MK2 1.8 gearbox into a MK3

[DJ H2O]

Hi there, I have just bought a 2.0 gti mk3 golf, it has a 1.8 clutch kit and a 1.8 gearbox, I need to replace the gear box, do you know if I can put a mk2 gear box in the mark3. I hear that the mk3 gear boxes are prone for this and that the mk2 ones are stronger. Can anyone help, seriously need to get my car back on the road!!

Matt

[rubjonny]

no mk2 box isnt any stronger, just the mk3 tends to kill them quicker.  I guess its down to the weight, usually its the reverse gear that goes 1st, mk3s have a real problem with chipped gears.

anyway yes it will fit, just make sure its a 1.8 box so it has the 100mm driveshaft flanges.  If you arnt planning to swap the clutch kit check the gearbox code of the box you have, if its a 16v 2y box the input shaft on the box will be bigger so the clutch will only work with a MK3 2.0 8v box or another MK2 16v.  If you are swappign the clutch just get one to match whatever box you find, MK2 8v = 8v GTI clutch kit, 16v = 16v clutch kit