Any ideas on how to make an OEM shift rod longer? I was considering removing all the plastic and threading the end. Then threading on a shifter extension? Not going to grab an aftermarket shift arm.
Better reach, I like a taller shifter closer to the steering wheel. Had an E46 M3 in the shop and it had a really tall shifter on a UUC short shift kit.
I got a jaffster shift knob from bimmerworld with a helix short shifter and made an new brass brushing for the lateral movement (the taller shifter amplified the the play in the plastic brushing). I ended up with about a 1" shorter than stock throw and the top of the knob much closer to the steering wheel. ill grab some pics tomorrow. -Jonathan
I've got the Billy Club shift knob from Sneed Speed and really like it! It was a little difficult to get on and if you get it I would recommend potentially drilling the opening out a little larger. After letting sit in boiling water, I still had to give it several good whacks with my rubber mallet.
Too bad that option is off the table. I used a Fidanza arm, machined a threaded stainless extension, and topped off with UUC knob. The Fidanza has a built in 15% reduction, which reduces increased throw due to the extension. Additional heft from the heavy steel seems to improve leverage.
The Jaffster shift knob, it is about even with the top of the radio. The brass brushing i installed to remove the lateral shifter play. The only play that is left is from deflection in the shifter box. details for the brushing are in http://www.motoringalliance.com/forums/cooper-s-engine-drivetrain/11127-diy-shifting-nirvana.html -Jonathan
with the mini madness extension on the bottom, its still a bit less than stock. Still want a CAE shifter or similar.
Ooo..ahhh [ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySgp_IvvnVY&hd=1]CAE shifter install on MINI Clubman JCW - YouTube[/ame]