So these may be stupid questions but I have to know:

1) Has any one installed this shifter assembly on their Mini? http://www.cae-racing.com/shifter_mini.htm
If so, was it a relatively easy process?

2) Does the Craven Speed short shifter and/or NM short shifter solely reduce the throw distance of the shifter and not manipulate the shift-stick height at all? Or is the shorter throw distance a result of either of those products reducing the height of the shift-stick (technical terms here )?

3) Between the two options in question #2, which is better? I quantify "better" by 1) ease of install 2) bang-for-the-buck 3) longevity 4) does not reduce shift stick height.

 

I haven't had experience with the CAE shifter but from what I've heard it's very good, but it comes at a price...

I installed the Helix short shifter. It significantly reduces throw without reducing shifter height since it retains the stock shifter.

Installation is a pain but its easy, especially if you have access to a lift, but can still be done on stands or a ramp.

Also, it's an extremely cheap mod that makes a big difference, I highly recommend it. The Helix will shorten the throw more than the NM.

 

All of them will require that you drop the exhaust, move the head shield and remove the bottom cover of the box. The full shifters then require some work in the cabin getting the shifter in and out, while with the Helix you are almost done at that point.

You will lose up to an inch of height with the Craven as you shorten the throw. The Helix will retain the stock height as noted by sooper. The reason some people find the Craven Adjustable to be worth it is the ability to set the throw and height to your liking. Once installed you may find that you don't like the throw set to a 30% reduction, with the Craven you can change the feel of the shift whenever you want.

 

The TyrolSport ShiftRx short shifter kit does not require getting under the car at all. It mounts to the linkage on the top of the tranny to the right of the engine, You just need to move the coolant bottle and air intake pipe out of the way. You have two different settings (10% and 40%) to choose from.

 

Easiest way to do it is with a hacksaw and a universal MOMO shift **** (the ones with the allen key bolts).

Cut your shifter to desired height, tighten bolts on the new ****, throw is still the same, but shorter lever, and needs more muscle. Might do mine this way in the spring. Tired of punching my passenger in the knee every time I go for 5th gear.

 

The CAE is suposed to be a terrific shifter. You do have to chop up the center console to get it fit though.

 

I have the Alta ssk and it shortens the length of the shifter plus shortens the throw between gears. This link to the shift kit is ridiculous almost 900€. Go with the Craven one it is a good deal and product.

 

There are people that have the CAE shifter in the R56. You will have to cut up the center console a bit. Other then that I read great reviews. The 1k price tag is a bit steep.

 

I just bought the Tyrolsport one at Minmins recommendation. I'll let you know once I get it how it feels.

I've installed short kits on all my cars except my 911, that was the only car that I loved the stock feel so I'm pretty picky with this. I can't stand the stock setup in the MCS so I'm really hoping this new one with a 40% reduction is worth it!

 

The Helix shifter shortens the throw without lowering the shifting position in the cabin. Ideally, one would want the shifter handle closer, not further from the steering wheel (Look at WRC and other race cars).

 

Ya let me know how it works out for you. I like the fact that it can be installed without removing the exhaust, but the Helix is $200 less... I think the Tyrolsport is also supposed to make the shifting mechanically sharper and more precise. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on it.

 

its a nice piece ,you'll like it

 

JPMM,

Where did you get those dunlop decals on your front bumper?

 

Tomorrow I'm installing the Helix SSK (finally... hello Helix!) with the NM Shifter Assembly Box Cover. I'm seriously looking forward to it.

 

Let me know how much you like it.

 

I have heard some people ganging up the Tyrolsport with those others to get a really short shift

But the CAE is the top of the line ,really, Like to see one in person, maybe down the road I'll look into it again.

 

It's on the list. Unless I can get a sequential shifter.

 

Helix Short Shifter (along with NM Shifter Assembly Box Cover) is installed and while sitting in the shop, the throws between gears seem to be about an inch, inch and a half, VERY stoked about that. Can't wait to get it out on the road which I will do as soon as I get my ECU back from NM. Just shipped the ECU out this morning!!! Serious double stoke!!!

 

Regardless of the SS you go with, also consider doing the NM engine mount insert or the BSH mount (given you don't mind vibration). Stiffening the lower engine mount does wonders for the shifting feel of a Mini.

 

+
(BSH!)

 

Yes they do, but be prepared for slightly more vibrations transmitted to the cabin.

 

Off topic, but, WTH. We just set up our new product photo studio and the shifter was one of the first to shoot, so here it is:

 

I have lots of NM stuff on The Dread Pirate and finally....... a Helix product!!! Helix13mini, as I said above, I have only gotten to run through the gears once car off since ECU is enroute back here from NM. I love it!

 

Craven SSK is the best in my book. You can reduce the throw and also reduce shifter height at the same time. If you don't want short shifts a day you can adjust to have stock throws so that adjustability is really a huge advantage. I'll be ordering the CAE shifter later this year.

 

I have the Craven Shifter in my car and prefer it. I adjust it if I get stuck in traffic so it is really easy, but otherwise I use it shorter.