It sounds as if your car may be starting off in 2nd gear. Check your linkages and see if there is any malfuntion. I had a C-clip break on mine. Also check for slight tension on the bowden cable. If you take it loose at the ball link, on the linkage, and pull till you feel a little tension, it should be close to lining up with the ball.

__________________
Sam

84 300SD 350K+ miles ( Blue Belle )