MINI2

LordOfTheFlies · Jun 8th, 2004, 02:14 AM

Called Eric at Helix Mini Sports today and inquired about installing the 15% reduction pulley.....checked out the site and found that there is now a 2004 Short Shift Kit available from them.

Going to go there this Saturday to install both so I'll let you know how it works out. And by the way, this kit does not just shorten the shaft length resulting in "forcing the driver to reach down by their right knee to make shifts". Here's the description and the link:

The Helix short shifter is simplest, shortest kit on the market. Other kits "shorten" the throw by using a short-stalk shift lever, forcing the driver to reach down by their right knee to make shifts. Our kit retains the proper shift knob position while providing the shortest throw available for the MC or MCS. The kit comes with complete installation instructions, and can be done with jack stands and typical mechanical tools in about 1 hour

http://www.helix13.com/html/products/suspension.htm

obehave · Jun 8th, 2004, 02:35 AM

Be sure to post some feedback.

Now in the interest of equal time:
This statement "Other kits "shorten" the throw by using a short-stalk shift lever, forcing the driver to reach down by their right knee to make shifts. Our kit retains the proper shift knob position...."
is a sales pitch, nothing more.
I mean I had to "reach down by my(sic) right knee to make shifts" anyway. With my Whalen knob it's 1" lower than OEM. Instantly felt more natural for me.

If I was WRC driving and every millimeter made a difference over hours of driving time, yea OK. But I'm not. I doubt any of us are.
Had my "other brand" kit over a year. Never had an issue with it. And I really like the difference in feel the solid bushings made.

Don't get me wrong I think the people at Helix are some of the best out there.

LordOfTheFlies · Jun 8th, 2004, 03:10 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by obehave

Be sure to post some feedback.

Now in the interest of equal time:
This statement "Other kits "shorten" the throw by using a short-stalk shift lever, forcing the driver to reach down by their right knee to make shifts. Our kit retains the proper shift knob position...."
is a sales pitch, nothing more.
I mean I had to "reach down by my(sic) right knee to make shifts" anyway. With my Whalen knob it's 1" lower than OEM. Instantly felt more natural for me.

If I was WRC driving and every millimeter made a difference over hours of driving time, yea OK. But I'm not. I doubt any of us are.
Had my "other brand" kit over a year. Never had an issue with it. And I really like the difference in feel the solid bushings made.

Don't get me wrong I think the people at Helix are some of the best out there.

With regards to the height I believe that Doug himself posted to a forum that both you and I posted to stating that his shift knob only claims to lower the height on BMW's and not Minis.

Here's the link - page 2 of the thread titled "Advice on short shift kits please!" in Performance and Tuning:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...8&page=2&pp=15

I think his comment makes sense - however's it's just another school of thoght as how to limit the throw: either you shorten the shaft or your change the part that he's changing.... I like the shift knob position where it is now - just my $.02.

obehave · Jun 8th, 2004, 03:36 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by LordOfTheFlies

With regards to the height I believe that Doug himself posted to a forum that both you and I posted to stating that his shift knob only claims to lower the height on BMW's and not Minis.

Here's the link - page 2 of the thread titled "Advice on short shift kits please!" in Performance and Tuning:

http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...8&page=2&pp=15

I think his comment makes sense - however's it's just another school of thoght as how to limit the throw: either you shorten the shaft or your change the part that he's changing.... I like the shift knob position where it is now - just my $.02.

I know. I think you misunderstood what I'm saying.

The shift arm does lower the height and the Whalen raises it back up.
The "other brand" lowered the shaft end height around 1.5" if my faulty memory serves. The Whalen raises the height back up about 3/8ths. Thus my reference to the approx 1" lower knob height.

Leaving the stock height is cool. Whatever makes you happy is the way to go.
I just get a kick out of the point that is being made "Ours is better than the 'other brands' because we say so. And lower height is bad"
To paraphrase you. That's just their 2¢. Which is just fine. But you can't expect to poke at others and not get a response..
And yes, this is just My 2¢

Depending on the exchange rate

LordOfTheFlies · Jun 8th, 2004, 03:44 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by obehave

I know. I think you misunderstood what I'm saying.

The shift arm does lower the height and the Whalen raises it back up.
The "other brand" lowered the shaft end height around 1.5" if my faulty memory serves. The Whalen raises the height back up about 3/8ths. Thus my reference to the approx 1" lower knob height.

