4 replies to this topic

[mab01uk]

I have had a Minispares 5-speed gearbox in my Mini for many years but recently the gear change feel has become a bit less accurate so have been reminding myself how the Minispares 'Gearlever Bias Barrel' is adjusted for a 5-speed box.

 

The article in link below says it can also be fitted to the standard 4-speed rod change gearboxes to give a ‘modern car’ feel, and taking the guessology out of gear selection. Anybody done this or have any further feedback or tips on setting the Bias Barrel up?

 

Minispares Instructions.

GEAR LEVER BIAS BARREL - FITTING INSTRUCTIONS:-

http://www.minispare...ng-instructions

 

MSG12 - GEARBOX BIAS BARREL SLICKSHIFT:-

Bias spring arrangement fits the shift rod on rod change cars to "bias" the shift lever towards the 3rd gear gate. Used as standard on our 5 speed gearbox to bias the gear changes also. Tightens up all the linkage and makes gear changes feel easier and more direct. A great upgrade for any gearbox.

£33.66 inc vat

http://www.minispare...ssic/MSG12.aspx

 

FITMENT OF ANCILLIARY PARTS:-

http://www.minispare...ncilliary-parts

Edited by mab01uk, 11 June 2023 - 04:16 PM.

[mab01uk]

Now found some previous TMF threads on fitting and use:-

 

https://www.theminif...rel-slickshift/

 

https://www.theminif...s-barrel-msg12/

 

https://www.theminif...ft-bias-barrel/

Edited by mab01uk, 11 June 2023 - 04:16 PM.

[Spider]

I would be sure it would fit up the same on the 5 speed as the 4 speed as they are intended to bring the stick back to the 'central' position over the 3 / 4 gates.

 

I tried one briefly and while I could see the idea of them and it kinda had the feel I was looking for, the rubber mounts that hold the shifter housing was what let them down. This lead me down the path of thinking about a better mounting set up for the shifter housing that let it move back and forth, but resist any twisting, which is where the standard mounts I felt, let the Bias Barrel down. I came up with a sliding mount  and tried it without the Bias Barrel, only so I could see if I was barking up the right tree, with the intent of fitting if I was. What I found was that this mount totally transformed the feel of the shift altogether to the point where it has a better feel than the revered Remote Shift. While I had intended to fit the Bias Barrel to this, I felt I didn't need to after feeling it without.

[gav]

I would be sure it would fit up the same on the 5 speed as the 4 speed as they are intended to bring the stick back to the 'central' position over the 3 / 4 gates.

 

I tried one briefly and while I could see the idea of them and it kinda had the feel I was looking for, the rubber mounts that hold the shifter housing was what let them down. This lead me down the path of thinking about a better mounting set up for the shifter housing that let it move back and forth, but resist any twisting, which is where the standard mounts I felt, let the Bias Barrel down. I came up with a sliding mount  and tried it without the Bias Barrel, only so I could see if I was barking up the right tree, with the intent of fitting if I was. What I found was that this mount totally transformed the feel of the shift altogether to the point where it has a better feel than the revered Remote Shift. While I had intended to fit the Bias Barrel to this, I felt I didn't need to after feeling it without.

 

Sounds interesting, any pics?

[Spider]

 

I would be sure it would fit up the same on the 5 speed as the 4 speed as they are intended to bring the stick back to the 'central' position over the 3 / 4 gates.

 

I tried one briefly and while I could see the idea of them and it kinda had the feel I was looking for, the rubber mounts that hold the shifter housing was what let them down. This lead me down the path of thinking about a better mounting set up for the shifter housing that let it move back and forth, but resist any twisting, which is where the standard mounts I felt, let the Bias Barrel down. I came up with a sliding mount  and tried it without the Bias Barrel, only so I could see if I was barking up the right tree, with the intent of fitting if I was. What I found was that this mount totally transformed the feel of the shift altogether to the point where it has a better feel than the revered Remote Shift. While I had intended to fit the Bias Barrel to this, I felt I didn't need to after feeling it without.

 

Sounds interesting, any pics?

 

 

Sorry this is a less than ideal photo, but it's all I presently have to hand;-

 

 

It's basically a slide mount. It allows the shifter body to move back and forth with the engine, but not rotate. There is still some rubber in the system - the bush on the back of the diff cap and the bushes on the back of the Shifter Housing. I've made a few of these now, my own I've done around 20 000 km with now and still love it.