TBS: 9-Mar-04 - 21-002-04 - Manual Trans - First Gear Disengages During Normal Acceleration

As for your car not shifting smoothly even with dragging the clutch, I have to say that is abnormal. I don't have to drag the clutch at all anytime. This car has

Shifting as per the service manual:

HARD SHIFTING
Hard shifting is usually caused by a low lubricant level, improper, or contaminated lubricants. The consequence of
using non–recommended lubricants is noise, excessive wear, internal bind, and hard shifting. Substantial lubricant
leaks can result in gear, shift rail, synchronizer, and bearing damage. If a leak goes undetected for an extended
period, the first indications of component damage are usually hard shifting and noise.
Shift component damage, incorrect clutch adjustment, or a damaged clutch pressure plate or disc are additional
probable causes of increased shift effort. Incorrect adjustment or a worn/damaged pressure plate or disc can cause
incorrect release. If the clutch problem is advanced, gear clash during shifts can result. Worn or damaged synchro
rings can cause gear clash when shifting into any forward gear. In some new or rebuilt transmissions, new synchronizer
rings may tend to stick slightly causing hard or noisy shifts. In most cases, this condition will decline as
the rings wear-in.