Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Transaxle short shifter for pre-98 zetec

Well, it is just symantics I guess.

The steed changes the ratio of motion versus the stock shifter and keeps the length relatively the same. This means that the shift knob isn't lower than the B&M and hardly lower than stock.
The ratio of motion has been changed to help shorten the throw distance even though the upper portion above the pivot isn't as short as the B&M
The B&M has a shorter upper arm than stock but approximately the same length lower arm below the pivot. The upper arm being shorter means that the throw is also shorter. Here is a graphical depiction (Sort of)

stock:
--------o-->

B&M
-----o-->

Steeda
------o--->

If you look at the pictures the shifters are pictured on their sides with the circle as the pivot point and the > symbol as where the cable hooks up.
The dashes are the shaft and the number of them corresponds to the length.
Stock is the longest shaft above the pivot.
The B&M shortens the shaft but keeps the shaft below the pivot the same lenth.
The Steeda shortens the upper shaft and lengthens the lower shaft. You have to measure the length of the upper to lower shafts to compare the ratio and see which truly has the shorter throw.
So you see, a shorter throw shift need only trace out a distance that the shift knob moves shorter than stock to be considered a shorter throw, irregardless of the length of the shafts. That is why if all else is equal, cutting the upper shaft of the stock shifter will shorten the throw automatically.

You must remember that the effort required to make the shift will also change. The shorter the shifter throw the less leverage advantage it has the the more stiff it will feel trying to shift.