[IBMiniG]

I heard/read somewhere that Its more difficult to change the gearshift out than a typical car, something about it being a snap-fit, rather that a screw down. My last two cars I had a Momo anatomical leather one. Any one out there done this? Suggestions, advice, PICs?

TIA

[Dom]

Do you mean the actual stick or the knob? The knob should pull out with some gentle persuasion - don't twist it!

Dom

[BruceK]

Quote:

Originally posted by Dom
Do you mean the actual stick or the knob? The knob should pull out with some gentle persuasion - don't twist it!

Dom

I think the question being asked is how to fit a typical aftermarket shift knob equipped with threads onto the MINI's gearshift shaft where there are no threads.

MOSS, (and problably other MINI suppliers), offers replacement shift knobs. Perhaps you could contact them to see how their products are secured onto a MINI's gearshift shaft? It may give you some clues for the MOMO knob.

[IBMiniG]

All the ones Ive installed before, have 3 set screws that clamp onto the stock. Dom, its an S so I guess its a knob, feels like a billard ball. Quite cold on top in the morning too. It sounds like I'd just pull up on it slide a new one down a tighten the set screws. Has anyone seen this, PICs?

[Meeka]

Went by the dealers on Sunday for my weekly fix. My won't be here till Feb.?? Grabbed second and the shifter knob was damn near in the back seat. It's a "cheap" snap on. It will be one of the first improvements mine will get. Not sure if it'll be a ball or "T" but it will be threaded/jam nuted. May even shorten the shifter itself! Gonna look into that part a bit further.

[Chrono]

hm, anyone threaded the shaft then?

[Meeka]

Not that I've heard of but it wouldn't be a big deal to do, given the tools and know how. It sort of falls into my trade.

[NEMINI]

Quote:

Originally posted by IBMiniG
All the ones Ive installed before, have 3 set screws that clamp onto the stock. Dom, its an S so I guess its a knob, feels like a billard ball. Quite cold on top in the morning too. It sounds like I'd just pull up on it slide a new one down a tighten the set screws. Has anyone seen this, PICs?

Hmmm wouldn't mind actually having a billiard ball on mine actually

[Meeka]

It could be done. As a matter of fact an "8" ball might look interesting in my soon to be BLK/BLK/BLK. Keep ya posted..

[GordonD]

It simply pulls straight up with reasonable force - make sure you don't have your head in the way as it can let go suddenly the first time. There is a (lightly) spring loaded ring which fits over a raised band around the lever.

i have been working with (taking measurements trying one out) with this guy www.whalenshiftmachine.com and am really pleased with the results. The ball is about 30% smaller than stock and weights about twice as much. it is solid steel and acts as a counter weight giving smoother shifts.

The only downside is it is BLOODY COLD first thing in the morning and a bit expensive - although the workmanship is amazing with ball bearing locking behind spring loaded metal sleeve.

[Meeka]

I checked it out and it does look sharp! Like you said..a bit pricey but if you value your time....

[WAY]

Quote:

Originally posted by GordonD
It simply pulls straight up with reasonable force - make sure you don't have your head in the way as it can let go suddenly the first time. There is a (lightly) spring loaded ring which fits over a raised band around the lever.

i have been working with (taking measurements trying one out) with this guy www.whalenshiftmachine.com and am really pleased with the results. The ball is about 30% smaller than stock and weights about twice as much. it is solid steel and acts as a counter weight giving smoother shifts.

The only downside is it is BLOODY COLD first thing in the morning and a bit expensive - although the workmanship is amazing with ball bearing locking behind spring loaded metal sleeve.

Looks great. Tell us, does shift quality improve? That's the claim on the website, however it based on the fact that it's shorter and heavier than standard BMW stuff. Our Mini ones are already pretty heavy and stubbly (Cooper S anyway), so is there any advantage in getting this?

[GordonD]

I am using a prototype (based on the BMW specs) which doesn't seat all the way down on the shift lever. he is making a new one which will be a proper fit. The knob is beautifully crafted from solid steel with ball bearings in a collar to lock it in place.

It is VERY HEAVY! I would guess twice the weight of the standard MCS knob and about 30% smaller in circumference. Last weekend I went from my S to another guy's and was immediately struck with how much smoother mine shifted. I can tell you that will be true for everyone but it has convinced me to wait till he gets the final spec one. I assume the weight acts as a counter balance to the friction in the shift mechanism.

the only down side it it gets very cold but that shouldn't be a big problem in OZ.

