I cannot compare the EVO3 to a stock shifter, however, I purchased a car with the EVO3 already installed. I do not have the DSSR in it at this time, plan on installing it once the weather starts to break.
I can tell you when I purchased the car the shifter was a mess, not the fault of UUC, fault of the person who installed it. 4 of the shift cup screws were missing, other 2 were loose, snap ring was never seated correctly and the shifter was not seated in the shift cup. Only the heavy rubber shift boot was keeping the shifter somewhat in the shift cup. If you pulled up on the shifter, it would raise up out of the shifter cup about 1+ inch!
I have since installed the missing shifter cup screws, however, UUC sent screws that were too long and they actually were touching the shifter ball once they were tightened. This caused the shifter to bind, I had to installed small flat and lock washers to space the screws out so they would not rub, used them from computer D connectors I had laying around. Now the shifter cup is tight, screws do not rub and the snap ring is properly seated. I think the correct screw length was about 3 mm and what I was sent was around 6 mm?? I have pictures with my digital caliper if you need exact details.
I have since found the shifter yolk, the aluminum part the shifter actually sits in is rather sloppy on the trans. I have all new shifter yolk bushings to install as well. The shifter has more side to side slop than expected and you can see most of the slop is in the shifter yolk bushings. There are 2 smaller bushings at the front of the yolk and a larger bushing just behind where the shifter drops in the yolk.
What I can say, is the shifter is a bit notchy, but not too bad. A bit harder when cold, but does get much better within a few blocks. I think trans fluid can bit of improvement. I have also installed a ZHP weighted shift knob and it also seems to shift more precisely and a bit easier. Kind of like a gated shifter I would guess. I think Tischer may still have the ZHP weighted shift know shifted for around $65?
Make sure you used moly lube on the stainless ball and cup and check to make sure all other parts are slop free.
I will be much happier once I can pull the shifter yolk, install all the new bushings, really clean up the shift cup installation and use Loctite and get the DSSR installed. I think this will make for a much better overall shifter experience.