901 tail shift problems, 901 shifting Options

[GP550]

Hi one and all.
im writing from melbourne australia, i have just imported a Beck 550 spyder from San Fran its running a 13B standard port rotary 180HP / 200Ft-lbs and a 901 tail shift.. The engine runs awesome, its the trans thats the problem..

here is simple list of the probelms..
a) 1st and reverse grinds on engagement when totally stopped.. i have adjusted the clutch to work at 10mm pedal movement..but still it grinds.. more when warm. Ive tried engaging 2nd and 3rd before going for 1st / reverse.. but still the same..

b)I can only get second when moving.. I have to use 1st to get off line, then second will engage.. Other wise second is like its not there. grinds or doesnt go in.

c)The shift pattern is the hunt grind and find.. sloppy to put it mildly.. And yes I have replaced all bushings .. My cup bushing is now bolted through, firewall bushing is new, and rose joints replaced all angle joints ( thanks to pelican parts).. Motor and tranny mounts are new. I even looked at a rennshift.. But cant install due to physical install issues, ( geometry)..

d) 4 th doesn't engage at all, and if it does by shear miracle it grinds and holds for about 5 seconds then pops out under the smallest load

e) 3rd and 5th are great, I can get them every time... as long as Im moving


I have had 2 specialist 356 mechanics look at it, with pivot point and geometry corrected , but I still have a gearbox thats sloppy, grinds and sometimes just doesnt want to engauge gears..

What I have been able to suss out,
1. The shift coupler at trans may be bent.. (
I was told about a cable shift mechanism, any links toa post about this would be great.

2. the shifting fork / s may be damaged - statement was that there may have been gear hammering ??? what ever that means

3. 4th dog gear is stuffed

4. the clutch may need replacement

I have a limited budget $2000 to fix... Im not a mechanics rear end but I love driving it

can any one shed some light on where I am with this box and if my assumptions are correct, and what needs to be done..


Or if any one knows of a 901 gear box specialist in Melbourne, please advise..

any help would be really appreciated, as right now i am cursing the box, starting to hate the car, and the whole experience is just not cool..

thanks
gp