I have a new STI type R VI, is it usual for the the gears to crunch when changing down from 5th to 4th. The clutch is being fully depressed but I need to know is it me or is this normal.

PS Sometimes I have real problems getting in reverse gear.

Its not normal, but it is happening to too many people.

It seems that the nut on the end of the 3/4/5 shaft is being tightened properly in the factory, allowing play in the shaft... and eventually 5th or 3rd gear failure.

I had exactly the same problem with my 94 type RA.Firstly i bought the car not realising just how short the gearing was and after spending money on other mods (wheels,full exhaust etc)decided to change the gearing as selling the car i would have probably lost too much money! So i went and purchased a second hand uk gearbox and rear diff and swapped them over.First three months were fine then the crunching started when going up into third and fifth and going down from fifth to third was impossible.Out came the box again and a mate of mine at STEVENSONS TRANSMISSIONS in PRESTON LANCS fitted three new synchro rings that were causing the problem (they are only £15 each at your local dealers but its the specialist knowledge required to fit them.)Whil`st the box was stripped down he also renewed two large roller bearings,apparently these are another common fault with the scooby box and can become noisy.The box went back in and has been spot on ever since.My brothers sti 3 is now also crunching and is awaiting treatment! Give em a call there well experienced with scooby boxes and are pretty reasonable!