I remember why I changed to the V gate...jeez this factory shifter sucks, already tired of hitting my knuckles on the dash trying to grab 3rd
Then you need to do what I did, to my Dads Super Bee. I installed a new Comp Plus mechanism, and then made my own shift Rods with heim joints. It cuts the throw down by half.
What size tubing is that? I may give that a shot if you got it in there without hacking stuff out.
The biggest PITA will be buying a left handed tap, and that's a phone call to MDS or whoever I buy that crap from.