I am running an Audi 5N transaxle. First gear is nearly worthless unless you are starting on a steep hill. Fifth gear is not bad for highway speeds. I am running about 2500 RPM at 60. I may do a ring and pinion later to lower the RPMs a little and make first gear more usable, but that is for a later day. Shifting it into reverse is a challenge. Between the lock out on the cable shifter and the built in interlock built into the transaxle it is tough to get it into gear. I need to play with that a little more. I am sure I can do something to make it better.