up. Reverse and 1st thru 5th are great, but it won't go into 6th . After thinking hard about it, I realized the cover extension wasn't cut far enough to the driver's side. Strongly suggest extending the entire cover .75", like Drew is planning. Now to take it all apart again or miss the next club run. NO WAY, LoL. BTW, does anyone know the trick for R & R'ing that *#^** V-clamp on the turbo down tube? That sucker's a bear!

 

I just found, drooled, pondered the NM SSA mod and my research due diligence led me to this post. Good information but have I have a couple of points.

1. "Defenseless meat loaf pan" is SERIOUSLY funny. Not at all in choice of materials to try and resolve the issue. Rather, the words used.

2. Were you able to get it resolved?

For $60, NM could charge a bit more and include a new cover.

Bob

 

I "resolved" the problem all right. Took it off and left it off! When I pulled the pan, it was dirtier on the inside than the outside after 27K. NM told me that here in SoCal the exhaust heat shield gives enough protection. They had run their MINI 30K with no trouble. "Back home in Indiana" you actually have weather and should keep it on. NM's due out with an aluminum cover real soon or you can mod the old one. The SSA was worth the pain. Front to back throws are about 3" with no increase in effort. NEAT!!