[jhv48]

Well, I called the Tremec help line and the tech told me that there was no way the symptoms I have are being caused by the transmission. The input shaft has to be turning in order for reverse to grind. Putting the trans in any forward gear before reverse will stop all shafts from turning in the transmission and reverse will engage smoothly IF the clutch is fully disengaged.

Since it still grinds, it HAS to be clutch related. I'm going to replace the clutch, resurface the flywheel and then put it back together.

If it still grinds, time to disconnect the neutral safety switch and start the car with the clutch in and the gear selector in reverse.