Shift stops on a short throw shifter are intended to "PREVENT" forks from bending. Your pedal "SHOULD" start to engage 1 1/2 " to 2" off the floor if it is properly adjusted.
The shift stops do more harm than good on tremec built transmissions, a improperly adjusted shift stop can cause a partial engagement and when it pops out of gear due to a partial engagement the shift fork can not handle the shock load of this and then bends. I have replaced many shift forks because of this and it's non warrenty when it happens so I make a lot of money on it.
Tremec suggests that you do not use shift stops on after market shifters since there trannies have built in stops already and thus the stops on a after market shifter is not needed..
Your links prove nothing, shifter manufacturers use the shift stops as a selling tool. This dates back to the old t-5's that did not have internal stops, with that transmission you really should use them. As was posted above some shifter manufactures have also suggested that they not be used or adjusted to make minimum to no contact. Sure if you do that you will not have partial engagement problems but whats the point to having them at all.
The T-45 and T-5 share the same shifter so it makes sense for the shifter manufactuers to leave the stops in the product because the T-5 guys need them. I think the reason they left it in the design of the aftermarket t-3650 shifters is for a selling point. Hell they have you convinced that it will save your tranny. Go take a look at the TKO 500 and 600 they come with a short throw from tremec WITH NO STOPS..
So now you know how a shift stop can bend a shift fork lets move on to lesson #2
Now about the 3 inches off the floor.. I find that on T-45 transmission cars this adjustment works the best for performance driving and high rpm shifting, maybe for you 1 1/2 ( minimum factory spec) is ok but I don't think that allows enough clutch air gap at high rpms for a clean upshift, it really leaves no room for error and in many cases you can get stuck in first or reverse due to partial clutch engagement.. ( ford has a TSB on this, and if it can't be fixed with pulling up on the pedal they have us replace the quadrant)
I really could care less if you disagree with me, I have worked on many many mustangs over the years and this is what I find works best for my driving style and customers of mine have thanked me after I setup the clutch adjustment on their cars.
If you want to use shift stops then go ahead just make sure they are adjusted right ( right is where they don't really do anything) and if you want to leave only 1 1/2 inch at the bottom of the pedal then don't be surprised when you miss a powershift or grind on high rpm shifts.
