Not-So-Short Shifter

[k-huevo]

Here’s a short shifter project I’ll get around to installing eventually. It’s a Fidanza shifter with an extension/adaptor for the UUC knob. For my knob gripping style ball shifters are very uncomfortable; I have to have a flat top. The top of the knob will stand about an inch and three quarters higher than stock. I know that most short shifter shoppers want that stubby look and feel but I want leverage and a closer reach from the steering wheel. Some of the leverage will come from the hefty stainless steel perched up top; the knob and extension weighs one and a half pound alone. The shifter rod is an additional pound as well. The gentleman who made the extension did an extremely precise job on the fit. The tolerances between the knob and adaptor are so close it pops when the knob is pulled off.

Since the short shifter hasn’t been installed yet I can’t comment on performance but I’ll update later.http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/2/0/DSCN0096.JPG http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/2/0/DSCN0094.JPG

[scuderia]

old school :thumbsup

[biggripper]

Looks like an excellent set-up for a fellow inclined to spends some time on the track.

[Will]

<---- Drools

[k-huevo]

The shifter is on the car now. Unlike the original stick this one behaves itself and doesn’t wander around. One of the improvements I hoped for was a reduction in throw; the push from 4th to 5th on the OEM often hyper extended my elbow, the overall throw reduction is minor but what I didn’t plan for is the rearward bend of the new shaft. The bend accomplished the reach reduction for 5th gear and unexpectedly put 2nd and 4th right next to me instead of out front. The Fidanza kit included solid bushings to replace the rubber mounts for the box. The solid bushings allow more feedback from the shift linkage and contribute to less sloppy shift overrun.

FYI the Fidanza short throw shifter is only for the build integrity challenged 2002 – 03 models at this time.

The disassembly of the shifter box and installation of the new stick was a real bear. After wearing myself out trying to be careful it took a hacksaw and hammer to get the job done. There’s a reason why MINI doesn’t sell parts for that thing and only the complete unit is available.

Taking advantage of access above the heat shield I applied Dynamat to the shifter dust cover and mid-body center recess while I was in there.

http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/2/0/DSCN0099.JPG http://www.lonestarminiclub.com/gallery/files/2/0/DSCN0100.JPG