Leaving the stock height is cool. Whatever makes you happy is the way to go.
I just get a kick out of the point that is being made "Ours is better than the 'other brands' because we say so. And lower height is bad"
To paraphrase you. That's just their 2¢. Which is just fine. But you can't expect to poke at others and not get a response..
And yes, this is just My 2¢

Depending on the exchange rate

Well I'll be sure to post about how it turned out. I didn't mean to poke fun of anyone. I just thought it made more sense than just lowering the shaft......

obehave · Jun 8th, 2004, 03:47 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by LordOfTheFlies

Well I'll be sure to post about how it turned out. I didn't mean to poke fun of anyone. I just thought it made more sense than just lowering the shaft......

Man I'm stinkin' at getting my meaning across tonight. Sorry you're the recipient of that.

I didn't mean you poking fun, I meant the good guys at Helix.

Again, apologies.

Going to bed now before I say something else incoherent.

jwardell · Jun 8th, 2004, 12:36 PM

The Helix kit looks cool, it simply slips over the stock shift cable arm. Question is, can you get to that from the inside, or do you still have to go through the whole mess of coming from underneath the car?

obehave · Jun 8th, 2004, 12:52 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by jwardell

The Helix kit looks cool, it simply slips over the stock shift cable arm. Question is, can you get to that from the inside, or do you still have to go through the whole mess of coming from underneath the car?

You have to go from underneath.
As long as your exhaust to cat flange nuts aren't rusted together it's really pretty easy to get at the box.
Just start soaking the bolts ahead of time.

MiniG · Jun 9th, 2004, 07:07 AM

No, the question is:

WILL OUR WHALENS FIT?

If it not a stock shaft, have they made it the same spec? (I hope, I hope)
I want a shorter throw, but also the Whalen know.
'Flies, let us know how it goes, please don't forget some pics for us DIYers!
Thanks!!

LordOfTheFlies · Jun 9th, 2004, 12:46 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by MiniG

No, the question is:

WILL OUR WHALENS FIT?

If it not a stock shaft, have they made it the same spec? (I hope, I hope)
I want a shorter throw, but also the Whalen know.
'Flies, let us know how it goes, please don't forget some pics for us DIYers!
Thanks!!

Er I forgot to ask about that...but I don't think it involves changing the shaft. Check out the picture on their site:

http://www.helix13.com/html/products/suspension.htm

obehave · Jun 9th, 2004, 07:56 PM

LOTF is correct. All the little nubbin kits leave the OEM upper shaft alone. They just attach to the bottom of the shaft.
Your Whalen is safe.

LordOfTheFlies · Jun 9th, 2004, 09:29 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by obehave

LOTF is correct. All the little nubbin kits leave the OEM upper shaft alone. They just attach to the bottom of the shaft.
Your Whalen is safe.

THANK GOD.

obehave · Jun 9th, 2004, 10:59 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by LordOfTheFlies

THANK GOD.

Thank God you're right and I'm not nitpicking or Thank God your Whalen fits??

LordOfTheFlies · Jun 9th, 2004, 11:03 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by obehave

Thank God you're right and I'm not nitpicking or Thank God your Whalen fits??

BOTH!

THANK GOD!

On a separate note, I have two questions:

I am about to install a pulley and can't decide between the 15% and the 19%. I don't plan on tracking the car at all on a regular basis so staying at 6k rpms at a constant level won't be an issue.

Which one should I go for? I'm thinking the 19%.

Secondly, after changing the pulley, should I install Denso Iridium spark plugs? Or should I go with another brand? I only have 2600+ miles on the car. If I should change them, should I change the gap to .032? If so, do I need to get any specialty tools? I would think the guys at Helix Minisports (where I'm going the pulley and the short shift and the rear sway bar) will have everything I need and can take care of everything righ then and there.

Thanks in advance for your input.

LordOfTheFlies · Jun 9th, 2004, 11:04 PM

Oh and I will be dyno-ing the car before and after all the mods as well.........

moorlockx · Jun 9th, 2004, 11:13 PM

It is an add on piece to extend the lower length of the stock shifter. The only question I would have would be whether you can still use the dust cover or not. Some of the add on types require you modify this or leave it off all together. I'm not real keen on the idea of leaving the shift linkage and cables exposed to the elements.

.....and Obehave, quit nit-picking! You're confusing everyone!

moorlockx · Jun 9th, 2004, 11:23 PM

Since you aren't tracking the car I'd say stick with the 15% pulley. Your water pump will thank you for it.

LordOfTheFlies · Jun 9th, 2004, 11:26 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by moorlockx

Since you aren't tracking the car I'd say stick with the 15% pulley. Your water pump will thank you for it.

I've heard all kinds of things such as having the 19% won't affect your water pump if you it's just an everyday driver. I love to rev the heck out of the thing but nothing close to being on the track ....which I assumed would be the reason one's water pump would fail....i.e. if you're keeping it up at high revs for an extended period of time.

