is a short throw shifter much different from stock?

The stock shifter is where its at.

You might hear that TWM (http://www.twmperformance.com/shortshifters/chevroletshortshifters/cobalt-ss-sc-short-shifter.htm) is the best shifter for the cobalt, and it probably is, but for the price I'd just stay stock.

I would still be stock if I hadn't gotten a smoking deal (http://cobaltss.net/forums/showthread.php?t=188182) on my Hurst (http://www.hurst-shifters.com/hurst-products/QUICK-STICK/QUICK-STICK-SHIFTER).

As for the Hurst, I love it but it has its share of issues (http://www.cobaltss.net/forums/showthread.php?t=131610). Nothing that isn't fixable, but if you're not willing to deal with fixing things its not the best route to take.

I like my hurst but it's def needed some work a few times.
Had to re-drill the set screw and remove the reverse lock out feature.

I'd go with a TWM if I did it again but stock is good too.

You could always just shorten the throw on the stock one like I did...

Shortening the shaft isn't the same as shortening the throw, if thats what you mean.

For example, the hurst is the same height as the stock unit (from shift-boot up), but it brings fifth in closer to third. Instead of fifth being all the way to the right, its about equal distance from third as third is from first. The distance between gears wouldn't change with just a shorter shaft.

stock is the best. i heard some people just cut it... the lock out for reverse isnt really needed.

im going with the ark sts for stiffness and looks mainly

Shortening the shaft isn't the same as shortening the throw, if thats what you mean.

For example, the hurst is the same height as the stock unit (from shift-boot up), but it brings fifth in closer to third. Instead of fifth being all the way to the right, its about equal distance from third as third is from first. The distance between gears wouldn't change with just a shorter shaft.

Nope, not a shorter shaft...I actually shortened the throw on my stock shifter. Gear to gear is only 4" of movement. WickedSS2005 has seen this in person. It's tricky to do, but can be done. I've had mine like this for about 6 months and quite a few trips to the track, it works well. When I get a chance, I'm gonna take pics and post up a how-to. I don't know what the stock shifter's throw is since I'm a dope and didn't measure it before I shortened it, Wicked told me it's about equal to the throw on his B&M right now. So I'm sure it's substantially shorter

i love my twm. you can definitely feel a difference while shifting.

I have a Hurst. It squeaks sometimes. Strange.

Nope, not a shorter shaft...I actually shortened the throw on my stock shifter. Gear to gear is only 4" of movement. WickedSS2005 has seen this in person. It's tricky to do, but can be done. I've had mine like this for about 6 months and quite a few trips to the track, it works well. When I get a chance, I'm gonna take pics and post up a how-to. I don't know what the stock shifter's throw is since I'm a dope and didn't measure it before I shortened it, Wicked told me it's about equal to the throw on his B&M right now. So I'm sure it's substantially shorter

Interesting! Definitely would like to see that how-to.

yea please post a how to.
1- I hate how twm or hurst b&m dont make a sts to cancel the reverse lockout feature. 2 - i Hate how even though its a sts, the shaft is still high. On my audi's, the sts would lower the height ALOT AND the throw. I would just have to move like 2 inches and the shifter was really low down. Alot sharper looking imo

yea please post a how to.
1- I hate how twm or hurst b&m dont make a sts to cancel the reverse lockout feature. 2 - i Hate how even though its a sts, the shaft is still high. On my audi's, the sts would lower the height ALOT AND the throw. I would just have to move like 2 inches and the shifter was really low down. Alot sharper looking imo

Well, on our cars the reverse lockout is handy because without it there, you miss 5th gear 90% of the time. Reverse is about an inch or inch and a half further to the right than 5th gear is. So, the lockout is worth keeping if you ask me just as a nuisance blocker lol. Also, this doesn't shorten the shaft on the shifter any because of the reverse lockout. I mean, you could cut down the shaft and take out the reverse lockout feature along with my little trick, but i personally wouldn't recommend it. Keep an eye out for the how to in the next week or so hopefully. Right now the g/f is driving my car because hers is down with bad wheel bearings so I usually don't have it at home with me.