The shifter is definately "notchier", and in my opinion makes it harder to miss a gear. I have no rattling that's been a common complaint with aftermarket shifters.
It took me and a buddy an hour--him in the cabin holding things while I was underneath "wrenching"--and that's with taking considerable time trying to get the right angle for removing the original and putting in the Hurst. Any competent mechanic shouldn't charge more than an hour's labor.