4th gear grinds when cold, first is tempramental.

 

1st and 2nd gears are different synchros than the rest I believe. Hence the different behavior while cold. Its normal.

 

Synchronizers work best when warm.

Ferrari's have a 2nd gear engaging prob when cold and I'll frequently go from 1st to 3rd until the car warms.

Once toasty warm, shifts beautifully.

Lots of oil to fully warm.

You might also want to drain the gearbox and use Redline transmission oils. It makes a big difference in mine.

 

^^^ I was wondering if going to a synoil would improve the action.

Mine has zero issues with 3+ when cold. Just a reluctance to go into 1st and 2nd.

Jay - I still have a soft spot for the E46 M3. Not a fan of the Bangleized bimmers though.

The funny thing about the 997 is that it's got so much more grunt than the S2000 that I really don't feel the need to shift super quickly.

 

Thanks for all the info. The seperate synchros makes a lot of sense. I'm going to change the fluid, I believe that should make a big difference. I'll keep you posted on how it works out.

T

 

This will make a noticeable difference.

All too often transmission and read end fluids stay in for the car's life. Big mistake.

Go to Redline and guaranteed you'll notice a difference.

 

Me too!

 

I find that getting back into first gear tough, but 3rd-6th is like butter.

 

I had a unique situation, two 997C2s within a month> the first was a flood total after 2500 miles. The second was almost a clone. The first car shifted smoothly in all six gears. The second car is rough from first to second. Reminded me of my old "62 Vette with non syncro 1st gear. I just assume that all six gears have syncronizers.

 

Gear oil, gentlemen, gear oil.

Get it changed out asap with redline and you'll see a big difference. After a few thousand miles change it again to flush out all the older oil.

Yes all 6 gears do have synchros.

 

At one point it was nearly impossible to get into reverse and hard into first; the dealer adjusted the linkage and it is better. Apparently Porsche's subconscious attempt to bring back the 915 transmission.