Hi. I've always felt a slight notchiness going into 3rd gear. This has nothing to do with the engine warming up because this notchiness lingers thru the entire drive, well beyond the 2nd gear notchiness goes away.

But I've found a way to shift into 3rd that seems to enable me to shift flawlessly. From 2nd, I put it into neutral and then shift up and to the left, toward the left front wheel.

But before I continue with this method, I want to make sure I cannot accidentally shift into first gear this way, and thus over rev and possibly damage the engine.

So, can I accidentally put it into first going over 30mph?

 

I would say yes if you go too far to the left in put it in the slot for first and let off the clutch too early. I doubt there is an interlock to prevent you from shifting into first over 30 MPH.

 

I know the notchiness you speak of. In relaxed driving, I always double-clutch before shifting to a new fork (2-3, 4-5). Perfect shifts every time. Also, if you wait an extra half second for the engine to drop revs a little, it'll go right in without double clutching most of the time. Also, I ALWAYS double clutch when downshifting, especially to a nonsequential gear. I figure this behavior will keep the syncros perfect for the life of the car.

 

Downshift into first is easy, so be careful.

I think that the notchiness you're feeling is just hitting the "forks" that divide shift gates. Probably from pushing into 3rd gear at an angle. Give this a try. Shift from 2nd to neutral. Let the stick self center. Then push straight up into 3rd. If that gets rid of the notchiness, then it is just changing your 2nd to 3rd shift hand movement.