thanks guys
Newest install: Rogue Engineering Short Shifter with BLOX 490 Limited shift knob in Electric Blue
difference in shifter height and throw when lined up by the pivot point:
Rogue Eng shifter require you to install the factory plastic pivot shift cup and lower bushing. Both removed with the help of a vise, hammer and screw driver.
greased and installed
and finally with the knob
Haven't driven it yet, but the throw doesn't seem extremely shorter. The 'sloppy' feel is gone and throws feel precise and click into place. With the weight of the knob, the throw is still easy. The height is much better than the stock shifter+the blox knob; matches up with the center arm rest well.
Hard to see in the pics, but I also did the DIY stitch coloring with a medium blue. Results were great, very subtle change, and hard to tell in direct light/flash. In the daylight it looks awesome.