This bothered me also in the beginning, but I've found out that it becomes real smooth when you shift at a higher rev ( > 4000 rpm ) and if you shift with confidence.

 

This is pretty normal among many transmissions, including Porsche. 3rd gear on the 915 gearbox (used in 911s from the early 70's through the late eighties/early 90s, has the same exact "idiosyncracy" - which is the perfect word to describe it. You just get used to it, as described above.

 

It will go away with time and miles on the car, dont worry!!!

 

My only complaint with shifting in this car is the same exact complaint I've had in my two previous Hondas:

When its cold, to get into reverse I must first engage one of the forward gears. Even if the car was parked in 1st or neutral.

I CANNOT engage 1st gear when its cold. The only way to do so is to put it in 2nd then into 1st. If I were in neutral for example, at a complete stop, and tried to engage first gear, it will not let me.

But again, same problems I had with my previous Hondas.

 

Hmmmm. I think I know what you're talking about. When it's cold, try not to force it or rush it. Move the stick into the 1st position while hesitating slightly with a bit of a wiggle back and then forward again. Being cold AND with the tranny spinning around from being in neutral does make it more difficult. By going into second (or any other gear) stops the tranny and makes the 1st gear selection easier. 1st gear is most difficult in this scenario because of it's "low" gearing (or high ratio). Hesitating and "wiggling" it in does the same thing (stopping the tranny before it clicks in).

 

I use to have this "hit" going into 3rd when it was new. Now that I am used to it and found the idiosyncracy and it has worn in more, 3rd gear is my smoothest gear.

 

Same here... and in fact, I MISS that hit. It's such a subtly shocking and mechanical feeling sensation.

Koala, try accelerating the engine up to 2000 rpm and then sliding into first gear. Dunno why, but I found that to help.

 

Steve and xviper - thanks... those are other methods I've found that work, but it seems to me the quickest is just to go into 2nd then into 1st...

I'm used to it anyway, exact same issue with my Acura RSX and my Honda Civic... I wonder if other car brands have the same issue? I never experienced that in my uncles BMW... but I never drove it in cold weather either.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by koala
[B]Steve and xviper - thanks... those are other methods I've found that work, but it seems to me the quickest is just to go into 2nd then into 1st...