thanks for the reply, and that's a good idea. found a pic of what the 2004 special ed. shifter looks like. you may be correct, the shifter does look shorter (and looks much better than my 2001)
http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupe/112_0407_2004_porsche_911_boxster_s/photo_02.html
wonder where i can find one, and/or how much it'll cost...