Why are 1st and 2nd gears so harsh - please help

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Originally Posted by djmunsey

Ask your dealer to check the engine mount. It has one engine mount and 2 transmission mounts. My 2002 Boxster S with 35K miles was making a distinct clunking when I would depress the clutch in the lower gears and it turned out to be a sheared engine mount. It is hard to tell if it is sheared unless you are specifically looking for it . The Boxster clutches are small and weak so not made for drag starts and typically wear out in 30 K miles so treat it with care. Many items on this car are under built and that includes the engine mount. Treat the car like it is fragile because it is. Drag starts will damage the mounts.

I was having the same problem with my 2000 2.7. I though it was the engine mounts. Then I did the belt replacement and it went away, as did the annoying whine from the A/C. I can't explain it and it makes no sense, but it did. Go figure.