The 5 speed shifter had two studs on the front that got nuts from the top and two bolts from the bottom into a spot welded bracket. The 6 speed shifter just had four studs. I had to remove the two rear studs and grind down the locating hump between them. I also had to trim two ears off the rear of the aluminum housing as well as some reinforcement ribbing. After then making a couple of notches where the tabs were, I used the two new bolts/fender washers Ryan sent with the transmission to bolt the rear of the shifter housing to the aforementioned bracket. It only took about 10 minutes with a 3" cutoff wheel.
I was about to drill new holes for the two rear studs, I am glad I noticed the new bolts were the right size for the holes in the bracket.
The heat shield was really not a problem, I took the VW slip coupling, exhaust hanger above the rear axle, and the hanger cross brace loose. Once you get that done and the six little washer clips loose, the two heat shields come right out.
Thanks to VW for the use of the slip coupling, made it much easier.
I spoke to Jeff at Rocketchip, since that is the tune I am running and he gave me a reasonable price to fix the issue. I just need to be able to park the car for a few days.
I have to say, I love the ERF gearset. The new fifth gear is identical to the old one, about 2700rpm at 80mph(indicated.) I am seeing about 2100rpm in sixth at the same indicated speed. I have checked the speedo with GPS and it has not changed in accuracy.
I highly recommend this to anyone who actually drives their TDI
Sorry no pics, I was pretty exasperated by this point only because it can be quite difficult to install the trans by yourself, with a floor jack, on jack stands, in the rain. I finally wound up bench pressing it in place, the whole lift and rotate thing is not easy on a standard floor jack.