Cant shift quickly, 5 speed GST

[bewstin]

Car is a 97 GST 5 speed. I've been driving manuals since i was 16 and I've never owned an automatic, as far as technique i cant blame myself, its something mechanical. Alright so my problem is easy to describe, just like the title says, I cant shift between gears very fast. I've had this same issue with every dsm i've owned, and finally want to get to the bottom of it. Basically driving normally it shifts fine, no grinds at all, goes into every gear. It can sometimes be a bit blocky going into a gear, almost like hitting a wall for 1 second before it goes in. If I'm really getting on the car and trying to shift closer to redline, especially during wheelspin, it will not let me shift into the next gear right away no matter how hard i try, i have to wait 1/2 second or so for it to go in, if i try to force it then it'll grind every time. Clutch has 5k on it, tranny oil also has 5k, 75-90W valvoline gear oil. I had a 98 GSX, and a 90 AWD tsi, and both of them had the same issue with not being able to shift gears quickly. Is this a common issue, or something I can fix??
It's bugging me because I'm losing quite a bit of power in between shifts, and adding a lot more spool time on the turbo.

 

[Dsmkauai]

Have you changed out the shifter base bushings for ES prothane kind. Also changing the shifter linkage bushings/bearings for the upgraded bearing type can help alot. I'm a big fan of using the diaqueen oem Mitsu trans fluid, I used to use valvaline but notice a smoother shift with the diaqueen. Also maybe you need to work on your clutch and shifting timing, maybe your timing is slightly off and your missing the ideal spot to shift faster.

 

[bewstin]

As far as bushings go, i have the solid brass bushing that go on the linkages for the tranny. The base bushings are stock. Ill have to look into those for sure. And i will take your advise on the tranny fluid as well thanks

 

[bewstin]

Successful update: I adjusted my clutch pedal and it shifts great now! Before my clutch was engaging very close to the floor, so i adjusted it so now it releases near the top. Shifts very smooth and i can actually shift fast at high rpms, success!!

 

[Dsmkauai]

Glad you figured it out bro!!