I wouldn't exactly call the stock throw "long." Actually the fact that there is less dampening in the AFE SS has slowed my shifts down from stock a little because I can hear how angry the synchros are at me when I try to push it.

The main benefit of the AFE SS to me is just that it feels more natural. I think the bend in the stock shifter to get the stick centered in the boot makes it feel "weird" for lack of a better term... for a long time after I first got the car I found myself wandering around in neutral trying to find the gear I wanted, and then eventually getting the wrong one I got used to it eventually, but I wish I'd saved myself the trouble and just gotten the shifter straight away.

 

boost!!!