Thanks for the info Martin. The Z3 shifter is already on the way. It was an inexpensive change and I'm afraind the Z8 shifter would be much more expensive. Not sure though. I paid $40 for the brand new Z3 shifter from BMA.
The bending mod seems interesting. I'll have to investigate once the shifter arrives.
Yeah, the gearbox mount upgrade sounds very interesting. I forgot to order new ones but can prolly just go to the local dealer and take a look see at those 3 series mounts.