[CUTiger3]

Quote:

Originally posted by GordonD
I am using a prototype (based on the BMW specs) which doesn't seat all the way down on the shift lever. he is making a new one which will be a proper fit. The knob is beautifully crafted from solid steel with ball bearings in a collar to lock it in place.

It is VERY HEAVY! I would guess twice the weight of the standard MCS knob and about 30% smaller in circumference. Last weekend I went from my S to another guy's and was immediately struck with how much smoother mine shifted. I can tell you that will be true for everyone but it has convinced me to wait till he gets the final spec one. I assume the weight acts as a counter balance to the friction in the shift mechanism.

the only down side it it gets very cold but that shouldn't be a big problem in OZ.

When do they expect to release the production version? You also forgot about the other temperature extreme

[Minty]

Quote:

Originally posted by GMINI03
Hmmm wouldn't mind actually having a billiard ball on mine actually

thats too many 'actuallys' im afraid.

[GordonD]

I don't have the final version yet but I only expect 1/2" or so lower. the original ball's hole come pretty close to the outer surface so I can't see being much different. being steel the shell can be thinner - also the radius is less so that will help. I really like the feel as I have fairly small hands and feel the stock one was too big. I also don't like the seam around the stock one.

I drove a Miata for 10 years and got used to the amazing shifting it has so everything since is just OK.

i agree about the price but it is beautifully engineered and you wont see one on every Civic you meet. he hasn't confirmed a production date to me as he is waiting for a MINI lever to come in for final fitting - I would guess a couple of weeks.

On the tepretaure thing i would be surprised if it heated up too much except in direct sunlight

[Grinder]

Well, even the stock shifter knob gets HOT!! The first few days of school in September, I left the car parked out in the sun in the parking lot. Almost the ENTIRE way home (~50 minutes) I had to shift by grabbing the shaft of the shifter, not the ball, cuz it was just too hot to handle. The cold thing, although annoying, goes away after 5 minutes. The hot doesn’t!!

[toofast]

Quote:

Originally posted by Meeka
Went by the dealers on Sunday for my weekly fix. My won't be here till Feb.?? Grabbed second and the shifter knob was damn near in the back seat. It's a "cheap" snap on. It will be one of the first improvements mine will get. Not sure if it'll be a ball or "T" but it will be threaded/jam nuted. May even shorten the shifter itself! Gonna look into that part a bit further.

[b]


Why would you want to shorten the shaft??????????? If anything you should extend and bend it slightly so when you take your hand off the steering wheel you only need to move it a few inches to shift. Look at any race car especially rally cars to see what i mean

and if your having trouble moving the shift lever on a MCS you need to go to the gym or take some vitamins! Try shifting any racing gear box without syncros!!!

[Casey]

Quote:

Originally posted by toofast
[b]


Why would you want to shorten the shaft??????????? If anything you should extend and bend it slightly so when you take your hand off the steering wheel you only need to move it a few inches to shift. Look at any race car especially rally cars to see what i mean

and if your having trouble moving the shift lever on a MCS you need to go to the gym or take some vitamins! Try shifting any racing gear box without syncros!!!

Quicker shifting Better Feel I love VERY short throws and think the MCS in stock form is too long for my preferences.

If you are refering to the shifters on WRC cars they are running a second level mounted near the wheel that they use for shifting...if you watch the incar cams you can actually see the shifter in the normal position move when the one by the wheel moves. I also believe they are all running sequential gear boxes.

[toofast]

Quote:

Originally posted by Casey


Quicker shifting Better Feel I love VERY short throws and think the MCS in stock form is too long for my preferences.

If you are refering to the shifters on WRC cars they are running a second level mounted near the wheel that they use for shifting...if you watch the incar cams you can actually see the shifter in the normal position move when the one by the wheel moves. I also believe they are all running sequential gear boxes.

You are correct that WRC are sequential however the point was for performance you want the knob closer to the steering wheel not further! Plus using a heaver knob may make shifting slightly smoother due to weight, however reducing the length of the shaft DOES NOT AFFECT THE THROW and actually since the shaft is shorter you will reduce leverage and moving the stick will require more force not less.

And when compared to non sequential, non syncro race transmissions the MCS shifts like butter not to mention eliminating the necessity to doubble clutch.