[HMeeder]

Jeff;

If your bushings are crapped out, this could be the source of your problems, particularly if you have a tailshifter. They have somewhat sloppy shift linkages to begin with. Make sure you have fresh bushings before making the following adjustments. (You can try the adjustments, but may find that you no longer nick reverse, but have problems going into 4th. The bushings are pretty cheap to replace, but will necessitate all these adjustments after you are done.)

Your problem also may be worn springs, but as Joe suggests, I would attempt to adjust the shifter throw first. It's actually one of the easier adjustments you can make to the car. Pull your center tunnel carpet and remove the inspection plates. Depending on if you have a tail or side shifter tranny, the adjusting clamp will be either near the firewall (tailshifter) or directly aft of the shifter itself (sideshifter.)

This is a good time to fiddle with the fore/aft part of the shift throw. Place the car in 4th. Do you have to reach to get to the shift knob? Ideally, when sitting with your shoulders firmy against the seatback, you should be able to grab the shifter without pulling your right shoulder off the seat. If you are a tall person with the seat all the way back, or have short arms, you should adust this. It will make for a much better driving experience, improve your track times and be safer!

Now to deal with the 1st/Reverse problem. Take a 10mm socket and a Vise-grips with you for a drive. First, place the car in 3rd and mark the fore/aft position of the clamp on the shift rod (I believe you may need to be in 2nd if you have a tailshifter) Move the shifter into 2nd. Now using the vise-grips to hold the shift rod steady, loosen the clamp. Rotate the shift rod left (toward you) just a smidge and tighten the clamp. Now, go drive a few blocks. Don't like it? Try it again. It has been a while since I adjusted the shifter and IIRC you will have to move the shifter between 2nd and 3rd several times (I think it was that you can see your mark in 3rd but can only get to the clamping bolt when in 2nd, or was it the other way around?)

Good luck!