Just bought a SFIV TE Arcade Stick and I've come to realize that I do not like the way a square gate feels.  I'd like to replace it with a octagonal gate, but I've never done any modding before.
 
Would anyone be able to direct me to a good site or explain how to do this, where to shop, what tools I may need, and how to know if the part I buy will even work with the TE Stick?
 
Like I said, I'm new to modding of any kind, so I literally know nothing on how to do this.  Before I accidentally destroy my brand new $130 stick I figure I'd ask :)

Ahh, thanks a bunch FluxWaveZ!
These resources look like they'll be perfect.

That's probably a good idea though; seeing if I get used to it.  I was going to probably hold off until after the holidays are over anyway, so I'll try and give myself a good 2 months using the square gate before going through with the change.
 
Again, thanks!

No problem.

Yeah, the restrictor place is probably the easiest thing to change, as it'll only take like 20 seconds once you get the case open to pop it off, and pop a new one on. Here's my old SE modding video I did a while back, you can skip ahead to the part where I remove the gate to rotate the PCB, as that is what applies to your question. 
  

I personally liked the square gate from the beginning, so I'd just say do whatever you feel is right. If you are puzzled by the feel by all means try out an 8-way plate, they're cheap enough to where if you like that even less, it's no real loss.

I'll ultimately try both.  I play mainly Sakura, and I find her circular stick moves to be rather difficult to execute with the square gate.   I am a newbie to fighting games though, so that could be a large part of it (haven't played a fighting game since Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo in the arcades when it was new).
 
Even if the gate were rotated in more of a diamond configuration, I think that would help me immensely, but I don't think that's possible (that I'm aware of).
 
Since posting initially I read some forums that mentioned that a Ryu/Ken like fighter is easier with the octagonal gate and that charge characters are better with a square.  Worst case scenerio, I have both and I can always switch back to sqaure if need be.

" I'll ultimately try both.  I play mainly Sakura, and I find her circular stick moves to be rather difficult to execute with the square gate.   I am a newbie to fighting games though, so that could be a large part of it (haven't played a fighting game since Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo in the arcades when it was new).  Even if the gate were rotated in more of a diamond configuration, I think that would help me immensely, but I don't think that's possible (that I'm aware of).  Since posting initially I read some forums that mentioned that a Ryu/Ken like fighter is easier with the octagonal gate and that charge characters are better with a square.  Worst case scenerio, I have both and I can always switch back to sqaure if need be. "

I've never tried anything but square, but if you're new to sticks, it's going to feel weird either way until you get used to it.