transmission problem

I bought a 1996 GSR last month. I was orginally planning to drive this car for 1-2 years and then get another car but now I've decided to keep it and maybe get a new motor or rebuild the engine in a couple of years.

So right now I'm having some transmission problems. I think it is with the synchros. When I'm downshifting from 5th to 4th it is ok, but when I downshift to 3rd it won't go in. It would only go in if I rev it up and match it myself. I took it to one mechanic and he said that my synchromesh is worn out and I need a transmission overhaul or replace the tranny with a used one. I need a 2nd opinion on it, what do you guys think it is?

I was thinking of just leaving the tranny now until the motor die as well and then get a new tranny with my new motor or rebuild motor in 2 years so I want to check if this tranny problems can lead to other problems like with the motor or is it just going to be like this because I think I can hold out until I rebuild the motor.

its time for you to sell that car

Can you down shift by double clutching? (if you don't know what that is, search the web for description on how to do it)
Syncromesh is affected up shifting as well as down shifting. It could be a small adjustment to the linkage is all you need. Go to a couple of transmission specialist shops. Sometimes the average guy does not know all the little idiosyncrasies of transmissions (and of all the various transmissions).

yah it is affecting my upshifting as well but the downshift is kind of worst. The upshifting sometimes it is hard to get out of that gear like say I'm starting off in 1st and sometimes it just seem like it doesnt want to go out of that gear and hard to get to 2nd

I don't know much about Tranmissions, but I went to Standard Auto Wreckers on free parts day ($45 admission) last year with some buddies and we ripped out a Tranny for a F150 and installed it on his truck. It's run fine for about 30,000km. We also got a power steering box and some other knick knacks for his truck. Not bad for $150 (including lunch) for by Truck buddy - he paid for us to get in and help him haul it all - I guess we spent about 4 hours on it, 3 of us. But he got a new transmission and power steering box for $150. If you're feeling lucky, you can try that. Keep in mind that free parts day, doesn't have warranty on parts, but I know they have manager's special weeks and Transmissions are one of them items which will have 90 days warranty. Maybe call around for a mechanic who to find a price on just the installation?

Originally Posted by Matryx

yah it is affecting my upshifting as well but the downshift is kind of worst. The upshifting sometimes it is hard to get out of that gear like say I'm starting off in 1st and sometimes it just seem like it doesnt want to go out of that gear and hard to get to 2nd

Is it grinding? Bad syncro would cause grinding. I still think that if you are having problems in all gears that adjustments may be required. Your clutch may also need adjusting. Also, check the fluid level.
What about the double clutching? Does it work if you do that?

I been looking around and it seems that a part called GM Synchromesh Friction Modified Transmission Fluid will cure the problem. Read it all over the web and nothing but positive comments on it. Went out to get it today and going to put it in tomorrow.