transmission questions

[Godfrey DiGiorgi <ramarren@domain.elided>]

I'm getting more familiar with FrankenSpider now. 

This '82 transmission is a little puzzling to me. Normally, I expect to 
see second gear synchro go south, but second seems to be just fine and 
third seems to be weak. 

Also, I discovered today that the traditional lockout that I recall from 
my '71 and '78 that makes it impossible to select reverse gear from 5th 
doesn't seem to be working. Did Alfa remove the lockout on the later 
transmissions? If so, I find it very odd that they would do that. Anyone 
with detail information on compatibility of transmissions, please let me 
know. I'm considering the notion of overhauling my '79 transmission, 
pulling the '82 and swapping the bell housing. Is there anything I need 
to know before doing this?

thanks in advance. 
Godfrey

(I filled the tank again today... since I don't have a speedo/odo yet, 
I'm estimating I'd done about 275-300 miles so far and it took just a 
little over 10 gallons. That's pretty good mileage! The motor is 
loosening up and sounds beautiful.)

------------------------------