My ride is a 97 Mustang Cobra with the 5 speed, but since I purchased it I have noticed that when it is cold the "gears" grind when I shift from 1st to 2nd if I don't allow a few seconds for the engine to coast down. My original thought is there is something wrong with the synchro's, and there may still be. I have also found that when stopped with the car in neutral and my foot off the clutch, shifting to first is difficult and sometimes requires shifting to third then to first. I was wondering if anyone else with the same transmission, or same car has experienced anything like this. I have heard people mention things about the stock transmission failing after 80K miles, but never any proof or real information.

your trans. probably needs a standard rebuild kit. There are 'brass rings' that contain clutch-like material that slow the gears down when you shift, allowing the gears to 'mesh' together so they won't grind.  When these wear out, the gears are spinning too fast to mesh togeather, and that's what causes the gears to grind.  As for the hard to get in first gear,did you mean to say your foot is 'off the clutch' or on the clutch?  If it's on the clutch and it's hard to get in gear, you're clutch may need replacing.  

When I said it is hard to get into gear I mean (with the clutch down) that the gears are not aligning. Shifting to third rotates the gears a bit and allows the engagement of the dog teeth into the first gear. The clutch is quite strong and exhibits no slippage when fully engaged (still lay rubber between gears!)

I didn't know about the friction parts in the transmission. I suppose that would be the syncronizer. Are they hard to replace? I don't have very much experience with transmissions. I have gotton a handle on how a manual works, but that whole planetary system in an auto still baffles me a little!

Thanks for the input!

Has any one else had any issues similar to mine? I would also like to know if the newer mustangs have a simila issue. Right now I'm sitting at about 80K on the transmission.

1st and reverse aren't synchronized!!!!!!! All other gears are. Is the clutch on a Cobra hydraulic? Bleed it or adjust the master cylinder rod for 1/2 in. freeplay. If its a cable adjust it the same. Sounds like the clutch isn't releasing. Try pumping the clutch 10 times and holding it down before starting the car. Problem gone? Older 'stangs had a cheapo plastic self adjuster on the pedal for the cable. Make sure there isn't flex at the firewall taking away your clutch fork travel. Maybe you need a new clutch/pressure plate? Just giving examples of most likely culprits here. Check it out. Synchros are 'blockers'. Do you know how to shift without a clutch? If you start off in 1st let up on the gas and go to 2nd you will feel the 'blocker' until engine/input rpm's are the same? Synchros are probably fine.  

I'll take a look at the things you mentioned. Thanks for the input. I'll post again if I find anything interesting.