my 3rd gear used to do that. There are 2 sleeve type deals under the radio on the cables and one of mine was lose and just kind of flopping around in there and wouldn't go into third but every other gear was fine. Fixed that and it was fine. Which shift kit did you buy from mach v? The shifter cable stiffeners that go on the the cables on top of the tranny or the ones that go on the shifter plate under the center console? My review of both, the shift kit that goes on the shifter plate under the console:waste of money, i noticed no difference. The cable stiffeners that go on the cables at the tranny, waste of money but make a difference in the stiffness. Would save money by going to BIG 5 or someplace that sells skateboard bearings and have someone tig weld 2 of them together or not. doesn't matter. the shitty tig welds on mine broke during installation so i just put them in anyway. 10 bucks for a pack of ten bearings i think. You'll have extras, but its still better than paying over 30 bucks shipped to your door. Also, my short shifter has purple piece on it too and its chrome. It's a Megan Racing shifter or maybe a knock-off ebay one. I think thats the only one with the purple though.