Hello all!
 
I've recently just purchased a 96 SW20 with a 98 BEAMS that's done 80,000kms along with a S54 gearbox with similar Ks on it.
Everything is perfect, however the transmission is very anal about downshifts, even when you DO revmatch it grinds a little and struggles to just go in.
 
From my readings online, I found that the best thing to do according to many people is to fill the transmission with 2 quarts of  75W-90 GL-4 and 1 quart of Pennzoil Syncromesh. According to most having those issues, S boxes experience this sort of thing often and it's likely due to the syncros not playing nicely, Pennzoil Syncromesh usually alleviates the problem pretty well for everyone!
 
Thoughts?
And where can I get a hold of Pennzoil in Melbourne or anywhere in AU for the matter that ships this stuff.
So far only finding it in US, not sure if I should ship to US address and get AusPost to ship to AU like they do?

As it is only a new purchase you probably don't know what oil has been in there.  I suspect that GL5 oils are responsible for buggering up syncro function.  If this has occurred or the syncros are simply worn out then nothing short of a recondition will help.  Poor clutch adjustment or operation also can cause premature syncro wear.  This can be diagnosed reasonably accurately .
Before you start rooting about being an oil chemist why not empty out whatever is in there and refill with DEXRON 3.Auto Trans Fluid. (Penrite have excellent products).   Make absolutely sure the clutch is fully disengaging and not dragging.   Drive it for 500 or 1000km and see if there is a significant difference.  Please report back how it goes as it can be very helpful to the whole community.  I have been using another oil quite successfully in both the S54 and the E153 gearboxes but I suspect it may be a little too heavy in viscosity.
Also check the condition of the two bushes gearbox end of gear change cables. (Delta V. here in Australia market an excellent replacement kit).  In the same area there is a square sacrificial bush (Sugar cube).  Available from Toyota for bugger all.
Oh  and welcome !!  This is a great group.

andezzat
Hello all!
 
I've recently just purchased a 96 SW20 with a 98 BEAMS that's done 80,000kms along with a S54 gearbox with similar Ks on it.
Everything is perfect, however the transmission is very anal about downshifts, even when you DO revmatch it grinds a little and struggles to just go in.
 
 

 
Sounds like an n/a that could benefit from a BOV.

I agree with Falcon - if you're not sure what's currently in there,  just change it with a good solid GL-4 gear oil and  see how it feels.
I use Castrol EasyShift 75W90 (now called Syntrans),  and it shifts nicely.
The other thing, depending where the BEAMS engine/gearbox came from, they often don't have accurate mileage ex-Japan, so maybe the synchros are just a bit more worn than the mileage may suggest.

xez
 
The other thing, depending where the BEAMS engine/gearbox came from, they often don't have accurate mileage ex-Japan, so maybe the synchros are just a bit more worn than the mileage may suggest.

My Beams half cut was advertised with only 47,000kms on it, but i discovered old service lablels that indicated it was more like 147,000kms, so as xez said it is quite possible the motor and gearbox has done substantially more then you've been told.
I'm running Redline gearbox oil and have no problems (fortunately) :)

Which Redline product are you using Rick? MT90?
I've had mixed experiences with Superlight Shockproof and wouldn't recommend it generally...

I am running the lightweight shockproof and haven't had any problems, gearshift is great on both road and track.

Just to clarify.  I have particularly suggested that he use ATF 3. for 1000km.first and then report the result for a very good reason.  Thanks guys.  It is only a suggestion.  We really don't want to get into a bloody oil opinion thing.
Cheers.

xez
I agree with Falcon - if you're not sure what's currently in there,  just change it with a good solid GL-4 gear oil and  see how it feels.
I use Castrol EasyShift 75W90 (now called Syntrans),  and it shifts nicely.
The other thing, depending where the BEAMS engine/gearbox came from, they often don't have accurate mileage ex-Japan, so maybe the synchros are just a bit more worn than the mileage may suggest.

Maybe not a good choice of oil, the Castrol EasyShift 75W90 (now called Syntrans) so state you are using is a GL5 type... not good for syncros.

This is from the data sheet for Castrol Syntrans 75W-90 – formerly know as 'Caltex Easyshift':
 

 
SPECIFICATION/TECHNICAL DATA  :   API GL-4 
 
So, it is not GL-5. It is GL-4 and can be used in MR2s quite safely. 
 
Another option in a less worn transmission might be Castrol Syntrans 75W-85, which is "Suitable in place of SAE 75W, 80W, 75W-80, 75W-90" and "API GL-3, GL-4". :
http://www.castrol.com/en_au/australia/products/cars/manual-transmission-fluids/syntrans-75W-85w.html