As the title, I'm wondering what's the cheap option to improve shifting? It's a Evo 5

 

As far as a cheap option to improve shifting... You might be able to replace the under hood bushings. It's usually a cheap fix for 7,8,9. I'm not sure about the earlier models. I'm sure there are more people on this forum who have delt with them. Perhaps if you change the thread title to include the words "Evo 5 trans advice", you will get more replies. The what oil should I use question is usually the start of inflamitory arguments on forum posts.
Good luck.

 

Start with a heavier shift knob.

And +1 to bushings.

 

start by using ams oil cleans good and best oil out there you could also get a short shifter and upgrade trans gears with a lsd