Now why haven't you gotten the pulley installed yet, eh?

moorlockx · Jun 9th, 2004, 11:32 PM

It's been a REAL debate. I think I finally decided that it just wasn't needed. Face it, the car will get me a ticket anywhere I go now, and I'm not into street racing. Lastly, I like the idea of a warranty.... especially at what parts and labor are on this car.

LordOfTheFlies · Jun 9th, 2004, 11:34 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by moorlockx

It's been a REAL debate. I think I finally decided that it just wasn't needed. Face it, the car will get me a ticket anywhere I go now, and I'm not into street racing. Lastly, I like the idea of a warranty.... especially at what parts and labor are on this car.

Do they give you a hard time when you bring your car in for service? I mean an exhaust and intake are pretty hard to hide!

And if you added those two mods (which possibly could affect your warranty) why would adding a pulley be any different?

Jun 8th, 2004, 02:14 AM	#1
LordOfTheFlies MINI2 Regular Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: New York Local Time: 06:51 PM Posts: 321 Offline	'04 Short Shift Kit Available Called Eric at Helix Mini Sports today and inquired about installing the 15% reduction pulley.....checked out the site and found that there is now a 2004 Short Shift Kit available from them. Going to go there this Saturday to install both so I'll let you know how it works out. And by the way, this kit does not just shorten the shaft length resulting in "forcing the driver to reach down by their right knee to make shifts". Here's the description and the link: The Helix short shifter is simplest, shortest kit on the market. Other kits "shorten" the throw by using a short-stalk shift lever, forcing the driver to reach down by their right knee to make shifts. Our kit retains the proper shift knob position while providing the shortest throw available for the MC or MCS. The kit comes with complete installation instructions, and can be done with jack stands and typical mechanical tools in about 1 hour http://www.helix13.com/html/products/suspension.htm "Do or do not. There is no try." - Master Yoda

Jun 8th, 2004, 03:10 AM	#3 (permalink)
LordOfTheFlies MINI2 Regular Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: New York Local Time: 06:51 PM Posts: 321 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by obehave Be sure to post some feedback. Now in the interest of equal time: This statement "Other kits "shorten" the throw by using a short-stalk shift lever, forcing the driver to reach down by their right knee to make shifts. Our kit retains the proper shift knob position...." is a sales pitch, nothing more. I mean I had to "reach down by my(sic) right knee to make shifts" anyway. With my Whalen knob it's 1" lower than OEM. Instantly felt more natural for me. If I was WRC driving and every millimeter made a difference over hours of driving time, yea OK. But I'm not. I doubt any of us are. Had my "other brand" kit over a year. Never had an issue with it. And I really like the difference in feel the solid bushings made. Don't get me wrong I think the people at Helix are some of the best out there. With regards to the height I believe that Doug himself posted to a forum that both you and I posted to stating that his shift knob only claims to lower the height on BMW's and not Minis. Here's the link - page 2 of the thread titled "Advice on short shift kits please!" in Performance and Tuning: http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...8&page=2&pp=15 I think his comment makes sense - however's it's just another school of thoght as how to limit the throw: either you shorten the shaft or your change the part that he's changing.... I like the shift knob position where it is now - just my $.02. "Do or do not. There is no try." - Master Yoda

Jun 8th, 2004, 03:44 AM	#5 (permalink)
LordOfTheFlies MINI2 Regular Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: New York Local Time: 06:51 PM Posts: 321 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by obehave I know. I think you misunderstood what I'm saying. The shift arm does lower the height and the Whalen raises it back up. The "other brand" lowered the shaft end height around 1.5" if my faulty memory serves. The Whalen raises the height back up about 3/8ths. Thus my reference to the approx 1" lower knob height. Leaving the stock height is cool. Whatever makes you happy is the way to go. I just get a kick out of the point that is being made "Ours is better than the 'other brands' because we say so. And lower height is bad" To paraphrase you. That's just their 2¢. Which is just fine. But you can't expect to poke at others and not get a response.. And yes, this is just My 2¢ Depending on the exchange rate Well I'll be sure to post about how it turned out. I didn't mean to poke fun of anyone. I just thought it made more sense than just lowering the shaft...... "Do or do not. There is no try." - Master Yoda

Jun 8th, 2004, 12:36 PM	#7 (permalink)
jwardell MINI2 Master Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Newton, MA Local Time: 06:51 PM Posts: 5,430 Offline	The Helix kit looks cool, it simply slips over the stock shift cable arm. Question is, can you get to that from the inside, or do you still have to go through the whole mess of coming from underneath the car? http://www.jwardell.com/mini/

