Auto to Manual swap, ECU reprogram

I have a 2002 Eurovan MV w/ the AXK VR6 24v 201hp. The O1P is a lousy transmission and its starting to fail. VW is all out of new ones so they are reconditioning old ones. I can get a rebuilt one for $4400 not including installation. How long will it last?

Here's my deal, I've heard all the stuff about how much work it is and how its not worth it and I should just buy a new one with a manual. In this case there are none with a manual, and it will be way cheaper for me to go manual since I got all the mechanical parts from a 1998 euro spec VW Multivan VR6 AES 12v 140hp 5 spd for $1000.  Eveything will bolt right up and work. I might have to do some work with the back up lights and speedo input.  But the bigger issue is getting the ecu to stop looking for input from the transmission.  

I am not the first to do this. http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3619781

It cost him near $7500 plus installation. Any ideas on reprograming the ECU? I have posted on all kinds of forums (VWvortex, TDI, motortalk.de) and no one can give me a straight answer. I can live with the check engine light, but would prefer not to have it. It seems that lots of guys are changing trannies in the MKIV forum.

Thanks, Mark  

From what I understand, Mark, you'll need a VAG-COM (or VCDS as it's now known) to get in and tell the ECU that you now have a 5-speed instead of a slushbox. If your instrument cluster has the PRND321 shifter position indicator at the bottom, you will lose that display. No biggie since you will not be using that anyway. It will just be a blank spot. As with all modifications, YMMV.

I'm planning this swap myself on my '03 Golf TDI within the next year if my 01M hold up. Good luck!

Jim  

Did you ever actually get anywhere on this issue?
I am interested in the same swap.
Please let me know