re. short shifters
1. are they easy to install?
2.how much are they usually?

about $7 and easy to install, just like removing and replacing the shifter.

Quick shift kit - $39 from Vintage VW in Sydney. Just a spacer which shortens the throw of the gear stick. Easy to install, takes 1/2 hour max.

A quick shifter such as a Hurst, EMPI etc there are several brands, can range from $100 to over $400 for a top line unit.

All the quick shift options usually recommend you renew your shift coupler and the shift bushing. As your throw is shorted, so is the lever arm. Therefore if the rest of the system is not working smoothly, the shifter will feel much stiffer.

I just bought a quick shift kit as well as a urethane coupler and a new bush from aircooled.net for under AUD70.00 landed.