8 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.

 

GEARBOX BIAS BARREL SLICKSHIFT - MSG12

"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 rod change gearbox."

https://www.minispar...rrel-slickshift

 

The Minispares instructions in link below say it can also be fitted to the standard 4-speed rod change gearboxes to give a <span>&lsquo;modern car&rsquo; 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?

 

GEAR LEVER BIAS BARREL - FITTING INSTRUCTIONS:-

"The bias barrel was originally developed as part of our five speed gearbox package,
necessary to facilitate accurate gear selection and gear lever position. It soon
became apparent that this device would vastly improve the gear change on the
standard four speed rod change gearbox, endowing Minis and Metros with the
‘modern car’ feel, and taking the quessology out of gear selection."

https://www.minispar...g/pdf/MSG12.pdf

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited by mab01uk, 26 July 2025 - 10:47 AM.

[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.

[beardylondon]

@Spider

 

I was considering fitting a Bias barrel, then I found your post, which put me off!

 

I am intrigued by your idea, however the photo wouldnt load, please could you re post it?

 

[stuart bowes]

Edited by stuart bowes, Today, 12:14 PM.

[Rubbershorts]

I fitted this to a 4 speed set up and it does almost as promised. I mean there could be other old car factors to consider as it's not exactly as a modern car, but it's a massive improvement on what it was. It does improve the driving experience a lot but I get a little metallic click feel/sound when changing gears that I find irksome. It's probably the two metal pins clacking on the rod when you go side to side with the stick. I tried manipulating them and sticking a load of grease in that area but it's still there. It's not bad but if someone comes up with a way to shut it up I'd definitely be interested. I'd definitely fit one again if I get another car that needs one. Daz.

[Midas Mk1]

I fitted a few in my last job, hated them. Far better feel making sure there’s no wear in the selector mechanism then going for a Kad Quickshift imo.