Since you are one a budget, I think you should look into the
UPR shifter (<--- click.) Essentially its a copy of the Steeda Tri-ax which is basically impossible to miss 3rd gear in. Let those companies argue about the right to copy a product, and just reap the benefits of competition in the market place. Here's a good link to the same question you have:
Best bang for the buck shifter?
BTW - I went to community college for the first few years of school, and that was somewhat easy to save money to put into the car. This is my first year away at school and its basically impossible for my to find money to put into my car. So I know your dilemma of trying to pick the perfect parts.