So, I'm looking into different SSK's. I had an Alta SSK on my R50 (I absolutely loved it, btw) and removed it before I went to the R56, hoping that it would work on the new MCS as well. Turns out my build date on the R50 was right in that "grey" area where they made some slight changes to the ball joint sizes on the shifter, I have no clue as to whether or not it will work. All Alta could tell me to do is try it and see. So that's what I intend to do.

However, should it not work... I'm looking into the Helix SSK for three reasons:

1. It's WAAAAY easier to install (the Alta SSK was a real pain).
2. It delivers almost the same throw reduction as the Alta.
3. It looks completely stock on the inside.

My only concern is that it seems to attach to the bottom ball joint with ONE itty bitty allen bolt. Has anyone had any trouble with this at all? How do you like the Helix SSK?

Thanks,
Jared

 

I've got 9000 miles on mine with no complaint.

 

Good deal. That's what I wanted to hear.

 

I have 5k or so on mine, no problems. There is a company that makes the exact same thing as helix but with three allen bolts although I can't remember who.

 

Is it that "Rogue" company? I'll check them out.

How do you guys like your SSK's?

Edit: Just checked out the Rogue kit. It says it's a 20% reduction. Helix is supposed to be a 37% reduction, which is closer to what I was looking for (the Alta SSK drops it 40%). So that's out.

 

just add some locktite if you are worried about it loosening up over some time...

you have to remove the dust cover box (the ss adapter right?). some dude cut up a hole in his dustcover and extended the hole with a plastic box and sealed it... im not good at explaining things but you can do a search

 

I didn't even think about locktite. Good idea.

And, yeah, I saw where that guy modded his dust cover with a rubbermaid container. Another cool idea. I had the Alta SSK on it's lowest setting in my R56 for about 30k-40k miles with the dust cover off. Never had an issue. So I probably won't worry about going that far. But thanks for the heads up!

 

hmm... so many options... i was leaning toward the alta ssk but i will check out the helix.

The only think for sure at this point is the craven speed shift well cover...

 

Don't get me wrong, here... I absolutely loved my Alta, and I don't want to steer anyone else away from them. I just don't want to spend another $200 at this point. Not to mention that I really don't have the time to do that kind of install right now. But if you want the full shifter... go with Alta. It's awesome!

 

love the feel and throws on my Helix. Had to remove the dust cover definitely.

 

Sweetness. Well, I'll find out this weekend whether or not my Alta fits. If, not... I guess I'll be getting the Helix kit. Thanks for reviews everyone!

 

man, the price of the helix is super tempting...

Any one have pix of it without the boot?

Im gonna get the craven speed shift well cover so im hoping the stock shifter isnt too ugly when its naked...

 

This installs on the under-car end of the shift lever after you remove the shifter box cover mounted underneath the floorbaord. By extending the length of the lever below the fulcrum point you alter the effective throw where the shift control cables connect to the lever. Nothing is altered above the floorboards.

 

I think he just wanted to know how the Cravenspeed shift well cover would look with a stock shifter.

I'll post some pics of the stock shifter this weekend when I attempt the install of my Alta SSK. If it's anything like the one on my R50 was, it's ugly as sin. And IMO wouldn't look all that hot with the Cravenspeed well cover. But maybe I'll be surprised.

 

you heard me loud and clear! thats what im worried about.

I really like the simplistic look of the CS shift well but a nasty looking lever would completely kill it.