96 Spyder GS 3rd gear problems...

[TheWanderer]

I found a 96 GS Spyder locally that I am planning on picking up. Has 80k on the motor and 135k on the rest of the car. Runs great, only problem is that 3rd gear won't stay in and pops out almost every time (I couldn't even get it into 3rd when I test drove it). It will stay if you hold it in though...

From the research I've done, this is either the shift cable bushings, the synchronizer, or the shift fork. Is this true?

When I looked at the car, there was too much front to rear movement in the shift cable on the side of the trans. About a 1/4" worth of slack in the bushing (almost oval shaped). Could this be the problem? Both cables had a bit of side to side play at the bushings on the trans side of the cable, not sure if that makes a difference either...How hard is it to replace the bushings? From what I read I an get just the bushing itself...where can I buy it?

If it turns out to be the shift fork/synchro, how hard would it be to replace them? I'd assume I have to drop the trans, correct?

Is the shifter in the car supposed to have about a 1/4" of play side to side as well while the car is in gear?

The only other thing I noticed was that the clutch felt really tight, and unless I pushed it hard to the floor, I would grind when I downshifted into first. Seeing as I have no experience with the 2nd gen clutches, I don't know the difference in feel between a 1g and 2g clutch. Are the 2g clutches stiffer/heavier?

One other issue I noticed as well when I drove it. When the previous owner replaced the engine, they put new mounts in. Rubber mounts from what I can see.. Now it has a buzzing type of vibration when you accelerate. Would this be caused by the new mounts not being softened up yet? Balance shaft belt maybe? Its very noticeable, makes the whole front of the car "buzz" at low speed and any acceleration...

anyone have an idea what may be causing these problems? I'm hoping to go get the car in a week or 2, but I'd like to find out what I should expect when I get it to the shop. Either way, $1500 for the car is an excellent deal I think

 

[rizzzo29]

to replace a shift fork it is possible with common knowledge of transmissions, yet a synchro job i would have a trans re builder install it.

test first gear for a bad synchro if its grinding, clutch out slowly push the shifter almost into first, the idle should start to bog down if the synchro is good, if it is bad it will grind.

for the clutch the oem stiffness should be rather similar, they may have a heavy duty clutch in it.

if the bushings don't fix it which it may be, and 1st and third are bad, your looking at a trans rebuild or just picking up a good used trans

 

[Lofty]

From the beginning of the post, the pop out sounds to be like an internal transmission problem. I notice this is a 420A so I would like to not post mis-information, but I will tell you what I know about generalized transmission issues. The pop out seems to be internal, or you're not properly getting it into gear all the way. I would check to see if all the bolts are installed in the transmission and it is not shimmying from back and forth when you push the clutch, trust me, this feels REALLY funny when it happens.

For the bushing deal, you can usually just put washers on the shift arms at the top of the transmission to eliminate any play. It could be a bent CLUTCH FORK, however that is no big deal to replace, any transmission issues asides from clutch/ clutch fork should be done by a professional for the least amount of headaches. It is also possible you have blown out clutch disc springs. Basically, it's inevitable, you will have to drop the trans. IMO for 1500$ you could buy a turbo dsm with transmission problems. Just something to think about. Do the syncro test as Rizzo stated. Clutch out, shifter in neutral, car on. Start to slowly slide it in first, second, third, fourth, and fifth (no reverse, it doesn't have a syncro anyways)
If it grinds, you need new syncros. Sorry
Worst case, you'll need a new Trans, Clutch.
Best case, the clutch needs to be bled, the transmission isn't bolted up all the way, or you blew out the clutch.

I would stay away from this car, to be honest.

--Scott

 

[TheWanderer]

Thanks for the info guys.

To clarify though, its not a 420a. Its a 4g64 car. Engine was replaced and as far as I can tell it was factory 4g64 (or so I find from searching online).

For $1500, I still think its a pretty decent price. Think daily driver. I don't need a turbo charged daily driver (can't afford to run premium in it). If I really want turbo, I'll turbo the 4G64 later on (again, from what I have seen it shares many parts with a 2g GST or GSX 4g63).

As for needing a new clutch, I am under the impression that it was replaced at the same time as the engine was (which wasn't long ago, 2 months or so). If it is clutch related, I'm thinking that it needs bled (although unlikely seeing how stiff it is) or that its not aligned properly. Would clutch alignment cause 3rd to pop out?

I may just get it rebuilt honestly. I did some looking and I can get it done from Dogbox Racing for $725. Anyone have any experience with these guys? I found em through the vendor list, and they are somewhat local (I.E., I can drive there and back in about 4-5 hours), so I can save on shipping. And being a supporting vendor for the forum, I'd imagine they do a dang good job...Any thoughts?

 

[TheWanderer]

Can anyone add any other tips/advice to this?

Specifically where can I find the shifter and cable bushings?

And does anyone have any experience with Dogbox Racing transmissions for the FWD application?

 

[nothingfiction]

Can anyone add any other tips/advice to this?

Specifically where can I find the shifter and cable bushings?

And does anyone have any experience with Dogbox Racing transmissions for the FWD application?

with the shifting bushings i would go Mach V
Mach V Shifter Cable Stiffeners

it says for the 4G63 only, but i have them in my 420A no problem. i'm sure they could even fit the 4G64 too.

also check out their Symborski shift kit which i also have on my 420A
Symborski Shifter Kit