I've read some disclaimers on some vendors sites claiming that by installing a short shifter will be harder on the cars transmission.Why and is this really a problem?
I can't see why it could damage the tranny,all you are doing is changing the amount of throw?

 

umm.. what? what vendors are claiming that? I mean I can see how people might miss a shift thinking the throw is even shorter than it already is. but then again you can miss a shift with the stock shifter, im confused

 

I'll try and search through all the sites I have saved.From memory it states its harder on tranny due to you having to be more forceful on your shifts?Unsure if that was exactly how it was stated.I'll try and find it

 

well with a longer throw, you have more leverage so the end resulting force is pretty much the same from the transmissions standpoint.

 

thats the whole reason why im confused by the op, what difference does it make to the transmission.

 

Thats what I'm also trying to figure out.I want to know why or how this mod can be damaging to the tranny.

 

Just get one, you'll be glad you did

 

I do NOT believe that short shifters have mal-effects on the transmission

HOWEVER, like many things in life, it is user error
With a "shorter" shift, many are inclined to shift "aggressively" or "faster" putting more strain on you syncros...

well, if it doesn't make sense to anyone, it makes sense to me =]

 

i know for the helix ss adaptor requires permanent removal of dust cover box and a slight indentation on the exhaust heat shield

 

Makes sense to me

I wouldnt want to leave the dust cover off.

 

you dont really have a choice... because in order to shorten the actual throw, the actual link has to be longer. That is were the Helix SS adapter comes in play. Basically it will extend the link underneath the car to a point where one has/must remove the dust cover box.

Its all under Helix's instruction.

 

It isn't necessary to leave it off and it doesn't look like a good idea to me. Yes the heat shield will block most splashing water, but when there are open holes in your floor air will be flowing through it with whatever is suspended. MINI took the trouble to o-ring seal the box to prevent even slight leakage and I woulndn't want water in the shifter cables.

I didn't accept the idea of removing the cover from my Clubman for the CravenSpeed short shifter so I fabricated an extension which is working just fine - no interference. The extension was a plastic Rubbermade tray I had laying around. The glue I used is Permatex Perma Poxy 5 minute Plastic Weld. Great stuff dries fast, sticks like epoxy and is very strong. The hardest part was the work to get at the cover, only spent about 20 minutes making the extension.

 

So, that plate goes underneath the shifter? Do all short shifters require this plate to be removed?

 

MaxGSeeker, nice work on the dust cover.

clnconcpts, think about the Craven SS because you can use it at stock length and go short in 5 sec's for fun time. Do the MaxGSeeker duster cover mod and you get the best of all worlds. Stock when you want, normal wear on parts. Short when you want to play and keep the dust cover.

http://www.autoxcooper.com/craven.html

 

MaxGSeeker,

That cover you made looks very effective. Good work, and thanks for sharing!

 

i think the key words in the op's statemnt are "disclaimer"

definition: a statement, document, or assertion that disclaims responsibility, affiliation, etc

you know, just in case something goes wrong that has nothing to do wtih teh shifter....lol

 

I just installed my Alta SSK today. Thanks to MAX for the help. I did the same as him, and it worked like a charm. That glue is super stinky, open some windows when you use it!! Everything went pretty good, just popping that cover off is a pain.

On the drive home (HWY) it seemed pretty sweet. I can't wait to drive to school tomorrow through the city!

Scott.