18 replies to this topic

[jimbo_edmondo]

Just thought i'd ask everyones opinion on quickshift.
My reverse is a bit stiff, still a good idea? can they take a bit of rough handling?
I guess that the price i pay for one will be equivalent to the quality?
Is KAD the way to go?

[Jammy]

I here the KAD system is the best. But to be honest I wouldn't bother, the system works on the principle that the pivot point of the gear lever is moved upwards, therefore meaning you move the gear-stick less, but this puts more stress on the gearbox and can lead to premature wear. This is what I've been told by a few people (including a reptuable engine builder who helped pioneer the system when he worked at BMC special tuning department years ago), but I have never had one fitted myself so I cannot give a personal opinion.

[jimbo_edmondo]

I don't see how it puts more stress on the gearbox, it should put less stress on it as the leverage that your arm gets is less, therefore you cannot push it as hard as without the quickshift. Unless i don't have a clue what i'm talkin about, but i c how the part works. Any body who has fitted one know of any problems?
Thanks Jammy

[Guess-Works.com]

Not that I've ever had a quickshift, I can agree that if you want one, get the KAD, had a play with it at MITP, and it was rather slick.

As for additional stresses, from a mechanical perspective you are altering the pivot point on the shift, which means you need to but more force on the end of the stick to move the intput the the gearbox ( rod ) the same amount. Because of the quicker action, this is likely to put more strain on the selector forks as they are going to have to move the synchros faster, which is also going to put an additional strain on the baulk rings.

Whether is makes a difference or not I cannot say, but the first things to go in a gearbox are those parts associated with the gear change, rather than power transfer.

[Jammy]

Ah that was it, I think it was Dan (mayb it wasn't) that pin-pointed most of the problem in a thread not too long ago. The system shifts so quick, it doesn't really allow the baulk rings to synchronise, and so it wears them out quicker, something to that effect anyway.

[NE-Matt]

Seen this topis come and go over the years, the best thing I heard about a quickshift was that they were fine to use if you used them purely for less movement of the gearstick rather than trying to change gear quicker.

[jimbo_edmondo]

Ah i see, ok think i'll leave it then! Its not like its a racing car (not yet!). Thanks again for ur advice guys

[clubman katie B.F]

had a play with both the "cheap" quick shifts anf also the kad quick shift. the kad is really good, but i don't think it merits being nearly seventy notes more expensive than the cheap versions. like they say they are good for minimising the gear stick travel, and they do make gear changes a little bit quicker. i have fitted them to all my minis, and will continue to do so

[jimbo_edmondo]

I think i'm probably a bit rough with it anyway so if it had shorter travel i'd just try an do it even quicker! don't want to kill another gearbox anytime soon!

[P91MER]

The KAD quickshifts are AWESOME!! Would recommend one to anybody, fitting is pretty easy, and it totally transforms gear changing!

If i bought another mini, i would prob also put one in there aswel i am that happy with it!

Has a lurrrvely alloy knob aswel, and is built to a very high standard!

[Bungle]

I have thought about fitting a quick shift as when in 5th gear the gear nob ends up under your knee.But i too have herd bad things about fitting one and doing damage to the gear box and as a 5 speed box is somewhere around £2000 dont want to damage it.but i dont know of any one who have had problems.

[Woody]

Well , this is a new one on me ,I have never heard of Quick shift kits causing wear to the gearbox :gasp:
If you go for a cheap kit they are made from quite soft alloy and wear quickly so before long its like stiring a puding (plenty of grease works well here)
I fit a quickshift to all my minis , allways have done , dont like banging my knuckles on the dash :grin:
I only have short arms

[Guess-Works.com]

What I was trying to illude to is the increased probability of wear, not that it does actually wear the gearbox, as I hava no corroberating evidence. Personally, if I had the money, I'd have a KAD one ( or two ) myself.

[neil_g]

like said above it should be called a shortshift rather than a quickshift, as long as you dont try to do gearchanges faster than micheal schumacher and beat the synchromesh you should be fine.

take the changes at a normal speed and it'll be fine. be prepared for very close gears, takes a bit of getting used to lol

incidentally i have one of the new KADs and its pure car porn..

[clubman katie B.F]

have been thinking about this one, and i don't see how a quick shift could lead to increased wear of a gear box. it is like saying fitting a different steering wheel will lead to increased wear of the steering rack. there is no increased or decreased movement to the box as all the changes are at the other end of the rod.... rant over )