Shifter Malfunction After Clutch Install
 

Hey, so I just switched out my Factory Clutch for a Stage 2 Competition Clutch. After getting *almost* everything reassembled, I ran into a problem with the shifter… After setting it in place and putting the codder pin (don’t know if I spelled that right) it is successful in shifting to all gears EXCEPT 2nd… It sounds/feels as if it is just being blocked off, but anyway, it is ONLY 2nd gear that I am unable to shift into. Anyone have any thoughts or ideas? Thank you.

Did you already adjusted the reverse lockout plate?

Is this with the engine running?

If the top plate adjustment is suspected, try lifting the lockout and fish around for the second gear gate. If easily found, it's the adjustment. It should be carefully adjusted so first and second can be engaged without rubbing the sides of the gates. That wear is against delicate parts of the gear selection mechanism inside the transmission.

I had this same thing happen the first time I reinstalled my trans and shifter. The problem for me was an ill-adjusted lock-out plate. It "felt" like I was shifting into first, but in reality I was shifting into reverse. So of course if you come straight back from being in reverse, it won't go into 2nd gear because you're not in the right position.

Gotta mark the shift plate before removing it so you can put it on exactly how it came off to avoid this issue.

It's easy to align. Just takes a couple passes to make sure it centers the selector in both first and second gear gates.

Once I realized what was happening, I shifted into reverse and then slowly pulled it out while still lined up with the reverse gear position, moved it slightly to the right and then pushed it forward until it slotted into first gear. Once you're in first, set the position of the shifter plate until it is in contact with the lockout collar to get it approximately in the right position. After that, fine tune the position to ensure that you always have a smooth shift into first without going into reverse.

OP hasn't replied yet but if the reverse lockout gate is indeed your issue, here is the official procedure for setting the clearance.