You'll find a much more active Houston group on FB:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Houston86Club/
As for some of your issues:
1) Not sure.
2) That's normal when the gearbox is cold. Some have noticed improvement from switching the gearbox oil to something like Motul Gear 300 75w90. You'll also have more luck if you let the revs hang for a moment in first before you shift to second.
3) Can't say for sure, but this is definitely a noisy engine.
4) Probably just the cold weather. Might need to top up your tires.