So I was wondering if there was a part inside the gear lever assembly that makes the difference between that brand new car feel on a manual.

I've read about a lot of toyotas feeling a huge difference by replacing the gear shifter seat, does the accord have a similar piece?

What can I do to tighten up the shifter feeling?

and its for a 91 EX

 

One thing you can look at if the shift feels loose is the shift linkages themselves.You can adjust them to do this: Unscrew the shifter ****, remove your center console (it is only held in by half dozen screws around it's base). With it in neutral measure the distance on both cables from the center of the eyebolt to the bracket they mount into.

Dimensions should be: Select cable 8 3/8 to 8 13/32, shift cable 6 55/64 to 6 29/32

If they are not correct, disconnect the cable from the shifter by removing the eyebolt, lossing the locknut and it's base, and rotating it to adjust it's length to tolerance. Hook it back up and and remeasure and repeat until it is good. Also you can check the shift lever mount and tighten it's 4 mounting bolts if they are loos as well.

 

Check for sloppy cable connections or pivot points that are worn to a sloppy fit. Same thing at the other end of the 2 cables - out at the tranny.

Adjustment is one thing, wornparts are another to produce sloppy motion in the shift lever that isn't actually transmitted to the tranny.

 

Thanks guys, I'll open up the console today and see what I've got under there.

Do the accords have bushings in there that slowly wear out under normal conditions?

 

They have steel and plastic washers. So yes after many years those can wear out, especially the plastic ones