Porsche Repair: 1988 944 shifting problems, automotive repair manual, speed 944

Question
I would like to do this myself. What do I need to do?
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Followup To
Question -
Dave,

After one run down the drag strip, in 2005, I had trouble shifting my five-speed 944. At first it would not go into any gear, then only second through fourth. After the car sat for a couple of hours it was hard to get in first and reverse. I recently drove the car and it is still hard to get in reverse but less hard to get in first. What did I bend or break?  
Answer -
Hi Don,

I can only imagine the clutch saying, "What the he__ is he doing now?  What are we doing on a dragstrip?  Owwwwwwweeeeee!

At this point there are many possibilities.  But I will assume the best.  Meaning the transmission may be OK.  What usually happens is the weakest link goes first.  That would be the triplets: the clutch disc, the throwout bearing, and the pressure plate.  When happy, these three make it easy to find a gear.  When unhappy...well you are seeing the result.

To get to the clutch parts to remove them and see just how unhappy they are, the transmission will have to be partially removed...big job...lot's of fun.

Write back if you want to do it yourself.

Dave

Answer
The easiest thing to do is purchase this excellent manual:

Porsche 944 1983 thru 1989 Automotive Repair Manual, published by Haynes.  It's their manual number 1027, or 9U4-1027.

Your local auto parts store will have it or know where to get it, but you'll pay $22+.  The internet has booksellers where you can buy good quality used manuals much more affordably.  Like this for example:

http://www.bookfinder4u.com/IsbnSearch.aspx?isbn=1850106576&mode=direct

This manual will take you through a step by step process...with pictures.

In the meantime, jack up the car as tall as four safe jackstands will allow, then:

1.  Disconnect the battery cables
2.  Remove the exhaust system because you will be disconnecting the engine from the "central tube" and you will be disconnecting the transmission (at the other end of the central tube...the rear axle basically) and moving it aft, so you need clear access.

By then you'll have your new book and you can follow the steps on page 136.  I would be more than happy to answer any questions you have along the way.  Or, help you evaluate the condition of the clutch components when you have them out.  

I'm glad you want to do this yourself...you'll save a ton of money.

Dave