Jun 9th, 2004, 12:46 PM	#10 (permalink)
LordOfTheFlies MINI2 Regular Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: New York Local Time: 06:51 PM Posts: 321 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by MiniG No, the question is: WILL OUR WHALENS FIT? If it not a stock shaft, have they made it the same spec? (I hope, I hope) I want a shorter throw, but also the Whalen know. 'Flies, let us know how it goes, please don't forget some pics for us DIYers! Thanks!! Er I forgot to ask about that...but I don't think it involves changing the shaft. Check out the picture on their site: http://www.helix13.com/html/products/suspension.htm "Do or do not. There is no try." - Master Yoda

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Jun 8th, 2004, 02:35 AM	#2 (permalink)
obehave Mini Mod Join Date: Sep 2002 Local Time: 06:51 PM Posts: 9,388 Offline	Be sure to post some feedback. Now in the interest of equal time: This statement "Other kits "shorten" the throw by using a short-stalk shift lever, forcing the driver to reach down by their right knee to make shifts. Our kit retains the proper shift knob position...." is a sales pitch, nothing more. I mean I had to "reach down by my(sic) right knee to make shifts" anyway. With my Whalen knob it's 1" lower than OEM. Instantly felt more natural for me. If I was WRC driving and every millimeter made a difference over hours of driving time, yea OK. But I'm not. I doubt any of us are. Had my "other brand" kit over a year. Never had an issue with it. And I really like the difference in feel the solid bushings made. Don't get me wrong I think the people at Helix are some of the best out there.

Jun 8th, 2004, 03:36 AM	#4 (permalink)
obehave Mini Mod Join Date: Sep 2002 Local Time: 06:51 PM Posts: 9,388 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by LordOfTheFlies With regards to the height I believe that Doug himself posted to a forum that both you and I posted to stating that his shift knob only claims to lower the height on BMW's and not Minis. Here's the link - page 2 of the thread titled "Advice on short shift kits please!" in Performance and Tuning: http://www.mini2.com/forum/showthrea...8&page=2&pp=15 I think his comment makes sense - however's it's just another school of thoght as how to limit the throw: either you shorten the shaft or your change the part that he's changing.... I like the shift knob position where it is now - just my $.02. I know. I think you misunderstood what I'm saying. The shift arm does lower the height and the Whalen raises it back up. The "other brand" lowered the shaft end height around 1.5" if my faulty memory serves. The Whalen raises the height back up about 3/8ths. Thus my reference to the approx 1" lower knob height. Leaving the stock height is cool. Whatever makes you happy is the way to go. I just get a kick out of the point that is being made "Ours is better than the 'other brands' because we say so. And lower height is bad" To paraphrase you. That's just their 2¢. Which is just fine. But you can't expect to poke at others and not get a response.. And yes, this is just My 2¢ Depending on the exchange rate

Jun 8th, 2004, 03:47 AM	#6 (permalink)
obehave Mini Mod Join Date: Sep 2002 Local Time: 06:51 PM Posts: 9,388 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by LordOfTheFlies Well I'll be sure to post about how it turned out. I didn't mean to poke fun of anyone. I just thought it made more sense than just lowering the shaft...... Man I'm stinkin' at getting my meaning across tonight. Sorry you're the recipient of that. I didn't mean you poking fun, I meant the good guys at Helix. Again, apologies. Going to bed now before I say something else incoherent.

Jun 8th, 2004, 12:52 PM	#8 (permalink)
obehave Mini Mod Join Date: Sep 2002 Local Time: 06:51 PM Posts: 9,388 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by jwardell The Helix kit looks cool, it simply slips over the stock shift cable arm. Question is, can you get to that from the inside, or do you still have to go through the whole mess of coming from underneath the car? You have to go from underneath. As long as your exhaust to cat flange nuts aren't rusted together it's really pretty easy to get at the box. Just start soaking the bolts ahead of time.

Jun 9th, 2004, 07:07 AM	#9 (permalink)
MiniG Proud MINI2 Sponsor Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Southern California Local Time: 02:51 PM Posts: 384 Offline	No, the question is: WILL OUR WHALENS FIT? If it not a stock shaft, have they made it the same spec? (I hope, I hope) I want a shorter throw, but also the Whalen know. 'Flies, let us know how it goes, please don't forget some pics for us DIYers! Thanks!!

Jun 9th, 2004, 07:56 PM	#11 (permalink)
obehave Mini Mod Join Date: Sep 2002 Local Time: 06:51 PM Posts: 9,388 Offline	LOTF is correct. All the little nubbin kits leave the OEM upper shaft alone. They just attach to the bottom of the shaft. Your Whalen is safe.

