im new to vw and i recently got a 97 glx with a vr6 swap... but i dont know how to figure out what year my motor is and i need to buy a transmission. any ideas on figuring out the year and where i can find a tranny for cheap? thanks a bunch.

If it's a GLX it came stock with a VR6
what makes you think it is swapped?

it really doesn't matter what year VR it is, OBD1 and OBD2 transmissions (as well as most other parts) are compatible with one another.
just make sure when you buy a transmission, it's from a Corrado VR6 or mk3 - Jetta GLX or GTI VR6.
mk4 transmissions fit also, but I wouldn't recommend buying one 'cause they mount up different (motor mount wise)

I'm no help though on where to find one...

the guy i bought it from said it was a swap and the valve cover is polished not all black. thanks.

you sure it's a GLX then? like Mace_Windu said, all GLX's came off the assembly line with VR6's. maybe the engine's just been plain replaced with a healthier/modded VR6? how many lugs do your wheels have? any badges on the back? got pics?

someone should be able to help you find the engine code and dictate what year it is.

just because the valve cover is an OBD1 metal one that's been polished doesn't mean it's a different motor.
people put metal valve covers on their later mk3s all the time, its a simple swap and no big deal.

my best advice is to throw up some pictures, we'll get a better idea of what you have.
both Karl (taurus) and I know mk3s pretty [darn] well so one of us should be able to straighten this out for you.

bring your car out to one of the get togethers. There's a lot of knowledgeable people in the club, I am sure they can help ya

And welcome to the vdub scene!

and of course... VR6 FTW!!!!!!!!

I had a GTI with a swapped motor, but the first motor was a VR and so was the second.

What's wrong with the transmission?

lol i was planning on coming to a meet next saturday. but my vin number showed that it was a glx and the badges were taken off and it is 5 lug. pics soon.

definitely a stock VR6 car man.