when chnaging up or down to 2nd there is a slight syncro issue, is this to do with the damper unit on the clutch that I have heard mentioned befoe, or is it syncro problems, car has dboen 160k

 

At your mileage I would bet it is from a warn syncro, too much down shifting when not needed.
You'll probably need to have someone rebuild the tranny for seals and syncros sooner then later.
Mike

 

Mike, thanks for feedback, is this a DIy job, or better left to pro?, what would be likley cost and how long should I leave it before getting it sorted?

 

If it is a syncro issue, the tranny would have to come out, open it up and plan on all new scncros, seal and maybe a few bearings.
Have you ever rebuilt a manual tranny?
Parts and labor guess on a late Saturday afternoon, $1000 to $1200 could be more once you get inside.
Mike