Help with shifter

So you get the pattern but it takes some searching. Lube it up. That's what I'd try. It may also feel/respond different when everything is bolted in the car. They are not difficult to change while in if you need to later.
That's a good point, I do want a hurst style shifter so I was hoping to swap one into this but not sure about that anymore... The car I pulled it out of had a beat up trans tunnel for 2 and 4 hear cuz that shifter sits awkwardly. I'll mock it up before I ruin my brand new hump