4 speed hump/swap question

Im leaning towards a 4 speed on my project, and ive been reading swap threads and articles and such. Just wondering about the 4 speed hump. My far was a column shift 3 speed, so it doesnt have one. As far as i can tell (noob warning) the clearance that a 4 speed hump allows is for the shifter and such, not the actual transmission housing. If that is true, do i NEED the hump for a 4 speed? Not saying i would hack up my floor, just a hypothetical question. Lol, thanks
You have to have the hump, as that houses the shifter.