I have 3300 miles on my S, using it daily, and I have experienced the same thing: a slight catch upshifting into 3rd when entering the 3rd gear gate. If I ease the shifter slightly to the left so I enter 3rd in a more straight-ahead motion as opposed to a direct 2-3 angle, the "catch" doesn't happen.

I have also had the shifter hang up at this point, as if it's hitting a notch between 3rd and 5th during the 2-3 shift and not going into either the 3rd gate or the 5th gate. No grinding when it does this, and all I have to do is pull back slightly on the shifter and ease it into 3rd. This hanging usually happens while in VTEC. I have been unable to duplicate this moving the shifter with the car at rest and deliberately trying to hit this spot in the gate.

I don't powershift, and I don't rush the shift. I also take extra care when the car is cold, allowing extra time for the synchros to catch up with the shift.

 

I think it has to do with the triple syncros but it's stilll a puzzle to me that it doesn't seem to impact all cars; but maybe it has more to do with the rpms we shift at or build tolerances. When both placement and rev match is perfect, it is the buttery smooth thing many writers mention but I must admit I find it impossible to duplicate every time.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by dlq04
I think it has to do with the triple syncros but it's stilll a puzzle to me that it doesn't seem to impact all cars; but maybe it has more to do with the rpms we shift at or build tolerances.

 

There's a distinct difference between Grind and Notchy. Like everyone, I've done both. I've have at least one or two 'lazy' shifts where I didn't get the clutch fully engaged and there's a big difference. That's grind.

The notchy feel is much more pronounced this time of the year (it's a high of 52 today and I was out with the top down -- loving it). That's probably something additional we deal with. The low in Honolulu today was ?? I can only imagine. Seriously, it takes quite some time for my car's tranny to warm up so it will engage in any gear effortless. Comparing this to say my 60 MGA is totally different. There it just shifts slow from the cold, it's like the shifter's in syrup but it's not notchy when I get there.

I'm probably more aware of this than some because I've rebuilt several manual transmissions and I do appreciate how they work.

 

[QUOTE]Originally posted by dlq04
There's a distinct difference between Grind and Notchy.