R56 :: Hatch Talk (2007+) MINI Cooper and Cooper S (R56) hatchback discussion.
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R56 ask about Short Shifter

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Old May 5, 2011 | 04:11 PM
  #1  
humsg's Avatar
humsg
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ask about Short Shifter

i am looking for a short shifter for MINI manual, and there's something i confused among
Craven Speed Adjustable Short Shifter (http://www.cravenspeed.com/products/...-Shifter.html),
NM Eng. Short Shift Adapter (http://www.nm-eng.com/233/0/0/2445/n...-adapter.html),
and Helix Short Shift Adapter (http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...-adapter.html).
in my understanding, the NM one and the Helix one are adapters, and the Craven Speed one included the cover, stick (which has the function of reducing shift throw by approximately 20%? does it?), and handle. if it is what i just say, i think the Craven Speed SS is the best choice for me, right?
 
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Old May 5, 2011 | 04:19 PM
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drewstermalloy
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The CravenSpeed one does NOT include the shift well cover, that's another $80 or so.

Yes, the other 2 are just non-adjustable adapters.
 
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Old May 5, 2011 | 04:37 PM
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Originally Posted by drewstermalloy
The CravenSpeed one does NOT include the shift well cover, that's another $80 or so.

Yes, the other 2 are just non-adjustable adapters.
sigh Thanks a bunch! and i just figure out that for 2011, have to pay $20more on it, and i think those two adapters can fit on any year of production
 
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Old May 5, 2011 | 06:10 PM
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I installed the Helix short shifter. I believe it's identical to the NM one, just $15 cheaper or so. It shortens the throw about 20%. It's noticeable, but it's not so dramatic that it's hard to shift. The Craven kit is adjustable, but I'm guessing if you shorten the throw too much, the shifting will be pretty bulky feeling. Maybe someone with a Craven kit can comment on what the shifting is like if you adjust it all the way to minimal throw.

I'm really happy with the Helix. I think it's a pretty good compromise. It's simple, doesn't change the look of the interior at all, and works. The only negative is that you can't reuse the plastic cover that goes over the linkage under the car. Some people think it's not necessary because the exhaust shield covers it up, but I bought the modified NM linkage cover. It's kind of expensive at about $89, but it seals up the linkage fine. You could modify your box yourself so it has enough clearance for the Helix, but buying the NM box was easier.

Tom
 
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Old May 5, 2011 | 09:44 PM
  #5  
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flatlander_48
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From: Cathedral City, CA
From what I see, the top of the shifter winds up being further away from the steering wheel. How noticeable was that?

Originally Posted by Govtslug
I installed the Helix short shifter. I believe it's identical to the NM one, just $15 cheaper or so. It shortens the throw about 20%. It's noticeable, but it's not so dramatic that it's hard to shift. The Craven kit is adjustable, but I'm guessing if you shorten the throw too much, the shifting will be pretty bulky feeling. Maybe someone with a Craven kit can comment on what the shifting is like if you adjust it all the way to minimal throw.

I'm really happy with the Helix. I think it's a pretty good compromise. It's simple, doesn't change the look of the interior at all, and works. The only negative is that you can't reuse the plastic cover that goes over the linkage under the car. Some people think it's not necessary because the exhaust shield covers it up, but I bought the modified NM linkage cover. It's kind of expensive at about $89, but it seals up the linkage fine. You could modify your box yourself so it has enough clearance for the Helix, but buying the NM box was easier.

Tom
 
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Old May 6, 2011 | 04:19 PM
  #6  
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Govtslug
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From: Charlotte, NC
Actually, there is no change in the shifter from inside the car with the Helix. You install the short shifter from underneath the car, so there is no way to tell that is has a short shifter in it until you move the shifter.

That's probably one of the best part of the Helix/NM kit, everything looks completely stock.
 
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Old May 6, 2011 | 06:06 PM
  #7  
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From: Cathedral City, CA
I wasn't concerned so much about how it looks. I was more interested in the ergonomics...
 
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Old May 6, 2011 | 08:48 PM
  #8  
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From: Niceville Fl
I installed the Helix on my 2010. It shortened the throw (3rd gear to 4th gear) from 4" to 3". The increase in shift effort was barely noticeable; after about a week you don't notice it at all. All the work is done under the car. You will have to partially drop the exhaust and temporarily remove the exhaust heat shield. Lots of nuts and bolts, but not terribly difficult. After the mod the shift throw is the same as my old Miata.
 
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Old May 7, 2011 | 10:58 AM
  #9  
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GRATZ!!! THX guys
i really learn a lot
 
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