Mk1/Mk2 Gearchange mechanisms the same?

[dan95x]

I have finished my engine transplant on my mk1, and have inserted a 5 speed box at the same time. Problem is at the minute, I still have the 4 speed Change Rod fitted (i.e the gearstick, ball and long rod down to the linkage under the bonnet) so I still only have 4 gears.

Plan was to swap on the 5 speed Mk1 rod that I have, problem is, I dont know where I have put it!!!

So, is a mk2 5 speed rod the same fitment as a Mk1, as I figure I am much more likely to find one somewhere (and I cant cope for long with only having the four gears, I used about 3 gallons of fuel on the motorway just from Cardiff to Newport yesterday!)

if it is and anyone in South Wales close-ish to Cardiff has a spare, PM me and I will buy it off you!

Cheers in advance

Dan

[PeteGLi]

The rods on the gearbox are different betweeen the 4 and 5 speed boxes. I don't think the long rod makes any difference.

[monzajake]

Im pretty sure pete is right there, dont the 5 speed rods have a kink in them and a tad longer ?

[81GTi]

I know from a bad experience that the long 5 speed rod goes a specific way around ;)

[dan95x]

Ah - well that is interesting then, because other than the long rod/gearstick mechanism, I have the full 5 speed set up on there, all setup right, and still have only the 4 gears. In that case, has anyone got any ideas what else might be stoppoing me selecting 5th?

[81GTi]

I know from a bad experience that the long 5 speed rod goes a specific way around ;)

I couldn't get first gear and tried and tried until it dawned on me that the rod could be one way specific, turned it around and bingo, first gear was found. gotta be worth a try.

[dan95x]

Just out of interest for anyone else with the same problem, I solved this this weekend. Partly as suggested, the 'kinked' rod was the wrong way round, and then much messing around resulted in 5 gears! I still think that the ball mechanism on a 5 speed is different, as I have only just managed to get the 5 due to what I think is less 'space' on the gate if that makes sense. Literally being one spline either way on the pinch bolt means either losing 5th or having to use the reverse gate to get 1st & 2nd - Having messed around with teh 5 speed linkage on my Mk1 golf, there was definitely more room for error than that on a 'proper' 5 speed set-up.

Either way, teh up-shot is, yes it is possible to get 5 gears with the 4 speed shifter mechanism, it is just an awkward job!