I've been having some probs with my shifter recently its "supposedly an aftermarket shifter". with the stock ****. Shifting into first is fine from start, but getting into second is kinda tricky.. when the car hasn't been driven all day, second needs to be almost forced into gear.., this is with up and downshifting.. every other gear is fine.. the only other thing thats apparent is the shifter seems to be REALLY far down towards the driver.. like it hits a notch below where second really is... 5th gear also grinds while going into it but I found out in the archives its prolly a worn synchro..

 

what do you shifter bushing look like? Check those first it could be broke and in the way of second getting into gear.