what are the best short throws out there? i hear steeda is good, but what about fc and all of them? thanks.

Steeda is one of the better one's out there.

The Focus Central racing shifter advertises a 40% reduction in throw. (http://www.focus-central.com/catalog/details.asp?cid=4&sid=&pid=33)
It does look shorter than 2 inches from stock though.
Steeda doesn't advertise any numbers/percentage of throw that is decreased. (http://www.steeda.com/store/focus/drivetrain.htm)
The Steeda looks about 2 inches shorter than stock.
So, from looking at the numbers, if you want a short shifter with a shorter throw, get the Focus Central.
If you just want a shorter shifter, just cut off 2 inches.
Believe me, it feels better shorter than all tall like a 1960's truck with a manual tranny.

get the ebay special.... I got my shifter for 34 bucks shipped to my door.... shorter shaft, shorter throws, and an aluminum shift knob.... basically a B&M replica...

I've got the FC race shifter. Much shorter and of course much better then stock.

The best thing about the Steeda is that it has an altered shift point, so they don't have to make it so damn short. Its on my soon to do list.

I have a B&M with a red focus central shift knob and the shifts are alot shorter. I highly recomend that u get B&M.