Hard time getting into first gear?
 

My 2011 Nismo has been acting odd lately. It has a stage 2 clutch and a 14lb flywheel that we’re put in 20K miles ago. Lately I’ll put the push the clutch in try to put it in first and it is almost impossible I have to pull it back a little bit then it will go right in. What could cause this?

A pilot bearing that is starting to fail will grip the transmission input shaft that it rides on making it difficult to place in gear. Not much solution other than replacement of bearing. A clutch that is not fully disengaged will create same symptoms. Failing CSC or clutch master or air in clutch hydraulic system may fix this.

My 370Z (a 2012) was always like this, and would grind on the 1-2 shift when it was humid out. These things just have gritty gearboxes, IMO. part of the reason I sold it.

The plate on top of the shifter may need adjusted. Since you had the clutch replaced. That would be the first place to look at.

Was the CMC replaced when you did the clutch work?