Hey need a bit of group expertise.
My wagon when running from a cold startup seems to 'stick' between first and 2nd or 2nd and 3rd. When it sticks the car has no real power and the revs increase as you hit the gas, after about 5 seconds (or so) the gear changes, often with a clunk in the diff if the revs are high.
is this a sign of a worn gear box, and how likely is it that my car will die or that this will wreck the engine. also any remedies?

FYI. i am wanting to at some stage convert to a 5 or preferably 6 speed manual, so dont want to spend heaps on this current setup.

sounds like it could be slipping, hows the fluid level in the trans? When was it last serviced?. when the level is low the trans it tends to make it do weird things.

Bucko

s5 solinoid

either this, transmission fluid or the bands need adjusting, or if you're lucky, all 3 of these

thanks guys any idea how much i would be looking at, say for the solinoid?

I saw this post and thought.. hell I'll sign up just to tell you what happened with me.

The clunky gear shifting withh be the s5 solenoid, you will need to get the other solenoids looked at as well as a service. Bands are not adjustable on this model so it's either the solenoids and oil or a reco. The rev's are held higher as to keep the engine at the right torque etc until the roadspeed has picked up enough to change gear... ie when you change from 1st to 4th in a manual the engine struggles, its holding the revs to prevent this.

I also had a faulty Coil Pack which was causing some of the problems under load. This may not be a part of your problem though.

An s5 solenoid is around 400 at the place I went to, the other solenoids are around 80. Service the oil and filters, this will help a little unless the solenoids are rooted. If so your up for replacements or stick with it until you get your man box

Hope this was some help