96-00 Civic Transmission Detent Springs Upgrade 

Hey Larry, from the sounds of your description, I would recommend you check your shifter linkage bushings on the underside of the car. In particular, the bushing that bolts up to the chassis just under the shifter. That might be loose or worn. And the smaller springs are responsible for a more ratchet feeling engagement for 2 gears per spring. So one spring does gear 1-2, another 3-4, and the last 5-R. The larger spring makes the shifter’s left-to-right neutral motion stiffer. I wouldnt think it’ll align the shifter to a more centered position. Hope this helps, best of luck!