Put in the ES polyu bushings - not that much fun during the installation. My question is this .. I now notice the shift action to be a bit stiffer (obviously) but now the 2-3 and 4-5 shifts are a bit rough at times, almost like a grinding sensation. It doesn't really bother me but I'm wondering if it's damaging the tranny in any way.

It makes sense that the sideways action of the 2-3 and 4-5 shifts would be stiffer than the straight shifts of 1-2 and 3-4.

 

didn't notice any notchiness...

then again when I did the shifter bushings..I also removed the entire shifter and relubed the ball on the base of the unit so it would rotate smoother inside that plastic race.....

That helped considerably......since I always suspected it was no longer greased ...(my car is 97)

 

I installed Mugen shifter bushings last year (which are rubber) and noticed an increase in 'notchiness'. If I had the energy, I'd pull then out. I definitely would not recommend poly bushings here. Stock is best in this case, methinks.

 

I too have the ES bushings and noticed more feedback and a bit of "notchyness" between shifts, even after replacing the transmission fluid. Im also using a spoon shift ****, through which you can feel the shifts more over the stock leather ****.