Transmission gear interchange

Tiny
COOPER HOLT
  • MEMBER
  • 2002 VOLKSWAGEN JETTA
  • 1.8L
  • 4 CYL
  • TURBO
  • 2WD
  • MANUAL
  • 153,000 MILES
I have an 02J transmission and I have been reading that I could possibly interchange the Gear Synchros for first/second to the Synchros from the older 02A transmission and that it would be better?. Just looking for conformation because I can find a set for the O2A but I have had little to no luck on locating a set for the 02J.
Wednesday, August 7th, 2019 AT 2:31 PM

6 Replies

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Hi,

It appears they measure basically the same so I assume they will fit. However, the major difference is the thickness of the teeth of the gears and blocking ring. The 02 J are thicker meaning they are stronger so if you put 02 A in then you may have an issue with durability.

I have never done this so I can't tell you that you won't have any issues but of the people that are doing it, they say it works.

Let us know what you find if you decide to do it. If you do, I would suggest only using the parts that you have to us and reuse your parts. Then of the parts you do use, compare them side by side and even measure them if possible just to make sure they are the same. Thanks
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Wednesday, August 7th, 2019 AT 4:04 PM
Tiny
COOPER HOLT
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  • 5 POSTS
Thanks for the reply, mainly just looking for a decent set up that would reliable for about a 200hp motor in the car. It'll have a new clutch with a solid flywheel. Any other recommendations and help will be greatly appreciated.
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Wednesday, August 7th, 2019 AT 4:13 PM
Tiny
COOPER HOLT
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  • 5 POSTS
Also, I want to tighten up the slop in the shifter and any possible slack in the shift linkage. Been looking at a few things but can't really make a choice on a cost efficient/tough kit.
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Wednesday, August 7th, 2019 AT 4:16 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Well these may give you issue in the future no matter which you go with because that is more HP that the engine had with from stock correct? If so, then all your drive train components are going to wear out sooner then they would have. Not saying it is not worth it but just something to plan for when you get into the higher hp game.

As for the shift linkage, most short shifter kits will accomplish this. However, I am not sure which are best in this specific case.
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Wednesday, August 7th, 2019 AT 6:23 PM
Tiny
COOPER HOLT
  • MEMBER
  • 5 POSTS
I have been looking at a short shifter, but I have also seen a kit for like 30 I think that comes with a different cup and some bushing for the OEM shifter that is supposed to take all the slack out. I believe its from dieselgeek. I don't really plan to go much higher if any really with the HP honestly its already a really zippy little car with crazy throttle response tbh lol. Thanks for all the help though!
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Wednesday, August 7th, 2019 AT 6:47 PM
Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
I think you will be happy with the results either way because it will be an improvement. Plus once you get into this stuff, it never ends. There will always be another modification to do or a better way to do it. I would just go with one of them and if you don't like it, you can change it later, it will just take more money. Basically, you can't make a wrong decision. You are welcome. Thanks for using 2CarPros.
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Wednesday, August 7th, 2019 AT 6:54 PM

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