To 5 speed or not

I have a 2002 jetta tdi with 204k and was thinking of changing to manual 5 speed, I found one at the local yard with 280k in a 2003 gulf tdi, he said I could have everything I need for 150 , just not sure its worth it to put in such a high mile trans ???????

That's a great price. I usually drain the oil, check the fifth gear and the shift tower bearings on an undriveable one. That many miles wouldn't bother me at all on an 02J trans.

I just replaced my son's O2J at 307k miles. He, as a 16-17 year old, was probably hard on it, but it had the fairly common roll pin shear in the spider gear shaft...walked out and ate through the case. We replaced it with a $350 unit with 182k miles. This new O2J feels SO MUCH tighter / better....apparently the other unit was just worn out. I THINK these units are very solid till they exceed 300k miles...do some reading.

Its a deal just on the other swap parts alone - well worth the risk on the trans. Check what KCTI said and you are in business.

If the car is fairly rust free and in other wise good condition, I'd do it. That's not especially high mileage and the 02, 03 is the best of the VEs.

Ok, I picked up the car and starting stripping it, Can I change the computer or do I have to do the vagcom thing. also anything else I should save on the car?

No need to change or even remove the ECU (computer) of your 02.
You will need to recode it to manual trans with VCDS.

I'm doing the manual swap soon too and can tell you that price was more then cheap! Just the CV axles alone are more then double what you paid for the whole setup... Good luck with the swap I'm so far only at having a trans and starter off a donor car lol.

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