I bought one of these from a guy on Ebay who said it was for a 04-06. Got everything taken apart today and what do you know, it does not fit. It is too small for the shaft. So my question is, is this for 02-03? Is the difference in the two versions that the 02-03 shaft is thinner than the 04-06?
Thanks,
Jason

 

My short shift kit went on very tight; I had to start it with a brass hammer but it went all the way down and I was able to tighten the set screws. Don't forget the Loctite...

 

Thanks for the reply. But should I realy need a hammer to install this? I think I just got the wrong one but I'm looking for a little comformation before I do anything else.

 

you should not need a hammer.

there are 2 sizes. check with helix13. i believe he even shows 2 different sizes at his site... (i could be wrong).

i have a 03 and use his short shift adapter thingie. works fine, no hammering
needed.

 

Thanks for the info. I asked Helix via email before I bought it how to tell the difference in the two versions, but never got the correct reply. I know how to tell which one I need (grey plastic vs. white plastic) but if you look at the two versions of the short shifter whats the difference?

 

one's bigger diameter than the other.

 

Thats what I thought. Thanks for your help.
BTW. I've been using your car for inspiration. I've been to your site a few times. I have an 04 Indi Blue S

 

hey thanks!

 

I love EBAY, but be weary. Some people just sell stuff on there without having a clue about the product. You'll see stuff like this, for instance aftermarket tail lights. They'll advertise them for 2001-2005, and we all know that most aftermarket lights won't fit on 2005 and 2006s due to the rear lamps being incorporated. Just do research on your car beofre you buy stuff off EBAY. Some people are only about money $$$$$$$$.

 

There are defiantly some shifty people on Ebay. I don't think the guy I bought it from was shifty though. He just did not know what he had. He said he bought it from a shop for his classic Mini. That shop screwed him by telling him it would fit his car. He actually listed it and re-listed it 3 times before I actually bought it. The first 2 listing he said he did not know what year it fit. Then he re-listed it as being for 04-06. I thought maybe he got an answer from someone as to what he actually had. I could not get a response from Helix as to what to look for, so I took a chance. Oh well, live and learn. Luckily I got a good deal. So if anyone is interested in a Helix short shifter for 02-03 let me know, or check the marketplace. I'll probably put it up there soon.

 

If you install the helix short shifter will the dust cover still fit with the extension installed?
Thanks for the info, Steve

 

^ no. but your heat sheild does a good enough job imho. it's pretty much
sealed. i wouldn't go rallying in it but for street should be no problem. ive
had mine for like 3 yrs now.

 

The hardest part of my would be install was removing the dust cover. I wound up breaking it in half to get it off. Lying under the car, I just could not figure out how to get to the tabs to release them. So no, my dust shield will not be going back on. Helix says to leave it off and lube the joint once a year from the top side.

 

Jason:

On Monday 4/16 at 4:49pm I responded to your information reqest as follows:

[SIZE=2]Jason:

If you're not sure if you need an '02-'03 shift kit or an '04, here's how to tell: Carefully pull up the plastic ring (the bezel) that the shifter boot goes into- it's secured to the console by four plastic tabs around the perimeter. Look down in there and on an '02 or '03, much of the plastic linkage will be white but right where the metal shaft and ball enter the linkage, the plastic will be grey. In the '04 models, the housing will be grey and the ball socket will be white.
DARK GREY HOUSING = '04 http://www.helix13.com/images/04ssk.jpg
WHITE HOUSING= '02/'03 http://www.helix13.com/images/0203ssk.jpg
[/SIZE]

 

eric- i think he wasn't sure which one he bought. sure he can tell
which year car he has by how you described above (and at your site),
but without the pictures where you use to have which compared the
2 adapters side by side, he can't really tell which one he got.

 

Yes you did. And I should have edited my comments to "the correct response" Of course I can not find it now, but my reply was thanking you for your reply but needing to know how to tell the difference between the two versions. And that is what I got no response on. I knew how to tell what part I needed, but was trying to figure out which one this guy had.

For the record I am not upset with Helix. Maybe my reply never made it to you. Maybe your reply never made it back to me. It's no big deal. I'll just try to sell this one and get the right one.
But now that I have your attention, what is the difference? Is it that the ball joint is a different diameter? Thanks.

 

Got it.

If you like, give me a call and I'll send you the right one at our wholesale price. -Eric

 

still the question remains unanswered. lol..

 

Awesome, thanks.

"still the question remains unanswered. lol.."

 

^^ well, wat was the answer??!!! jk jk

 

OK lemme try again...

The early shifters have about a 16mm diameter

The later shifters have about a 19mm diameter

 

aha! i was right.

thanks, eric.

 

Thanks.

 

Got the new shifter this morning.
Thanks Eric for the offer and thanks Ralph for all the help.
+1 for Helix

Jason

 

took you one month? damn...