Oh really? Seems to be the way with a lot car forums and Facebook groups these days. I haven't used it for years as it's mostly MK2s and track day stuff. This site is pleasantly free of bitchiness
It was bloody years ago but pretty sure HotGolf supplied me with a 3.68 final drive for my old Corrado VR6. That really woke the car up. Should have been factory fit!
Cheers. On first inspection, the input shaft's lateral play is virtually zero compared to mine, which is encouraging. I can see externally where VW have changed a few things. It's a 2011 box. It's mainly under the black end shaft cover that's had some re-engineering under there.....hopefully for the better!
Hoping it's not too messy as the pump and ECU are integrated into one unit, but if the plumbing and harness are completely different, you're right, that is too messy and not worth the hassle.