I just bought another F-body. I own every Gen now. had an 85 700R4 now a black and gold T5. Little history. 1 Owner 102,000 now on the ticker. The trans feels solid, no slipping, no pops, bad shifts, play... I find it hard to downshift into 1st or 2nd when in a higher gear, even if I row back down one gear at a time. If I go to 'jam' it back over there is a slight grind. Also any time I go to put it in reverse it does a decent grind. I cannot shut the car off and get the shifter into 5th or reverse either.

I tried to trouble shoot this on here, with no resolution found after a few pages of digging.

On a side note, It seems that only the first 3"-4" or so of the clutch pedal is doing all the work. I can depress the clutch all the way to the floor or about 5" and have the same response. Just thought I would add that if it might be related. Want to mention all symptoms.

Trying to figure out what need done without causing any additional damage or parts wear and tear. I own 9 cars, of which 5 are manual so I don't believe it is anything I am doing.

 

Reverse is not synchronized. You can't expect to go into reverse without a "decent grind" unless you do it in order.

At rest, pedal down, set it into a forward gear 1-4.
Then go into reverse.
As long as the clutch is releasing properly, you'll go into reverse smoothly.

Reverse is synchronized in your '99 TA.

 

So the somewhat tough downshift into 1st or 2nd is fairly common? Is there a reason I cannot put the car in reverse while it is shut off? My newer TA and all are so smooth. I feel almost like a rookie. Even my 4 speed in my '77 TA is a little easier. Maybe it is just getting use to it manners. Like I said if I force the down shift into 2nd it may do a slight grind. I was not sure if the syncro was off in the trans. But like I said its a really solid feel all around.