Mark,
The notchy feeling is due to the shorter leverage on the top which is what gives it the shorter throw. It does require more effort to shift and that is the way it is. You may help it a tiny bit by putting a little grease on the shift cables to help reduce the friction, but the leverage will not change and it will always be "notchier" than stock. You'll get used to it. I've had mine a month now I think and can't ever go back!
