I would like my shifting to have a better feel. It feels light and notchy now. Neuspeed used to make a weighted shifter for the VW that gave it an excellent feel because it was so heavy. I see short shift kits on ebay from time to time and I am wondering if these do the same thing. I don’t care if they shorten the throw, I just want a better not-so-notchy feel. And is there a real difference between the B&M and the cheaper version? How hard are they to install? Here are the ebay kits:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33736

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=33736

 

I would NOT buy one of the eBay shifters. Just don't.

I haven't used one but the Whalen shifter seems to make a lot of people very happy. Search here and on the mini2 forum. It sounds like something that you might be looking for.

I, myself, will be installing an Alta short shift this following week.

 

If you are just looking for more counter weight, I would recommend the Whalen shift machine or maybe one of the MOMO shift *****. I have the Whalen with the B&M short shifter and am very happy. Great combo. Quick solid shipfts. The install of the short shift kit was pretty easy once I figured out how to remove the cables from the original shifter. I have not personally seen or used any of the eBay kits. Pilo [check the vendor directory] sells a kit simular to the B&M but cheaper as well.

 

I am not trying to save money - the ebay deal just looks very similar to a B&M. I will check out the Alta and Whalen. The Whalen is just a heavy shift ****, right? Do you have to remove the exhaust to put on the Alta?

 

As I see it, the Whalen ends up making the shifter about an inch shorter which in a sense is making it a type of "short shift". It's also heavier then stock which produces a smoother, crisper shift.


Yes, you do have to drop the exhaust for any real short shift kit which the Whalen is NOT. Click Here to see how it's done. Look for the link to directions at the bottom of that page

 

Get an extention from Helix13, and a Whalen **** and that should give you the feel you're looking for.

 

I'm glad onasled mentioned that the whalen shift **** is compatible with a B&M short shifter. I was led to believe the opposite.........very interesting news and the testimonials were certainly up-beat to say the least.

 

What is Helix13?

Edit: I found it: http://www.helix13.com/

 

..... just to note, I didn't say this as I don't know that it is. SumWon said it I think

 

Yes the Whalen works well with the B&M short shift kit. I chose the B&M kit over an extension kit like the Helix because it changes the shifter lever in three ways instead of just one. The length below the shift pivot is lengthened (like the Helix), the length above the shift pivot is shortened, and the portion above the shift pivot is slightly angled. The combination of these three factors make a better feel to me. The Whalen is just the icing on the cake!

 

It is compatible with the B&M. I chose the Alta SS and liked my original Whalen so much that I ordered a threaded one for the Alta from Doug Whalen. Works like a charm and has a nice solid feel to it.

 

The advantage of the Helix13 short shifter is that the stock shift **** height is retained so that it looks and feels like stock until you shift and feel the difference (more positive/shorter throw) not to mention $100 less for the part and about one hour installation. Some owners like the know height as is while others prefer a slightly lower height.

If you can find another MINI owner that has a B&M and/or Helix13 short shifter installed you might try it out first and see what you think before you commit.

 

I believe that the unit Pilo sells is the same as the unit on eBay. Someone had bought one in the past, and they are indistiguishable from the Pilo unit.

 

MOMO **** and ALTA SS...PERFECT

 

Yep, it was SumWon who mentioned that the B&M short shifter is compatible
with the Whalen **** which I ordered today.......brushed finish with an engraved Mini wings logo. My expectations are very high. thanks!

Rick......Helix 13 is a vendor on this site......in Philadelphia. Look 'em up.

 

You won't be disappointed!

 

Hope not. I'll let you know!

 

www.mini-madness.com has a short shifter that is really nice. you arent going to be able to get the notchy feel away. it the gearbox. i like the neuspeed short shifters of Vw, there a real nice feel, as for the mini's b&m has a short shifter. alta performance has one and mini madness, check out the web site above.

chris