I have an 86 z28 with a T5 tranny. when i need to shift to reverse I put the clutch to the floor and it wont go into reverse without grinding and slamming, I am also beginning to have problems shifting into 1 gear when I am at a complete stop. Is this caused by a bad clutch? Is my clutch wearing out? Please explain this to me, and the best way to have it repaired, thanks alot. Eric

 

Reverse has no synchronizer. It will always do that. Before you try to put it in reverse, put it in a forward gear first to stop all the guts inside it from spinning, then it will go right in without grinding. Of all the things I hate to see when I buy a transmission core, it's that exact lack of correct driving technique that bothers me the most; I've seen too many otherwise cherry transmissions ruined by all the metal chips that got shed into the fluid by a driver that didn't do that, and ended up ruining the transmission.

The other problem probably is a clutch issue, probably a worn-out pilot bushing; if that's dead, then the rest of the clutch can't be far behind.

Replace the clutch, and learn to drive a stick shift better.

 

That is exactly what i do, i go into 1 gear before going into reverse, but that aint solving it anymore, it is still grinding it a little bit. The clutch needs replaced, thats all, but thanks for reply

 

Well if all the "guts" in the transmission are at a complete stop by you putting it in first, then it's impossible for it to grind! Grinding is only possible when something's spinning.... RB's got a good point.