Transmission differences between the 1.8 manual and the 2.8 manual?

[scottinalaska]

I have the 2.8 engine with the fivespeed in my 2000 Avant.
The transmission shifts flawlessly. BUT, no reverse. It goes in, feels good. But when the clutch is released, I'm basically in neutral with a little bit of racket. I could break it apart, I suppose.
But I could also toss in a 5-speed from a 1.8 (maybe a B5) from a friend.
Attached is the numbers on the possible donor trans he sent me.
Also here: CSH/ZML 01X 301018A

I understand the trans will bolt up (same bell housing), but the gearing may be different?
I have searched diligently and have not found a succinct answer to this. Any help, guys?
Thanks,

Scott

PS: Coincidentally, I have a complete 2002 A4 with a 1.8 and 6 speed that could be a donor. But I am not too keen on swapping a rear end other involved things unless it's easier than I have guessed.

trans number.jpg

[walky_talky20]

01X is the 6-speed box from a B6-chassis. It is not a direct bolt-up to a B5, you would need a custom subframe.

[scottinalaska]

Walky, Thank you. That is good to know. Apparently, he doesn't know that! :-)
Now, to determine if the B5 1.8 and 2.8 manual 5sp transmissions are compatible.
Anyone have some insight on this? Differences?
Thanks.

[walky_talky20]

Yes, they are compatible. The cases are identical. The 2.8 has longer gearing, though. Some of the Big Turbo guys prefer the 2.8 gears so they can spool their pet snails for longer in between shifts. For a stock 1.8T, the 2.8 gears would probably increase highway MPG while making the 0-60 slightly slower. Not hugely so. Many people have used 2.8 transmissions just for the lower highway RPM and they were happy.

I actually went the other way. I used a 1991 Coupe Quattro transmission (01A), which uses 4.11 final drive (instead of the usual 3.89 in the B5 01A) and has the closest ratio gears of any 01A quattro box. Mostly the 2-3 shift is closer. It is maybe good for AutoCross or twisty roads, but does not prefer the highway as much.

[RallyeBourne]

I ran the 01A from the 2.8 in my old 1999 Avant 1.8T. I didn’t notice a huge difference in acceleration, but did notice the difference on the highway. If memory serves, it was a good 300-400rpm lower at 80mph.

I wouldn’t mind going walky’s route on my sedan though, since the closer ratio may be beneficial for RallyX…


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[scottinalaska]

Anyone ever bust the trans apart to fix a reverse gear? Although I have now located a 1.8 Trans for my 2.8 engine, I feel like I'll miss the longer gears.
Ice-racing mainly it is good to have a tall 2nd gear. But if it is really not much difference, or longer in the 5th gear more than anything, I could just find out and not sweat it! I have also lost my speedo. Would this be related to losing reverse gear?
Thanks guys. I know i opened another thread when I could not find this original thread.

[scottinalaska]

Also, would a 2000 TT with the 1.8 have a compatible 5 speed transmission?

[Akabetterthanu]

Also, would a 2000 TT with the 1.8 have a compatible 5 speed transmission?

I don’t think the TT would work for you. From what I understand it’s traverse with haldex vs a4 longitudinal with torsen


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[RallyeBourne]

A TT trans would not, because that has a transverse setup, not Longitudinal. So the engine and trans sit sideways.

As far as cracking one open, I have not, but I imagine someone has. JHM sells replacement synchros, so obviously there’s a market there.

I think all of the gear ratios are different. A little shorter on the 1.8T across the board. Also, the 2.8 has two overdrive gears if I’m not mistaken, 4th and 5th. Where the 1.8t it’s just 5th.

The difference is in 5th gear at 3,000rpm, you’d be going about 72mph with the 2.8 trans, and about 68mph with the 1.8T trans, for what that’s worth.


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