Difficulty shifting into first gear

[jhv48]

Q: What type of fluid does TREMEC recommend?

A: For all TKO five-speed models, TREMEC recommends TREMEC HP-MTF, GM Synchromesh, or Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF. For all other aftermarket models, we recommend Dexron III ATF

[SBSerpent]

Originally Posted by jhv48

Q: What type of fluid does TREMEC recommend?

A: For all TKO five-speed models, TREMEC recommends TREMEC HP-MTF, GM Synchromesh, or Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF. For all other aftermarket models, we recommend Dexron III ATF

Odd. First time that I have seen the use of an ATF in a manual transmission gear box. I'm used to seeing heavy gear oils (i.e. 75W).

So in my case, since this is the original fluid, it can be either conventional or synthetic in the gearbox? Not knowing which one it is, I would probably want to drain and re-fill instead of topping off 'blindly' with a certain type of fluid that might not be compatible with what is in there now.

Any idea as to what the recommended change interval is for this fluid? Also, how much fluid does the transmission take?

[jhv48]

A T-5 holds 2.8 quarts. Without knowing what was in there originally, I would drain it and refill with the fluid of your choice as recommended by Tremec.
But first, loosen the fill plug and see if it’s full to just below the threads. If full, then you’ll have to look elsewhere.
Usually, if your clutch is dragging, getting into reverse will always grind. So if reverse is ok, probably not the clutch.