hybridevul

ok i have a b18b with a b16a2 tranny, i cant downshift into 3rd, only sometimes... instead of just popping into 3rd from 5th i have to go from 2nd to 3rd (while the clutch is still in obviously) ... im going to flush the tranny out tomorrow, but anyone have an idea what this might be.

HiProfile

First off the synchros are made to sybchronise the shaft speed to that of the gear above or below it, not a gear 2 steps away. Since even a fast shifter needs time to do that type of a u-pattern, why not double-clutch it?

Chances are its the synchro on it's last leg. My tranny had worn out synchro rings on 3rd - would go into 3rd, but giving it *any* throttle in 3rd it would pop out into neutral. The reason 5th->2nd->3rd works is because your 2nd gear synchro is still in good condition, and can match the speed well enough (hopefully) not to grind when changing from 5th. The problem is that is terrible on that synchro, and soon that won't be an option. Just use the tranny like it was designed to be used, as well as rev match. Your other option is spending a shotload on a rebuild or another tranny. FYI LS synchros are ~280 3rd/4th, ~180 5th/rev, and over 300 1st/2nd IIRC. They only come in those 3 sets afaik.

hybridevul

Wouldnt I need a Si syncro? Not Ls..

v0lcom27