It's VERY important to note that GM Synchromesh is NOT the same thing as GM Synchromesh Friction Modified. I tried both, and ONLY GM Synchromesh Friction Modified fixed my issues. It was better in the cold AND hot. It was better daily driving AND on the track.

 

It is also important to note that a Protege is NOT an S2000. What works well in one car may not work well in another.

 

As to date, I have performed the Shifter TSB with Urea and Shin'itsu grease, cleaned underneath the car shifter boot, tried both the increase and decrease in the CMC rod. All things changed something or another but the nothiness is now more spuratic. I really do think it is either my pressure plate going or my syncros, or just performance tranny as you say. Either way, I have my New ACT PP, stock disc, and all the other parts sittting in my room awaiting installation this month. I'll be able to find out if anything else helps.

On a side note, I did notice that Unless i press the clutch all the way to the ground, there is slight notchiness even after extending the CMC rod a bit. Also, Whenever I am coming to a stop and I wait until around 2k rpm's to press in the clutch so that I get engine deceleration as much as possible, the clutch never fully disengages and i still feel the feedback from the drivetrain until around 1k rpm when you notice the clutch disengages and the cars jolts a little before rolling smoothly. I let me bro test drive it since he has the same year and he could tell the same thing.

 

people on the protege forums praise the synchromesh fluid the same way honda owners do. so whatever protege owners were claiming to work on their cars did not work in mine...

 

It sounds like you're missing the fact that GM Synchromesh and GM Synchromesh Friction Modified are 2 different oils. I haven't heard of anyone getting great results from GM Synchromesh in an S2000. What does work well for S2000's is the GM Synchromesh Friction Modified.

 

The GMSFM works great in my S, but doesn't last as long, so I ended up just sticking with HMTF which is 90% as good but has 150% the life.

 

I've had some issues with rough shifts in 1st and 2nd (no problems with reverse or 5th) since I got my car a few months ago. I changed/bled the clutch fluid and changed the trans fluid to GMSFM which improved things a little but didn't really fix the problem.

I figured since the car only had 12k it was unlikely that the grease on the lever was an issue, but it was a simple job so I did it anyway. The difference was night and day with fresh grease and 1-2 shifts are completely smooth. FWIW I used some Redline high temp grease that I had on hand instead of urea.

I'd recommend anyone with rough or notchy shifting in any gear do this TSB regardless of miles. It's a really easy DIY.

Also, don't try to pop the plastic cap off the end of the lever unless you plan on replacing it. I ended up cracking mine and had to get a new one. It was only $3 so it might be worth replacing anyway if you're in there.