The '02 has a hydraulic set-up (vs a cable pull on the earlier tranny's). It is also said to have a stronger case and, I believe there are some gears that are stronger.Read through this for a little background info;http://forums.neons.org/viewtopic.php?f=89&t=352007
Captain Caveman96 RS Turbo 11.414 @ 119.62 MSNS, Crower 2 NA cams, BW366, 10.5 comp, UDP, 60mm TB, W/A intercooler, 3.55 tranny 567.9whp 430tq97 RS NA 13.188 @ 103.87 MSnS powered 12.5 comp, Crower 3's and 219.4whp with 175tq98 RS DD 12.5 comp on stock ECU, LTH, Crower 2's, Koni, GC, Hypercoil, DG hats99 OZ 5sp Stocker 15.856 @ 85.9799 GS stocker auto 17.7@77mph!wiki home page:http://www.2gnt.com/index.php?d=bullettdsm