Cut the Civic/CRX shifter under the pivot ball, extend the shaft by welding in a 1" section of tubing then weld the lower shifter bushing housing back on.
You could also cut the top off of the shifter, but this will lower the height of the shifter and you won't be able to use the stock shift knob.
I'm using a "Ractive" aftermarket shift knob that sits lower on the shifter than the stock knob. It feels much better than stock both in throw and touch.