well if your shortening the shifter, the throw is actually shorter above the fulcrum point (at the knob/handle), just not below. we just did a similar shifter shortening to my brothers 97 escort, and it feels much better. it is also rod shifted like my 96 tour. we were thinking about further shortening the throw by lengthening the bottom side of the shifter connected to the rod, wich would give you the "true" short shifter mechanical advantage as you called it.
however, we did need to cut a couple inches out of the middle of the top half and weld back together. striker, how did you shorten yours? are the threads far enough down the shaft that you can cut to length and just thread a knob on, or did you use a tap and die?
too bad shifters arent as plentiful and as easy to install as they are on my mustang. still fun to work on the cars improving different aspects though.
Last edited by 4banganda5spd; 08/27/06 04:34 AM.
