Here is a Cravenspeed installed with the stock boot cover and stock ****. I installed this Sunday. Let me know if you have any questions.

 

How about ease of installation?
Are they all about the same?

 

Installation depends on your skill level. The hardest part to most people is getting the transmissions cables off of the shifter.

 

I guess what I'm asking is: comparing the kits, is there one that is easier or harder than the others?

 

The easiest is the Rogue SSK...does not involve replacing the lever...

http://www.rogueengineering.com/Merc...ory_Code=DRIVE

I've been using this since 2003...

 

Not really they all require you to remove transmissions cables off of the shifter. Its a fairly easy install just take your time and you will be fine.

 

And the rogue is the same as the helix, albeit it comes with a replacement dust cover (which the helix does not).

FWIW, some people (I'm thinking DMH / Don here..) don't believe that short shifters are necessary (or even a good idea), as it interferes with the synchros. To that end, I'll prolly be going with the rogue / helix, since it's a simple 20% reduction that keeps the stock **** height (/ geometry?). If I do a short shifter at all.. I'm actually pretty content with shifting right now. (esp. with engine damper)

 

Not exactly...Helix has one securing stud, Rogue uses three and then is further secured by a large shrink tube...

 

I'd like to see a SSK that both shortens the throw and drops the the **** height considerably, like a race shifter. The throw length would be able to be done with only wrist movement.

 

That's the nature of just about all SSK except for Rogue and Helix which lengthens the lever by adding length below. B&M, Cravenspeed, and Alta all decrease throw by dropping the lever shaft, thereby lowering the shift **** at the same time...this may sound like a great idea if you have gorilla arms but actually increases shift time because of the extra reach required...in a low slung car with high tunnel like a Lambo, the shift lever would naturally be short and near the wheel...Mini's upright seating does not make this practical...

The prefered practice in racing is to shorten the throw while keeping the shift **** close to the steering wheel...How you do that in a car like the Mini is being worked out right now as you already know...

 

Way filled me in. I asked him why he was holding out on me . BTW, thanks again Sid.

 

So it's worth the extra price of admission? I was debating it just for the replacement dust shield.

 

Well, then do you recommend the SSK or the 'part that shall remain nameless' (M7)?

 

uh...$60 will tie you over until the magic shifter arrives...

 

Any estimate or guess on when M7's product will hit the market? Month or 2 ish?

 

Sorry but I don't know...

 

I did the same thing, $29.95 eBay knockoff of the B&M. It works like a charm and even Chad from DT drove it and liked the feel.

 

Cool, advice is always welcome.

 

I too vote for the Helix! We've got one in our EB MINI, and we both enjoy driving with it!

 

About how much drop do you think there is on the B&M? One shift ball? 1.5? Lower?

I have a B&M waiting for an install and the only thing I am concerned about is the know height. I have long arms but I don't want it really short.

Any pictures out there?

Thanks in advance.

Rich

 

Exactly! That is why I have not installed one yet...I don't want to feel like I'm tying my shoe strings when shifting. Think I'll just wait for the unmentioned SSK...

 

IMO, for decreased throw "without" lowering the shift **** (increasing reach), Rogue and Helix are your only choices for now...

The concept for both are identical...add length to bottom of shaft with an extension...does not need the shift mechanism to be replaced...I prefer Rogue's 3 capture studs...

Rogue:


Helix:

 

I had the Alta on Scooter 1.0. It worked well. Sat a little low, but ok for street.

For Scooter 2.0, I wanted to reach the shift lever easier for auto-x and track days, so I went to the Helix. Like it so far.

 

the b&n looks cool and feels sturdy. some people that have driven my mini say they dont like how its harder to put it through the gears.. just something to think about

 

I am about to install the B&M on Artoo but was worried about the stick height. How much lower is the B&M than the stock stick?

Thanks in advance.

Rich