Hard to shift into second after track day?
 

Just got back from the track, and on the way home I realized that it was especially hard to shift into second. My arm was actually sore from doing it (guess the adrenaline masked it while on the track).

The only shifting problem I had on the track that might be related was I tried to downshift from 3-2, and got stuck in the reverse detent (G50). Not sure if this did anything.

Hat do you think it could be? I don't think it's something with the trans itself (it was just rebuilt with steel synchros) but the shifter. Do you think it's the shifter bushing? Shifter coupling?

When was the last time the bushings were replaced?

The coupling will have nothing to do with what you described. all that is, is a rubber plate or bushing that connects two metal rods. If you have a problem with the coupling, you would not have the ability to shift into any gear.
My guess based on your description is the gear selector itself. The ball and socket of the shifter assembly is probably getting worn to the point that there is an excessive amount of play and when you try to move into second gear, you hit that sweet spot of extra tension and it is not allowing the shifter to move smoothly.
It sounds like you will be pulling up the center console to gain access to the shifter mechanism. You can go with factory parts and just rebuild what you are currently used to or you can step up and go with something like the WEVO G50 shifter. This might be something you would like better especially if you track your car alot. Please keep us posted on what you find out once you tear it down and what you ended up doing to fix it.

If something happened to your motor or transmission mounts, it could shift the alignment of the shaft going into the transmission. Inspect all the simple things first.

Yes sorry should have mentioned, I have a Rennshift which I replaced with the bushing about 6 years ago.

I will take out the console to have a look.

You may want to also check and bleed the clutch slave cylinder. It could be something as simple as the clutch is slightly dragging. It is an easy thing to check on G50.

Drain you oil and look for dog teeth debris in it NOW. Hard shifting can break the teeth on the ring that holds the friction band. When the friction band starts opening because of the missing teeth, it has a hard time fitting inside the sliding ring, which the shifting fork moves. If it opens up enough, it will hit other parts and, well, just scroll down on the post "Shift sleeve part number" which we were commenting on yesterday so you get an idea. Your oil will more than likely contain litte bits of blackish metal that look like pebbles about 1/16" in size. Don't drive it any further until you check. If it were shifter related or mount related, you would have trouble shifting into 4th as well, not just 2nd. I hate to bear bad news, but this is your most likely scenario.

Uh oh, Nevermind, you have a g50. Sorry I didn't catch that the first time around. What I said applies to a 915. I have absolutely NO experience on the innards of the g50.

Ok thanks - just had it professionally rebuilt with steel synchros. Was thinking it wasn't the transmission, but it could be.

I guess it would still be in your best interest to check the transmission oil for debris. Run it through a coffee filter (the metal ones), and just make sure there is nothing broken down there. I mean, if it's a clutch issue, you would have problems shifting OUT of gears as well as into gears, not to mention, ALL of them. Motor and transmission mounts, you can usualy tell the difference between soft driving and hard driving. If you're struggling to shift into 2nd while parked, but not into 4th, I would lean more towards something broken. Diagnosis is all about eliminating variables. Ultimately, if your transmission was recently rebuilt, you should also consider the possibility that something could have been not done properly...

I checked the shifter, nothing looks amiss. On to the coupling next.

Turns out the shifter is adjustable, the whole assembly can move forward/aft and left/right. By adjusting the we fixed the problem.

Hewh, dodged that bullet :D Congrats Brother!

Double confirmed this was an alignment issue when I changed the trans oil today and it came out clean. Also installed the J West coupler - OMG what a difference, for $20. Highly recommend it even if you are not having issues.

Yes certainly dodged a bullet - big $$$ avoided!