Wasn't sure if this goes here or in Performance Mods: Drivetrain, so Mods feel free to move if necessary...

Okay, I need your expert advice... I have an 05 MCS and hate the shift **** (way too big). I'm a small person with small hands, so I definitely want something smaller. So here are a couple questions:

1. Is the Whalen shift **** smaller than the standard MINI ****?
2. While I'm contemplating a new shift ****, I wonder what the opinions are on a short shifter - might as well get them both at once for compatibility. I won't be racing, but I do like a tight, fast shift. Any recommendations?

Thanks for your help!

 

The Whalen is about the same size but MUCH nicer feel - the notchy feel is totally eliminated due to the weight.

 

I would suggest a momo shift **** similiar to one Jason has and it is not a ball ****. If your going to install a short shift kit I'd go with an alta because of the adjustability and the look of it is also shorter which I personally like. I actually have neither the alta SS or momo **** in my car but will probably make the change soon. Jason has both and I like the set up he has.

 

The Whalen is a little smaller... much more comfortable IMHO. I had Doug put my company logo on mine and I absolutely love it. He was awesome to work with too!

 

My whalen **** is easily the most enjoyable mod I have done to my MINI.

Shifts become smooth and nearly effortless with it installed

 

Doug Whalen makes the best shift ***** I've ever seen. They feel perfect and really improve the shifter feel. You can also have him do a custom design on the top. Here is the **** he made of me.

 

the cheapest, fastest way is to just cut off the shaft about 3 1/4" to 3 1/2" and stick whatever **** you want on the stump that remains. this is described in another thread here on NAM and on MINI2:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=15017

 

The Whalen shift **** is a work of art. The way it feels and looks are of the highest quality. It is still round and shiny, which I love.

 

I use a Whalen shift **** on an Alta short throw shifter and it is the best. Crisp short throws with excellent feel.:smile:

 

I was a bit skeptical that a shift **** could dramatically change the feel of a transmission. However, within ten minutes of installing my Whalen on Saturday, I was convinced. It is a significant improvement. Also, Doug is a pleasure to work with..I had my custom shift **** 72 hours after my first conversation with him on Wednesday.

 

One more positive vote for the Whalen. It is a work of art, Doug is great to work with and when you think about it the number of times the shifter is touched and moved is second only to the gas pedal Think this one carefully and go for quality. I have the B & M short shifter / Whalen combo with custom logo.

 

Awesome graphic. Did you design that or find it somewhere? Oh and dont worry i wont go copying your idea Im just curious

 

Im using a weighted MOMO sphere **** and Helix13's short shifter adapter.

very positive feel and action. I like. :smile:

 

I took a couple of quick pics of my Whalen next to the factory **** for comparison. The Whalen is much heavier and makes the shifts feel nice

 

Thanks, everyone, for your great feedback and suggestions!
I think I'm gonna check out Jason's Momo/Alta setup but also find someone local with the Whalen **** installed and get a feel for both.

Oh, and thanks for all the great pics! Very helpful to see things in-place and also the side-by-side comparison shot. I'm pretty convinced Whalen is the way to go, just a little concerned about the size.
Thanks again!

 

I put in a B&M shifter kit in, and I think it makes the car shift the way if should have from the factory. Nice, short and crisp... very schnicky-schnik

...but I can't comment on the shift ****, since I use the stock one (sorry, I like it), but I do know the B&M can use either the stock **** or an aftermarket ****.

Good luck! - - m

 

I have the Alta SSK with Alta ****. Very nice. Highly reccommend. Smaller **** than stock.

 

I agree wuth Ripley here as I have the same. It's the round Alta **** rather then the pear shaped one that has the perfect feel.

 

I got a MOMO Aluair **** from a friend of mine before I even had my MINI. He ordered it from Out Motoring.

It was a little tricky to install, but it's a lot smaller than stock. It's not heavier than stock, though, and the way it installs actually makes the shift lever a little longer.

Hmm...maybe I'll have to buy myself a Whalen.

 

I have the MINI Mania Ultrik Short Shift kit and a very light Wooden MOMO shift ****. Shifts are short, precise, light and fast. The feel of the shifts is much different and much better than stock. The shift lever is stock length inside the car. The MOMO **** adds about .75"/20mm to the height of the ****, keeping you hand close to the wheel for quicker shifts.

The wood **** is warm in the winter and cool in the summer, unlike the metal ***** from Whalen, UUC and others.

Could not be happier. Will be switching the MOMO **** to my new '05 MCS. The short shift is too much trouble to remove from the old car so will be replaced with a new kit.

Sorry, the middle photo is a bit underexposed.

 

Just to add to the thread, I recently added an Isotta ****, and cut my shaft about a half inch or so. But it may not be much better in your case as it is hardly smaller than the stock ****.

 

You might check out the UUC ****. I have one and like it a lot.



http://www.webbmotorsports.com/interior.php

 

Ditto on the UUC **** (with the Alta SS).

I had a Whalen and loved it. I just like the UUC a tad bit more........

 

With a little bit of filing on that annoying plastic lip, I fit my MOMO on. Now the boot goes right upto the collar. The helix SS will go on soon. The weight seems to be the same, but the MOMO is a little smaller in diameter.



-[[[S]]]

 

Got my Whalen today! Sweeeeeeeeeeet!!!



B&M shifter is next. Anyone in the south SF Bay area know of a reasonable place for the install??? AE Performance in Campbell quoted me $110/hr for a 1-2 hour job (I'm sure I'd end up paying for 2 hours).

Thanks again for all your input!