Has anyone installed a SS kit? Could you please post a review of the install and results of any of the available SS kits.

UUC, Alta, Madness, minimania...

Thanks

 

you're asking for too much 6f7, as only the Alta is currently available (to my knowledge), and you have to use Alta's own shiftknob, and give up the factory ****.

Perhaps Davbret can shed some light on the Madness SS?

Cheers,
Ryan

 

For some comments from someone who did the Alta, check this out (jlm): http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...ta+short+shift

I thought the Mania one was available. However quite a few us wanted more than just set-screws to hold her in place...

Tha Madness one looks identical to Mania's just more secure. At least that is how it appeared a few weeks ago...

BTW, with the Alta, you do lose the stock ****, but I believe you can use other/select aftermkt ones, as well as their own...

Hope that helps a little. Still not a solution that I want. Alta is almost there though....

 

The Madness short shift kit was originally designed with a (pardon my lack of fabrication lingo) a locking nut that forces the slip-on-end to squeeze on the stock shaft/ball. We're still looking into this type of fastening, but the costs appear high at this time for such a setup due to all the machining. We are examing using multiple set screws right now. We want to provide a product that is functional, economical and sturdy. Don't want to rush to market with a partially thought out product. We are getting close though! :smile:

R

 

Rogue Engineering has one on their site as well, but no price. I had heard rumors that it existed, but cannot confirm...

 

I have done some testing with the Alta kit, and I've been happy with it. Here are the pros and cons:

Pros

Shorter throw (duh)
Replacement piece
High quality unit
Adjustable throw

Cons

The install is a bear because of the shift cable attachments. Once you get them off, it is smooth
You have to use an aftermarket **** - Alta includes one, but I am using the UUC


I put the unit on in about an hour. The batteries in the camera were dead, so unfortunately, I didn't do a how-to, but I'm sure someone else (DiD or ficcion - you listening?) local will do one soon so I can do the full how-to.

Here are the basic steps so you have an idea of the work involved:

Unbolt the exhaust from the header.

Remove the center tunnnel heat shield.

Pop the lower shifter cover off.

Pop off the two shifter cables from the shift lever.

Pop off the shift boot up top.

Remove the shift lever by pulling the lower bushing.

Replace with the Alta piece.

Reinstall all the pieces.

The tricky part is getting off the cables. I fabricated a small tool, but you can also use a pry bar set up.

I first installed the shifter on the shortest setting - whoa! Way too short. On that setting, you don't even have enough leverage to get the car into reverse without a lot of effort! After switching it to a middle setting, it is a very nice upgrade - like a snick snick of a Miata.

I have now tested it through three track sessions and four days of autocrossing. It has held up perfectly.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

Randy

 

Hey Randy, at the setting/throw that you prefer, were you still able to use the dust cover below? If I understood correctly, at the most extreme setting, that had to be discarded...

Also, once installed, what is the procedure for changing the throw... pretty quick/easy?

Lastly, I'm one of the Whalen guys who does not want to lose that ****. That is the only thing keeping me from the Alta solution. And I know at least a few others that feel likewise...

I know that I'd be willing to spend a few more bucks for one that had the identical rod end as stock: for the oem, or Whalen. I've even contemplated buying the Alta, hacking-off the top couple inches, likewise on the removed stock unit, and welding it onto the Alta. My welding sucks big time, but I guess if it is done far enough down, as in the boot cover area, it wouldn't have to be aesthetically pleasing. The effort just dissuades me though... But, maybe a good business opportunity. Just rambling....

 

I installed the Mania SS and it works GREAT!!! The steps are pretty close to what Randy describes with the exception of removing the shift arm and boot. I did it in about 25 minutes including the dust cover modification. (though I do own a lift)

The fit of the extention sleeve was pretty tight and the retain fit perfectly.

It really does make it "snap" into gear and the 6sp pattern a lot more managable.

 

Bud_SD,
I have the Mania SS as well. I think it works very well and allows the use of my Whalen shift ****, which I wanted to keep. It is a tight strong fit and has stood up to heavy track use with no issues.
Bluesmaster

 

The Alta is great.......

 

TonyB,
Your welding idea won't work. The stock shift lever is plastic.

 

>>TonyB,
>>Your welding idea won't work. The stock shift lever is plastic.

Are you sure about that. I just recently took the shift boot off while doing something else, and the majority of the stalk definitely looked like steel to me (top 3 inches or so were plastic but everything under it wasn't).


_________________
"I live my life a quarter mile at a time...and in that 17 seconds or more, I'm free."

 

>>>>TonyB,
>>>>Your welding idea won't work. The stock shift lever is plastic.
>>
>>Are you sure about that. I just recently took the shift boot off while doing something else, and the majority of the stalk definitely looked like steel to me (top 3 inches or so were plastic but everything under it wasn't).
>>
>>
>>_________________
>>"I live my life a quarter mile at a time...and in that 17 seconds or more, I'm free."

Guys, I haven't looked carefully at it in sometime now, but the core, as I recall is steel. Below the **** flange/lip begins some plastic injection-type covering. The cut would be in there, and this coating removed for a proper weld. I feel fairly certain that this is doable. Again, based upon my memory...

And if indeed the dust box cannot be used on certain Alta settings (true also I believe with the extender unit on the Mania), I would think that droping the stick a 1/4" or so during this welding procedure might allow for the box to still be used. That is, if let's say if 3" is cut-off the stock rod (to receive the stock **** or Whalen), remove 3 1/4" from the Alta top...

Alta could have manufactured their short-shifter with this in mind, and it still would have allowed for aftermarket *****, as we see...

I will remain patient, or get bold and do the above