I drive a 95 ex 5spd. Sometimes when i shift into first gear my car makes a terrible knocking noise and shakes pretty bad. I'm not sure what that is? Its not all the time maybe im letting off the clutch too early and not giving it enough gas? Cause its not every time i shift into first.

 

sounds like your shifting too early. If you shift too soon the car will bog and strain under 2000 rpm'm. Generally the shifting is; 1st to2nd 15mph, 2nd to 3rd 25mph, 3rd to 4rth 35mph, 4th to 5th 45mph. If your going up a hill or under a load heavier load (people, lot of groceries, etc.) then add like 5mph to each shift speed.

You just don't want to be under 1800 rpms in any gear. It puts a lot of strain on an engine.Oddlythough seems since I switched over to synthetic oil that my car drives at lower rpms, under 2000 smoother but could just be me.