Ever since i owned the car i have noticed 3rd gear when in manual mode does not ever settle into being fully engaged, it always acts a bit like its slipping, every other gear once it settles there is minimal to no slip at all. Is this just a common "feature" of the design of the 5sp sport Auto with the paddle shift, or is this a early sign of slip? I ask because i swear i remember reading about it being this way from factory way back in the day in like Road and Track or something but i could be lying to myself. Fluid was changed once around 80-90k miles (Honda Dealer) car is at about 120k.

I try not to beat on my cars but i do drive hard from time to time be it autocross or in Fits case just trying to keep up with traffic given where i live and how people drive around here, so wondering if this should be a point of concern. As for time being i just try to take it gently when in and or avoid 3rd if not drive gently all the time,10 or 15k miles i've put on the car since ownership this issue has gotten no worse but also no better, just leaves me perplexed.

Bonus question how hard is a manual swap in the GD3?