You should find that the clutch is VERY easy to engage smoothly. Very direct, quick action.
No slop.
MTX-75 is not sloppy at all. It's got crisp feel, though longish throws. That, with a slick heavy duty clutch makes the car really easy to drive.
Once you get used to it, you can almost drive it as smoothly as an automatic.
If you have no warranty, get the metal impeller water pump. The factory pumps are trash, and WILL fall apart and cook your engine.
2nd gear grind is common, though my 98 SVT has been grind free. Must be luck of the draw.
If yours is giving you a hard time with gear engagements, don't blip the throttle - that does nothing. It's pumping the clutch pedal a few times that will get the tranny fluid moving.
Good luck, and enjoy. Your SVT is a rare car, especially here in Canada.
