When I was installing my set of the MTec springs, I didn't think it would make that much of a difference as comparing the stock and Mtec spring side by side, I could not tell the difference in spring rate compressing between my fingers. Installation is really easy with only the front end jacked. The difference is when it is installed. It isn't any more difficult to shift where you have to be he-man or the hulk to get into gears. It's less crunchy shifting 2->3. Besides doing shifter springs, I have the Perrin transmission mount support, rear shifter bushing, and changed fluids to Motul Gear 300. All have made improvements in the feel of the car transmission to make it smoother. The car is still easy to drive, my girlfriend who weighs ~100 lbs can drive it, if that's any indicator of whether or not this will make it difficult to drive.
At first it feels noticeably stiffer with less play, but you get used to it and are effortlessly shifting gears with ease since you have a better feel for what the transmission is doing. I feel the car should have come with these springs from the factory. Makes it feel less like a toy.
You can see side by side pics here:
http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showp...43&postcount=4