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I am not sure how 'vague' your steering is feeling. But...
In any car, when you accelerate, the front is unweightened and the rear is weightened. This is because the center of gravity of the car is higher than the road surface (the plane where frictional forces act). This torques the front of the car up. Similarly, when you brake, the rear unweightens as the effect is reversed. Note, a softer suspension will cause a movement of sorts from end to end as the body bucks and pitches. This will accentuate the weight transfer since there is actually some mass transfer as well now (not much though).
Are you wondering why you might not feel the effect as much at higher speeds? The torque at the wheels is higher in lower gears. And I'm assuming you dont make full boost in 1st. So 2nd is probably the most likely to cause that sensation.
I guess the only other thing could be that your tires are slipping at which point you lose some steering ability and it might feel vague and light.
As for your gear-lever moving, I'd begin by checking the motor mounts. There are two on top behind the engine head and two at the bottom that support the engine. In addition the transmission has a mount as well. Broken or soft mounts will let the engine rock beyond spec. Obviously, the tranny will move with it and the lever too.
Poly bushings for suspension components will definitely better the handling or responsiveness that you feel. However, this will come at the expense of increased vibrations (often not perceivable really) and a higher cost. I would only suggest going poly if you track the car at all or if you are going to be replacing the bushing anyway (cos the old one is no good anymore).
HTH
Karthik
posted by 12.207.223...
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