Were it me, I'd stick with the long "wobble" stick. Actually, it is me. I just finished with the autobox -> M41 conversion, and I wouldn't have gone with teh short shifter even if I had one handy. I love my long stick.

Teh wobble stick is indeed sorta truck like, but there is no linkage, so the shifts are precise, and there is no linkage to wear out. Indeed, the throw is long, but it is plenty quick enough with practice. It also gives more room for spiffy consoles twixt the seats. The only short linkage I've ever liked was that from early 1800s...

And, cutting the tunnel out is a huge ordeal. The sort of thing that you get half way finished, quit for a while. Then 5 years later you sell the car off for parts. Not to say it can't be done. Obviously Volvo did it starting in '72, and earlier than that with the 164, but as someone else mentioned...it ain't a project for the faint of heart.

-Matt