i find it helps to shift into 2nd with a straight pull back rather than a left and back motion.
remember to keep your elbow at the center rest. if you elbow are to your side of your body then you have a natural tendency to pull left on every shift.
1->2 pull back straighttttt

 

[QUOTE=Kodokan_4,Nov 25 2005, 05:12 PM]I got my S in April of '02 and had (2) 1-2 gear grinds in the first week.

I don't know if it was brains or luck, but I figured out how the tranny wants to be shifted, and I haven't had a 1-2 grind in any situation, since the first week of ownership.

Try this, it won't cost you anything:

1. Hit the clutch earlier in the 1-2 shift sequence.
[Also make sure the clutch is fully depressed. You don't have to hold the pedal down or slow down the motion in any way, just make sure you are fully engaging it.]

2. Hard leftward pressure on the shift lever throughout the 1-2 shift.
[Similar to going from 3-2. Keep the shift lever against the left gate the whole time.]

3. Shift 1-2 "consciously," don't use your natural rhythm. Adjust your timing.

Good luck!
-Pete

 

jacob im with you
i have the exact same problem , i sometimes refuse a race because im afraid ill miss shift 2nd
i found that powershifting at 7500 RPMs rids that problem , but you know you want to shift at 9k

 

Same here, I prefer to race from 2nd

For all of you guys:

1.I do NOT powershift.
2.I press the clutch ALL THE WAY DOWN with every shift when "it's on"
3.Pressing the knob left makes it even worse
4.If I would have a problem even with a "delayed" shift, I would NOT start this poll. To try to help me on improving a fast shift by telling me to wait 2sec. is pure ignorance,sorry.

I WANT to slam that thing like all the other shifts, but since I have a turbo, going to the dealer is not the best option for me...but might be the last

 

When I replaced my pressure plate with the ACT, my problem went away. I think the clutch throw is slightly longer with it and enough to solve the problem.

 

Yeah pulling to the left is going to GRIND the crap out of it. You have to push the clutch all the way down and shift straight back. It's going to be a slower shift to do without grinding. It sucks but that's what I've had to learn.

 

yes, i only experience this 1-2 shift resistence when starting off in the cold i.e. below freezing. after 5-10min driving in the winter it's smooth.