I blew up the pic of the shifter handle in the manual and the angle of how the cable is pushed and pulled looks like an area that isn't the best in design..Might look at the cable in that area to see what it's trying to do when your applying pressure.
You may have already come across the real problem.. As Lee and most have said ( and you also know), it needs to be straight(er).
I will try to notch the tunnel or build a drop bracket of some sort tomorrow and see what happens.I would hate not to be able to run this thing
Looks sharp. Any other will probobly have the same issues so may as well keep at it till it does work.
You probobly already thought of it.. Might try and remove the trans support and make a clear shot to see if that does it before notching. It will be good if you do something to make it straight but it won't hurt to see..
I know this...my thought is...it may work without modding your car to fit the C-4 bracket. you seem to think the bracket you are using doesn't work in the tight tunnel...worth a try...
It has been awhile since I did mine. I am remembering that I had to bend my shift bracket or turn it upside down or something.. I know it is a pain but I'm sure you'll figure it out. Frank mentioned the other bracket and you say the holes are different. Can it work if you redrill ir? Maybe weld it to a plate?..