Hi guys, I want to check that my setup is compatible as I can't find reverse. I have an 02a gearbox from a Corrado VR6 with 02j 5 speed shifter, tower and diesel geek short shift linkage at the gearbox. I have changed the 5th gear out to a CTN so it's taller for motorway cruising. I run a hydraulic clutch and that feels fine as well. I've adjusted the shifter cables by putting the lock pin in the up position and place a pin in the shifter end to lock it in neutral to tighten the cables. When I press down and go left past first there is an audible clunk then up. When I release the clutch the car moves forward (think 1st is engaged). All other gears are selectable 1st to 5th. Have I put non compatible parts together or is there something wrong I've done. Any help would be appreciated. Cheers Rich
The gearbox appears to be in reverse from the look of the tower. Is it possible to mess up installing the tower or is the 02j tower not compatible with a 02a vr6 bell housing?
have you tried manually selecting reverse at the tower? 02j shifter will work just fine in 02a gearbox, just if its early you have to swap the lower bearing otherwise the tower wont physically go in
Hi John, It's Rich. off the MK1 owners club. When you say lower bearing are you referring to the VW insert on the bottom of the gearbox? If so I spoke to you before about this. You said there were 2 sizes and they were larger on VR6 gearbox to accept 02j tower. This is mine by the way:
Ah I think I see my issue and it's me The engine mount and bolt is restricting the travel. I assume reverse is right at the bottom?
aha, thats your issue right there. got to take the brave pills and cut the shifter worth sending your findings back to diesel geek so they can modify their shifter setup
I've dropped Jim at Diesel geek an email but the shifter kit is designed for an 02j MK4 gearbox so it's my fault. No issue though with an angle grinder. Easy enough to take out and do it in the vice
yeah not saying its anyones fault really, just now he knows about potential issues fitting his 02J 5 speed kit to mk1/2/3 cars with 02a/j can make a note on the site or offer a specific kit to fit
