Hi Guys, i've been lurking here for a while and learning lots as i'm in the process of looking for a Gen2 TurboII RX-7 and this site has been invaluable.

I've found a S4 that i'm interested in that seems machanically sound with a freshly rebuilt engine putting out ~230rwhp with a brass button clutch. The only problem I found is with the gearbox and i'm wondering if anyone can give me an idea on repair cost or if it's even a problem at all.

Running it to just before redline and quicly shifting from 1st-2nd and 2nd-3rd is fine, no grinding and smooth shifting how ever if I shift from 4th to 2nd it grinds. No other TII i've driven has done this. I know it isn't the best habit to get into but the fact that it happened in this car and no other has be worried.

One more thing is when it's put it into 1st you can also move it diagonaly, forward and left and find neutral instead of just a normal H patern. Every other gear slots in fine and you can get into first without a problem if you just shift straight forward into first. It only goes to the upper left if you slightly push it that what when shifting into first. SO my question is does anyone know what the problem could be? expensive to fix or nothing to worry about?
Thanks for your help!

 

The shifter on my 90 n/a would go up and to the left when in first, my brother has the car now and it still does it, has not presented a problem. As far as the second gear grinding, it is probably the synchros going. I had the same problem on mine when i changed to Amsoil synthetic tranny fluid. I did some research and put the 'over the counter' version of GM Syncromesh (Pennzoil Syncromesh) in my tranny, problem is gone. Many others have fixed this problem by switching to this fluid so I don't see it as being a reason to not buy the car if it is sound otherwise.

 

The shifting into and out of gears felt fine and while driving I never missed going into 1st so it doesn't seem like a major problem just like you described.

After a little more research I think the problem may be the bushes in the shifter that have worn out. They help guide the shifter between gear changes and are supose to be a simple job to replace so that's a relief if that's the case.