Hi derf,
I heard back from the seller of the MP3 transaxle I got the transaxle from. This what what was in the email I received. >

[size=13px]"10/01 was the production date of the car it came from".[/size] ...

So evidently the 2MP31278D8 being a 1992 transaxle was not the original for the 2001 car and the different looking damper bracket is probably from the 2001 car. Interesting findings, I wonder what abuse the original tranny went thru or if it was just one of those diff-pin ejection anomalies that happen. I guess when 92 box get taken apart I will see how it may have been treated.

 

I don't know what they do with the year codes for 2000 and forward so maybe the two means 2002 model year? I can't see somebody with a 2002 putting a 92 transmission in it. Seems there would have been a lot more choices but then again, that's why the law of averages exists

 

derf,
FYI, I found out how to find the year of the 2000 to 2002 MP3 tranny's. They use the vin number which is embossed on the front edge of the bellhousing just below where the coil packs bolt on. Look at the last 8 digits. 92 should be "NZxxxxxx" 02 would be "2Zxxxxxx" . Mine was 2Z163131 so it a 2002 MP3.