Hey CF, I'm having this issue and I did do some searching but I found only a couple threads that were remotely close to the issue I am experiencing. For the record, I drive a 99 FRC MN6 with only 35k miles on it.

1st through 6th gear are functioning perfectly fine, no popping out of gear or grinding.... except reverse... I honestly don't know what the issue is... sometimes I try to go into reverse and it's such a PITA so I took everyone's advice about running it through the gears (3rd) and that makes it a lot easier but for some reason when I put it into reverse (happens occasionally) I'll put it in gear and it really feels like it's IN and then I'll let off the clutch a little and give it a blip of gas and then I hear a very ugly sound. It sounds like chattering/grinding but the shifter remains in place until I put it back in neutral, it doesn't even pop out... it just grinds until I push the clutch back in and physically move it.

I've done it about 5 - 6 times in the past 3 days and I actually get scared putting it in reverse now. So I put it in 3rd, then reverse multiple times (2 - 3 times on average) then I push FIRMLY to make 100% sure that it's in. And I don't even give it gas any more, I just let off the clutch soo slow and if I hear any grinding/chatter, I immediately push the clutch back in and pull the shifter out. Even after I take all these precautions, it still happened once or twice more . I'm wondering if the engagement teeth and syncro engagement teeth are just worn out badly (can these be individually replaced?). I'm thinking about taking it to my local performance shop or possibly making the drive out to Tony's Corvette Shop in Gaithersburg, MD so they can take a look at the transmission and let me know the what I can do (possibly replace the reverse gear and rebuild).
I'm just wondering if you guys have any pointers or advice in the meantime?

Thanks a whole lot CF. I appreciate all the help.

 

Has the tran fluid ever been changed? 11+ year old fluid could be a big part of your issue. The shifter may need to be readjusted as well.

 

I'm not entirely sure. My guess is that it has not. I actually just bought the car recently (1 week ago), the last owner had the car for 7 years and averaged 900 miles per year. the engine oil of course was always serviced but from what I could see, it has been a while since the brake and clutch fluid had been changed (there murky black ) so I think my guess of the trans fluid not being changed is probably right on target. I'm changing out all the fluids in the car this Saturday (Trans, Rear Diff, Clutch, Brake, Coolant), I'm also going to change the fuel filter and spark plugs and wires. I am not a fan of the stock shifter anyway so I will also be installing an MGW short shifter, I will adjust as needed during install. I am hoping that after this maintenance that it will take care of the issue I am having. If not, I'll have to let the car go under the knife and get the trans checked out further...

 

I think your shifter needs to be re-adjusted. Search the DIY thread its a simple fix. My 00 acted like that I after re-adjustment no more problems w/R

 

Thanks for the info. Before the end of the month, I'll change out all my fluids. I'm installing an MGW short shifter and I'll adjust it then. And hopefully that will solve my issue! Thanks for the help guys.