more GTI info (NAC)

[Douglas Frank]

THANKS to all who've responded so far.  The unanimous advice was that sloppy
shifting is almost certainly due to a worn shift linkage, a cheap fix.  BUT
there's more, I just learned:

The current owner installed a short-shift kit (don't know which) relatively
recently.  The forward gears are "vague" but the real worry is reverse... the
car "bucks" a lot in reverse.

What do you think, bad shift kit or fumblefingered installation?  That's my
guess.  Are there popular kits known to be losers, or tough to get right? 
What's involved in retrofitting the factory parts, just to see if the problem
goes away?  Or is there an easy way to check what's installed now?  As you by
now understand, I know nothing about these cars.  (My last VW was a '72 Super
Beetle.  Never really understood how such a slow car could be fun, but it was!)

As ever, thanks for your time.  This list is a lifesaver... and moneysaver, I
might add.  :-)
-- 
--Doug

Douglas Frank  Compaq Computer Corp.
ZKO            110 Spit Brook Rd.
DTN 264-0501   Nashua, NH  USA  03062