Replacement gearbox for 16v 9a - can I use an 8v box?

[Skiing]

Well, bombing up the A1 on Saturday morning and changed into 4th gear. And then stayed in 4th gear. And then could not get out of 4th gear despite fiddling with linkage and the best attempts of the AA man.

So box is most likely busticated.

So, need to have it replaced and can't afford re-con box at this stage - have a budget of £500 from AA insurance thing (including labour) - so thought a second hand box would be the best route (although of course risk of it going phut too).

However, 16v boxes like hens teeth - so can I use an 8v with my 9a bottom end? - I know its possible with standard bottom end (except the clutch is different) - but is it possible with the 9a?

Any help would be great. H

[dan7]

I think the clutch is different size, as a mate of mine is after an 8v Mk3 box but bought a 9A by mistake. He has it for sale if you're interested mate. Pm me if you are. 

[monzablue16v]

I had an 8v box on my mk2 16v. It went like stink as well 8v clutch and 16v flywheel worked on mine

[Skiing]

Cheers so far - I know an 8v box in a 16v can be quite a good combo... especially for 5th gear slightly less frantic cruising on the motorway - but not sure whether 9a bottom end wont work with an 8v box or not? hopefully t'will bolt up easily? - Dan7 re. the 9a box your mate got - think this is a cable change box and I want to stick to rod change for the moment - but thanks anyway.

[rubjonny]

double check tghe gearbox code, to confirm which one it is.  the MK2 8v box is very close in terms of ratios to the 16v box anyway. early one is same 1-4 except 5th is taller so lower revs on motorway, later 8v box is same as early 8v except 2nd is taller as well.

boxes are physically the same shape, just as said above the 16v box has a bigger input shaft, so if you do have a 16v box now you need an 8v friction disc.  As above, double check the gearbox code so you know whats up

[Skiing]

Legend - thanks RJ - have passed onto the garage which is sorting the car out.

[leeroy20vt]

a 8v box will deffo fit this is what im running in my mk2

only thing i found that at 60 mph on motorway the engine is doin 3000rpm which i thought was quite high tbh

[Mew]

Dan7 re. the 9a box your mate got - think this is a cable change box and I want to stick to rod change for the moment - but thanks anyway.

9a is the code of the early mk2 8v box, as well as the 2.0 16v bottom end

[Tubb]

if its an early 8v box then you may need to change the driveshaft flanges to the 16v 100mm versions. this also means 'modifying' the gearbox casing
I had to do this to get a mk1 box to fit

[Skiing]

Right gearbox people have said that 3rd and 4th are knackered and reverse is pitted.

They have quoted me a full rebuild of everything include stainless bolts for the diff for £525 incl. vat - good price? will come with guarantee etc.