Ratios aren't too bad in the 1.3 box. They aren't too short... Saying that, if it was damp if spin up in 4th when boost came (around 250bhp mk4 fez) in so I've now changed to mtx75 box.
1.7 box will bolt to a zetec engine as it has a standard ib5 bell housing. If you put a 1.8 silvertop pick up and sump on, then the ib5 bell housings will bolt up to the bottom two holes on that. I had a 1.7 box but I ruined it ... Main shaft bearings let go.
Matt