My previous two cars were a 98 Max 5spd followed by a 99 Impreza OBS 5spd. Both were effortless to get from gate to gate.

On the 02 6spd I picked up I can feel a bit of resistance at the entrance to each gate, almost like what you feel when putting it into reverse after pulling up on the shifter.

Is this just me?

 

Mine is clunky going into 2nd when cold, but that's it. Transmission fluid change helped, but I wouldn't call it an immense improvement at the same time. Definitely never had any resistance like going into reverse in any of the forward gears though

 

Mine isnt as resistive as reverse but it was the only thing I could think to compare it to.

Nice to know I am not crazy

 

My 03 is the same

 

Most Nissan transmissions suffer from the same notchy like feeling. You get used to it. There are a few ways that you can help it out though. One would be to use a better oil in the transmission. I remember you saying that your car came with a new clutch correct? if so they probably didn't drain all the diff fluid out of the tranny OR topped it off with garbage, OR actually did drain it and filled it with garbage.

 

Ill check into that Brudface, thanks