Gearbox blowout

My brother owns a A-reg Golf GTI Cabriolet which has a 2l Passat engine (J-Reg).

Today he was driving from Wolverhampton to Birmingham when he blew a small hole in the gearbox housing.  The oil leaked and he was limited to 2nd gear.  After nursing the car for a few miles he pulled over and I had to tow him home.

Now I believe the gearbox to be the original MK1 1.8l golf gearbox attached to this 2l Passat engine.  I assume that the torque output is probably too much for the box to handle resulting in this problem.

My question is whether anyone knows if a Passat gearbox would fit into this car or is there any other solution if the torque is infact the problem.

Thanks Leon.

P.S. - I realise that my desciption is quite vague but the car is not mine and I only get involved when things go wrong.  If you need more info just say what you need and I will do my best to get it for you.  I am just trying to help my bro out.

Sounds typical    You can fit the Passat box but this is a cable shift set-up with hydraulic clutch lever and will require either the use of Seat parts to convert to cable or the fitment of a master cylinder clutch set-up.

Passat 16V 2.0 will be an 02A which is a pain (as mentioned above) to fit, but possible. For 2.0 16V it should still be okay on an 020 box, which is what I bet you have. There is a known weakness of the diff pins, which are riveted on instead of bolted. Its up to you to make a decision on whether to chance a ?50 secondhand box, or go for a ?450 rebuilt one which will at least offer reassurance.