Lupo GTI box to replace troublesome 020

Discussion in 'Transmission' started by copeidge, Aug 21, 2020.

  1. copeidge

    copeidge Forum Member

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2007
    Likes Received:
    330
    Hi guys, I'm on my 2nd 020 box, the original one got stuck in 3rd on track. Last weekend my 2nd 020 also got stuck in 3rd but I managed to free it and its been fine since.

    Speaking to Martin at Gas n Gears he recons its a bad design on the 3rd gear hub, where the keys drop out.
    Hes sounded confident that a full box rebuild would sort out the issue.

    a full build is looking around the £700 plus getting my box to and from martins unit.

    That being said I've been looking at alternatives, in particular 02a and 02j boxes.
    I'm happy to do the conversion and sort out the hydro pedal box etc.

    It just dawned on me after going out in a mates lupo gti that the box is 6 speed and the ratios are lovely and short, which is ideal for my 8v. Any longer ratios and it would serious kill the little power it already has!

    So a simple questions is.. has anyone every fit a lupo gti 6speed into a mk2?
    is it doable? I cant find any info online so I'm assuming it cant be done.

    But any info/advice would be helpful!

    Cheers :)
     
  2. GVK

    GVK Paid Member Paid Member

    Joined:
    Oct 23, 2003
    Likes Received:
    691
    Location:
    Lincs.
    I don't think the bellhousing of the Lupo 'box suits/fits the 'big block' mk2 engine.

    I broke a few 3rd gear syncro on my 020s too.
     
  3. copeidge

    copeidge Forum Member

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2007
    Likes Received:
    330
    I thought that might be the case but i though i might be able to use the bell housing from an 02A.?
     
  4. Tristan

    Tristan Paid Member Paid Member

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2006
    Likes Received:
    1,205
    Location:
    Southern IRELAND
    I looked into this too, and it seemed the Lupo box isn't very strong.
    I fitted an 02j, with a tdi Shifter. Another option is the 02s which is like an 02a/j with an extra gear.
     
  5. Savagesam

    Savagesam Moderator Staff Member Moderator

    Joined:
    Nov 24, 2012
    Likes Received:
    1,096
    And you still have to fit it into an 02j box because the 02s doesn’t have the correct holes in the bell housing
     
  6. Tristan

    Tristan Paid Member Paid Member

    Joined:
    Apr 25, 2006
    Likes Received:
    1,205
    Location:
    Southern IRELAND
    You can just use the bell housing.
     
  7. dodgy

    dodgy Paid Member Paid Member

    Joined:
    May 24, 2016
    Likes Received:
    1,000
    Cant remember where I read it, or if correct, but do polo 9n3 gearbox from tdi have bellhousing that had bolt holes for small and big block?
    Sure I saw the bluemotion one fitted to 1.8?
    Might be completely wrong, but may be worth investigating.
     
  8. Hotgolf

    Hotgolf Paid Member Paid Member

    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2004
    Likes Received:
    362
    Location:
    Smelly Cornelly
    Use a late 020/K 3rd/4th hub and it'll eliminate the issue for good. Early 020 hub/sleeve/key design is awful. The polo 02t boxes are properly weak!!!
     
  9. drunkenalan Paid Member Paid Member

    Joined:
    Jun 11, 2004
    Likes Received:
    35
    Location:
    Leicester
    I have had a similar issue in mine, some spirited driving in the lanes, mostly 3rd gear, went for 4th and I couldn't move it!, let it all cool down whilst nursing it on the way home and it came free, only happened twice to me but generally the box is OK, pretty sure its been rebuilt at some point
     
  10. Hotgolf

    Hotgolf Paid Member Paid Member

    Joined:
    Apr 23, 2004
    Likes Received:
    362
    Location:
    Smelly Cornelly
    Early hubs are shite. If you lose the keys you ‘could’ end up losing the whole box.
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice