ok so I just bought a 99 civic ex the other day d16y8 with s40 manual trans, when I'm driving down the road and the car is in gear, I can move the shifter 6inches in either direction, first question is, is this normal?? and will installing a short shifter solve this?? Thanks everyone

 

Shifter bushing issue, remove the shift boot and check it.

 

^^That. Get under the car, it may be easier to remove the exhaust piping, and look at the bushing. My hatch was extremely sloppy and then I noticed the bushing that was put in was sticking out of the shifter collar about 3mm on each side. Shaved it down, put everything back together and it feels great now.