IAM CONSIDERING A SHORT SHIFT KIT IN MY "S", I NEED SOME INPUT REGARDING THIS DECISION.

 

The deal breaker for me is having to remove the exhaust to get at the parts required to install one. Other wise I would be all over it!!

 

Do you really think it needs it? I found the MCS to have a nicely weighted 'box with short, positive throws. I don't see what reward would be worth the risk.

 

find someone at a local club meet that has one, and ask to feel it. the Helix bolt in shift kit is low cost and works great, and the CravenSpeed adjustable shifter lets you fine tune your throws. Either way, you can't go wrong
--Dan

 

I agree. Unless you are racing and think you could shave a tenth of a second off your shift (I have no idea whether that would result, or not) I can't see the benefit.

I thought about one of the adjustable height versions, just because is seemed like an interesting idea, but they were not ready at that time. Since then I've made shift ***** and Le Mans style shift handles of various heights. I kind of like the taller ones. I don't go to Ed "Big Daddy" Roth extremes, but I drove Carmel to Los Angeles down Hwy 1 with a very tall handle. It was great on the windy section around Big Sur and open freeways.

I switch ***** frequently, but one of my favorites is a blackwood **** that is about an inch taller than stock. I don't see a noticeable difference in shift speeds, but the effort is less. It is also closer to where my hand is on the steering wheel.

 

I'm with Robin 100%. A short shifter in an R56 six speed setup is an answer to a question no one asked. I'd work on my technique and leave it well enough alone. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"...that's my motto.

[quote=Robin Casady;1933578]I agree. Unless you are racing and think you could shave a tenth of a second off your shift (I have no idea whether that would result, or not) I can't see the benefit.

 

I dunno Robbin? I installed a short shifter on my SS Camaro and it was amazing how much better the shift. I find the shifter to be a bit sloppy for my tastes and shortening it would really improve the action. IMHO! It was so much smoother after I changed the shifter in my SS, but I'm going to wait until I change out my exhaust system and do it all at once.

 

Charllie, I don't find the MCS shifter to be at all sloppy. Perhaps there is variation between cars.

 

I had a short shift kit in my '02 cougar, and it did make a difference. But, the feel in the MCS is much nicer, and the throw distance isn't bad at all. If it is that labor intensive.....put the money elsewhere. My 2 cents.

 

Let's just remember that it is all relative to what you are used to driving, hence why some posters think the stock R56 shifter is great and others find it a bit "sloppy". Adding another voice, I will say that compared to my miata it is definitely "sloppy", but compared to most FWD cars, particularly the VW cable shifters, it is solid and engages positively. Still, if you have driven a mazda3, which is also FWD, you will know that things can be improved even further, both in shorter shift throws and crisper engagement.

Closer to home I offer as example any BMW E46 series with standard shift linkage (not a sport shifter that some of the optional Sport Packages)... stock shift linkage has long throws and is a bit disappointing given the hype the cars get. But swap in the OEM short shift kit (or a quality aftermarket), and suddenly you are smiling ear to ear. It is not always about shaving shifting time, it is about how a car feels. As mini owners we know this, as there are lots of cars that may perform better on paper in some performance metrics but don't feel nearly as satisfying and "properly sporting" to drive.

So always room for improvement... now is it *worth* the cost and time of installing a short shifter? That's a question the OP will have to answer for themselves. My guess is that if they find the stock car a bit sloppy, a short shifter will improve things. Consider also that the Alta short shifter has a setting which "turns in" the shift rod and results in canting all the gears closer to the driver... in my experience the stock shifter has gears unusually canted towards the passenger making 5th and 6th in particular quite awkward.

Just another opinion to help the OP...

 

I put one in mine. the install wasn't that bad. Taking the exhaust off was easy. Only one bolt and some hangers. I love the feel of my short shifter, and I can put it back to stock length cause my girlie is a weakling.

 

Goat,

I too have driven a Miata as well as a RX7, VW GTI, Fiat Spider, and I find my MCS a little sloppy to my tastes. It just seems to be a bit long, whereas the Miata defined "Snick". Please, no flames......... I love my MCS!

 

One bolt to take off an exhaust system???? Methinks something is missing here in your explanation, probably something that most Mini owners know already. I'm a NUG (new guy) at this even tho I'm old.

 

the downpipe is held to the rest of the exhaust with one clamp that has one bolt. Other than that i just had to get the 4 hangers off.

 

Thanks for the explanation. I've changed exhausts in the distant past and they were always the toughest job on a car.

 

Does anyone know if the CravenSpeed short shifter has an adjustable angle like the Alta shifter? That would be worth the $20 difference to me.