Is a short shifter worth it?
Would it help provide less wear & tear on the clutch?
I don't see many people buying one or am I wrong.

Thx

 

A short shifter is one of the best mods for an R56 MINI. We actually install a lot of them. It won't increase clutch life, but it will get rid of the feeling like your rowing a boat every time you shift.

 

With this shifter can you keep the stock look ..... stock cover and boot cover?
Can this be installed by myself or is it extensive?

Thx

 

Way installed a Craven Short Shifter for me. One of my favorite mods...

Larry

 

Can you shift faster with a short shifter? If it will help me accelerate through the gears faster, I'm interested.

 

I've put a short shifter on my last 2 cars including the MCS. It really is one of my favorite mods on any car. Your car will deff be faster because the shift point is so much smaller. I have had the alta ssk for over a year now in the shortest throw. it takes a little getting used to and muscle cause it needs more force.

The main reason id get an ssk is its one of those items where you feel much more in tune with your car.

and their relatively cheaper than most mods!

 

I might be wrong, but at least on the first gen cars it seems as though the exhaust needs to be dropped to get to the shifter lug for installation. Not a terribly difficult job, but maybe the ammount of labor puts many people off. I actually thought this was a pretty common mod myself (haven't done it).

 

I think you're right, I've read something about having to go through a laborious install from the bottom. If it was something I could install from the inside of the car, I'd have done it by now. I'm having a catback installed soon, i'll see if I can get a deal for both while it's on the lift.

 

What would be the ideal short shifter option for someone who has his better half (with less arm/upper body strength) driving the car as well?

 

I had a Helix short Shifter put on my R56 this year at the Dragon. It does make a difference. I noticed it immedately. Too bad my R56 was totaled 6 weeks after the Dragon. When I get back into a MINI the short shifter is one of the first mods I ave done.

 

How much was installation?

Could you keep stock look?

 

Cravenspeed Short Shifter is adjustable with out tools. So you can have one setting for yourself and one for your wife. It's the best of both worlds.

 

Thanks I'll be sure to check it out.

 

Worth it.

 

I have the nm-engineering Short Shift Adaptor and Shift Assembly Box Cover. The nm-eng Adaptor and the Helix part look very similar. The movement is reduced 20%. It isn't a huge amount, but useful.

 

I was able to install the Craven Short Shifter and well cover without touching the exhaust on my 2011 JCW. Craven instructions call for the removal of the exhaust. You can maneuver the front half of the heat shield completely off the car, and work between the exhaust and car tunnel to get to the shifter rods. The hardest part for me was with the 3 pin bushing that holds the shifter in the car. You NEED two people for this portion, or maybe they have a special tool. Because of this step, it took me 3 1/2 hours to complete the job, using my two hands, one foot and a rope tied around the shifter and my neck (to lift up while prying 3 clips) This step alone took me about an hour by myself. Very happy with shifter, but now need a new ****...

 

If my memory is right.... there is an adapter that lets you use your stock ****. As an option?

Thanks for the info very helpful.

Jackson

 

Correct. It came with an adapter. I also purchased the well cover kit , that eliminates the stock boot. The stock **** has a white clip that holds up the boot. and now the clip is exposed and does'nt look too good. I'll take a better look at the **** tomorrow to see if the clip can be removed or cut/ filed smooth. Happy to be able to give some help to others here. I sure got some really appreciated help from others here also. Awesome Forum...

 

Does the setup require the new well cover? Do you have to get rid of the stock boot cover? I like the stock look.

 

No. All you need is the Craven Shifter ( or other brand) and some grease. You can reuse your stock boot and ****. I just never had a well cover , so opted to try it. Actually , theres a lot of less work, if you stay with the stock boot. No need to remove the center console. Its not a hard install, just need some patience, as clips can easily be damaged or broken...

 

Awesome mod. Even the service guys at my Mini dealer noticed and mentioned that they liked the shifting.

 

So does this sound right? I was browsing some store sites and gathered this info:

Alta Short Shifter R56
Reduces the throws by up to 40%.

Cravenspeed Short Shifter R56
Reduces the throws by 0%-50%.

NM Eng. Short Shift Adapter
Reduces the throws by 20%

Helix Short Shift Adapter
Reduces the throws by 37%


Seems to me that I would have to pick the adjustable shifter... because 20% seems small... but what if 40% is too much? I suspect I would need the modified Shifter Assembly Box Cover considering my location and the nasty winter elements.

Anyways I found the throws on the Cooper S to be quite long... very surprised to be honest. Reminded me of my old Focus ZX3 manual. Maybe 37-40% reduction would be just fine.

 

Note that some of the shifter mods move the **** with respect to the steering wheel. There can also be in increase in effort...

 

Is the nm short shift worth it? Do those who have it think it is the best way to go (particularly those that have tried other short shifters?)

 

I'm wondering also but I'll have to wait until I take delivery of my new car and see if a 20% reduction is enough. I've only driven Coopers with manual trans a very short while. If I need to save $$ I'll go for NM, otherwise may go for the adjustable one.