you are right, the throw is pretty long between 1-2. Since 1st is so low, and can be tough to get in if you are going like 15-20, the long throw may help with leverage. If you shorten the throw (short shifter) it will be even harder (from the drivers point anyway) to get into first when rolling. I did find a guy who modded the stock shifter (ive never seen aftermarket short shifter for volvo) to be a short shifter, but I cannot find his site. If anyone knows please post it.