At the recent MINIsOnTop event, a Whalen Shift Knob was raffled, raising over $800 for Make A Wish. The custom shift knob commemorated the event with the date “June 19, 2004” as well as the MINIsOnTop/Autoroad logo featured on the MINIsOnTop web site, decals, Tshirts, etc.
After losing out on the raffle, then checking out Shoe’s shift knob, I decided it was time for GBMINI to get one. After obtaining special permission I had a shift knob made with the MINIsOnTop logo combined with GBMINI:
There has always been a lot of “mystique” about the Whalen Shift Knob, with comments that it makes shifting easier, or even (presumably jokingly) increasing horsepower! I had assumed that all this was a joke and the Whalen Shift Knob is simply a cool MINI accessory.
So I was shocked to discover, driving home tonight, that gear shifts actually do seem somehow easier! I cannot decide what the difference is – is shifting actually smoother, or does the Whalen simply fit the hand better and give a more comfortable control?
Curious and surprising, but rather pleasing.
M&I / GBMINI 
Great picture… was it done with the timer as I can’t see you..!?
I think the better shifting just comes from the higher mass of the Whalen – hence more momentum. You might lose some of that advantage with a short shifter (shorter lever) so the combination may feel more like stock again.
No timer Gavin – just a long zoom from the trunk of the car! If you click to the big version you can sort of make out hands holding the camera in the distance 🙂
Helix short-shifter update: After talking with Gary today I might not do this – the Helix part extends the gear shift below the car, leaving the interior stock, but to do this a plastic dust shield protecting the gear shift mechanisms is removed!
Not comfortable with the long term result of removing a protection panel … it would not be there unless it was deemed necessary (no cost wasted on cars!)
Ian, I still like my 2002 MCS shifter knob. It has that sticky plastic insert on top that gives me great grip. I have heard complaints about the “stitching” on the leather part but I don’t see what the prob is. I must admit that when we picked up the car in FL I thought the previous owner had gotten jam on it or something. That one you have now is very spiffy looking though.
Again, let me tell you how kool it is to have that “Auto Up” feature on my windows. It was a piece o cake to install, even for me a real clutz, 30 minutes. It’s nice to get a product that does what is says and delivered on time!
RB