Jun 9th, 2004, 09:29 PM	#12 (permalink)
LordOfTheFlies MINI2 Regular Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: New York Local Time: 06:51 PM Posts: 321 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by obehave LOTF is correct. All the little nubbin kits leave the OEM upper shaft alone. They just attach to the bottom of the shaft. Your Whalen is safe. THANK GOD. "Do or do not. There is no try." - Master Yoda

Jun 9th, 2004, 10:59 PM	#13 (permalink)
obehave Mini Mod Join Date: Sep 2002 Local Time: 06:51 PM Posts: 9,388 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by LordOfTheFlies THANK GOD. Thank God you're right and I'm not nitpicking or Thank God your Whalen fits??

Jun 9th, 2004, 11:03 PM	#14 (permalink)
LordOfTheFlies MINI2 Regular Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: New York Local Time: 06:51 PM Posts: 321 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by obehave Thank God you're right and I'm not nitpicking or Thank God your Whalen fits?? BOTH! THANK GOD! On a separate note, I have two questions: I am about to install a pulley and can't decide between the 15% and the 19%. I don't plan on tracking the car at all on a regular basis so staying at 6k rpms at a constant level won't be an issue. Which one should I go for? I'm thinking the 19%. Secondly, after changing the pulley, should I install Denso Iridium spark plugs? Or should I go with another brand? I only have 2600+ miles on the car. If I should change them, should I change the gap to .032? If so, do I need to get any specialty tools? I would think the guys at Helix Minisports (where I'm going the pulley and the short shift and the rear sway bar) will have everything I need and can take care of everything righ then and there. Thanks in advance for your input. "Do or do not. There is no try." - Master Yoda

Jun 9th, 2004, 11:04 PM	#15 (permalink)
LordOfTheFlies MINI2 Regular Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: New York Local Time: 06:51 PM Posts: 321 Offline	Dyno Oh and I will be dyno-ing the car before and after all the mods as well......... "Do or do not. There is no try." - Master Yoda

Jun 9th, 2004, 11:13 PM	#16 (permalink)
moorlockx MINI2 Master Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Fayetteville, NC, US Local Time: 05:51 PM Posts: 893 Offline	It is an add on piece to extend the lower length of the stock shifter. The only question I would have would be whether you can still use the dust cover or not. Some of the add on types require you modify this or leave it off all together. I'm not real keen on the idea of leaving the shift linkage and cables exposed to the elements. .....and Obehave, quit nit-picking! You're confusing everyone! -- '03 S B/W

Jun 9th, 2004, 11:23 PM	#17 (permalink)
moorlockx MINI2 Master Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Fayetteville, NC, US Local Time: 05:51 PM Posts: 893 Offline	Since you aren't tracking the car I'd say stick with the 15% pulley. Your water pump will thank you for it. -- '03 S B/W

Jun 9th, 2004, 11:26 PM	#18 (permalink)
LordOfTheFlies MINI2 Regular Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: New York Local Time: 06:51 PM Posts: 321 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by moorlockx Since you aren't tracking the car I'd say stick with the 15% pulley. Your water pump will thank you for it. I've heard all kinds of things such as having the 19% won't affect your water pump if you it's just an everyday driver. I love to rev the heck out of the thing but nothing close to being on the track ....which I assumed would be the reason one's water pump would fail....i.e. if you're keeping it up at high revs for an extended period of time. Now why haven't you gotten the pulley installed yet, eh? "Do or do not. There is no try." - Master Yoda

Jun 9th, 2004, 11:32 PM	#19 (permalink)
moorlockx MINI2 Master Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Fayetteville, NC, US Local Time: 05:51 PM Posts: 893 Offline	It's been a REAL debate. I think I finally decided that it just wasn't needed. Face it, the car will get me a ticket anywhere I go now, and I'm not into street racing. Lastly, I like the idea of a warranty.... especially at what parts and labor are on this car. -- '03 S B/W

Jun 9th, 2004, 11:34 PM	#20 (permalink)
LordOfTheFlies MINI2 Regular Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: New York Local Time: 06:51 PM Posts: 321 Offline	Quote: Originally Posted by moorlockx It's been a REAL debate. I think I finally decided that it just wasn't needed. Face it, the car will get me a ticket anywhere I go now, and I'm not into street racing. Lastly, I like the idea of a warranty.... especially at what parts and labor are on this car. Do they give you a hard time when you bring your car in for service? I mean an exhaust and intake are pretty hard to hide! And if you added those two mods (which possibly could affect your warranty) why would adding a pulley be any different? "Do or do not. There is no try." - Master Yoda

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