Hi Ross, There are many ways to skin a cat, but that's a different story... Anyways the shifter shown retains some of the OEM Audi parts used in the CAV factory shifter. It's a perfectly fine part that gives smooth motion, allows for reverse lockout depression if a shift gate plate is used and prevents the shaft spinning (plus it came with the car!).
The throw on this shifter is more like 2" either side of nuetral with a reasonably narrow gate. The shift effort certainly more than an Accords but not crazy either. Imagine about one third the effort you have now.
We have built and scrapped several gear selectors to upgrade the CAV original units and now have systems that will work equally well in any GT40 reproduction that is ZF equipped.
The next generation Right Hand Shift is self contained and not dependant on mounting to a particular side wall structure as shown in this example.
There is no end of entertainment in these cars if you get your jollys from homegrown problem solving, ah the challenge of building your own car!
Good luck with it and please contact me directly if I can help, I've been a bit busy lately and have to admit not checking all posting.
Cheers