transmission

hi folks
my 1991 ecsort tranny is sick sometimes. when i change gears (especially when i first use the car) the gear takes awhile to engage so like when i put in first and push the gas it goes slow with the engine reving high ....so i just wait a few seconds or put it back in park and back in drive and bam she is strong like a bull ...even when i drive when the the tranny switches gears strong,seems like there is a problem with the cable or something....so i thought i would get feedback from u guys and see if this is common or if u think u know what could be wrong.
automatic by the way.......
thnx for your time

This sounds like you could have either a dirty fluid or filter problem. If you haven't had the tranny fluid changed lately you may want to consider doing so. If you changed it recently then check to make sure the fluid level is correct.

Also sounds like low fluid level. Did you check?

The automatic tranny in my 92 LX was acting up like that about a year ago when I got the car. Then I changed the fluid and the filter, but it didn't help. It kept getting worse for about a month or so until the tranny went out completely.

Of your first complaint I don't think the pump is creating enough pressure to engage the clutch packs. Of your second complaint of strong shift, the clutch packs are worn out. Hey dude, you need a new tranny.