It's tough when you don't get the answers that you need but that's life. I reckon you should buy a used T5, get yours out, swap in the replacement T5 and get your car running. If it's not the gearbox you will discover what the problem is as you remove the gearbox anyway. You can sell or repair the damaged box, or if you discover it's not the box, sell the one you bought for the same price.

I would also call a couple of gearbox specialists who know about the T5 and ask them. You'll probably get the answer on your first phone call.

Obviously the phone calls before the gearbox swap!


Charlie