I really didn't notice much of a difference either on my Si coupe; maybe if I were to track the car would I notice a larger difference. Right now, I push on the brake pedal, it moves ~1 inch and then stops. If I want more braking, I push harder increasing the pressure on the pedal. Only thing I can attest to is that there is no mushiness at all. Very direct braking "feel".

As for short shifters; I am running the same Neuspeed SS for the past 3 years.....no problems at all.

-Ken