I have a 2003 R53, is the Cravenspeed adjustable arm (https://www.cravenspeed.com/adjustable-short-shifter-for-mini-cooper-r53-2002-2003/) worth it, or should I just get the Helix kit (https://www.cravenspeed.com/helix-short-shift-kit-for-mini-cooper-r53-2002-2003/). These are about $150 difference so I really want to know what's more worth the money. Thanks in advance.

 

A great question! It is going to depend on how much adjustability you'd like. I do work for CravenSpeed for full disclosure, though I ran the Helix on my R53 for years. The Craven one will give you a wider range of adjustability for sure, and a shorter throw. It also looks pretty dang awesome combined with a shift well cover. The Helix one is very basic, it will extend the bottom of the shifter to shorten the length of the throw. If you're looking for the shifter to be shorter in the cabin and not just a shorter throw, the CS option will be your best bet.

 

I have long legs so I have the opposite issue, the shifter is too low and too far away, especially going into 5th gear.

So knowing that the Helix won't shorten the height of the shifter in the cabin but will shorten the throws will be helpful. Does the Helix shorten the distance of the side to side movement as well? Or does it just shorten the forward and back throw distance?

I really wish the shift lever was taller and angled back to me like this, any suggestions welcome.




Sorry for the slight thread-jack

 

The side-to-side wont change, no, just the forward and back. The CS SSK does have a little bit of a bend to it, but not as aggressive as the one you posted.

 

I've installed both and used both, but I actually run the Craven in both my cars so I would recommend it for sure. This way you can adjust it and dial it in to how short you like it as I don't like the real short throw that takes more effort, but just want to crisp up the shifting a bit.
https://www.waymotorworks.com/craven...t-shifter.html

but we do stock the Helix if you are trying to budget
https://www.waymotorworks.com/helix-...shift-kit.html

 

Helix you lose the bottom cover don’t you? How about the Cravenspeed?

 

The CravenSpeed SSK will as well, though the heat shield is a tight fit, and should keep anything detrimental out.

 

Yes you'll take off the bottom of the shifter box cover, but the heatshield is there still. I just put a dent shield and it will work fine