UK BLACK

Is anybody having trouble with missing 2nd gear after a healthy launch and rev out to redline in 1st?? Maybe I am just a terrible driver, LOVE the car but lets just say it has been embarrassing at the stoplights a couple of times.

Any advise or does my clutch / gerbox (Tranny) need adjustment

Straight8

Straight down every time! Must be the adrenaline rush you're getting from wot in 1st. Exhale before you go to second, and straight down!

mysql101

there are some cars with tranny issues getting into second. do a search...

socalightning

Yeah, try not to pull the lever toward you when shifting from 1st to 2nd. Otherwise, you can try installing a stainless steel clutch line and some synthetic gear oil in the tranny (redline or royal purple).

NomisR

^^
What he said. If you pull the lever towards you, it'll feel like it hits something, just straight down and i'll go right in, and no need for dog leg motion for 2-3, 4-5 either, just diagonal, goes in perfectly!

Mr. Ed's rx-8

i have the same problem with some bad grinding from 1st to 2nd, but i plan on fixing that with a SS clutch line.

StewC625

There's no getting around that this is a STREET transmission with synchros that need a brief moment to work ... try slowing your shift down slightly, and you won't have problems. Slamming the gear box around doesnt' get you anywhere if you miss the shift. I was missing that 1-2 occasionally until I got a touch more deliberate with my shifting - now, no problem.

Gambit

the only one that irritates me is fifth

Rx8bydocabe

like stew says, be patient, and if you can find the sweat spot, even better. mine occasionally grinds from 1 to 2, more so in low rpms.

Shamblerock

I think the clutch/gear operation is very inconsistent. Sometimes its great, sometime it definitely isn't. Sometime some grinding/clunking between gears at low RPM, other times nada. I'm a bit dissapointed by this.

Do you really think that putting a Stainless steel clutch line and red line synthetic transmission oil will really make a sufficient different? How much for both installed?

8is>enuff

Redline transmission fluid is the best thing I've done to my car so far. Shifts are buttery smooth. A search will reveal many threads regarding how much fluid to buy, where to buy it, how to put it in yourself, or cost of installation. Go for the diff fluid while you're down there.
Next up for me - SS clutch and brake lines. Maybe paint the calipers while it's on the stands.

downshift

I think it might be normal that this car has some grinds when shifting at rpms below 3500. During spirited driving, where the shifts are between 5000 to redline, the gear changes are smoother. At times, it even felt like it's sucking the shifter into the intended shift gates.