So I have no clue how to start a search for this because in words it will sound more complicated than if I were physically explain:

I have a 2001 Cavalier z24 5-speed manual. I bought it from a guy who was fixin' to race it at E-town...I do not know if he left the stock gear ratios ( if you can even change them at all) in. When I shift, it is rarely smooth...and it bucks all the time. I know how to shift...I have driven my buddy's cobalt and shifted just fine. I feel like the gear ratio in my Z is very short. Is this on all cav's where the gear ratio is very short and shifting is so violent? If it is, can I fix it myself ( tinker with ratios, etc) or am I stuck with it??

It probably has an upgraded clutch and/or mounts. I know my cav got alittle trickier to drive once i installed my solid tranny mounts.