all stock rubber (shifter cable/shifter base ) bushings replaced w/ solid ones. AMS gate selector. Works short shifter. Heavier SS shift knob. 29k miles. Transmission fluids changed to Motul 300 from Redline cocktail mix ( 2xMTL 1X MT90). Recently bought and installed a TWM shifter cage (came with another Works short shifter). i While in gear too. At operating temp, I either have an incredibly satisfying, BUTTERY SMOOTH 1st to 2nd shift OR a sounding UGLY CRUNCH during 1st to 2nd shift. Its been a hit or miss and I'm trying to figure out why. Possible reasons:

1) TWM shifter cage: Im hoping this isn't the problem because I'm been looking froward to adding this for the longest but before installing this, I can't recall having this problem with the stock plastic cage. Yeah, there was still notchiness going from 1st to 2nd but not a horrible sounding crunch. Also, there's a ridiculous amount of play in neutral AND while in gear. (ex. can be in fourth and you can move it left to right) normal?

2) Bent shift cables: How would these look? Maybe I did something wrong while installing the TWM cage or even the under hood bushings. Maybe the bushings need to be lubed.

3) Motul 300: I'm thinking that I'm getting this loud crunch because I changed to a thicker transmission oil. Is that even possible?

 

I'd say it's a combination of the short shifter/bushing upgrade, as this will be working the synchros harder due to the faster shifting, and the heavier oil. It's typical for these cars to be notchy/crunchy with heavy oil until they reach operating temp. You can switch back to the cocktail and see if it helps.

 

Looks like Motul 300 is 75w-90, which is a thicker viscosity than what our transmissions call for. Could be a culprit.

These cars are also notchy by nature, though it doesn't seem like what you're experiencing is normal as you said you didn't recall having it with the stock cage. I've done short shifter, base bushings, and a weighted shift knob along with the Redline cocktail and my car generally shifts well, but the notchiness will never be completely cured. The car is definitely picky with how you shift it though. IE, when the car is warmed up it doesn't like slow shifts at all. Fast and direct shifts, while still having a light touch on the shifter is what I've found to be smoothest.

 

I would put the stock shifter cage back in and see if the problem goes away. If it does, then the TWM cage needs some adjustment or modification. It could be moving one (or both) of the two cables too much, too little, or just in the wrong spot all together. I would also pour in the OEM recommended transmission fluid if going back to the stock cage doesn't help the grind. Need to address all possible issues.