I bought a 1998 2.8L parts car (manual) to use some of the engine parts for a 1998 2.8L (automatic) that I am fixing up. Typical low end collision that took out the oil pan. It appears that the oil pump design is different between the 2. One of them looks like it is chain driven from the crankshaft and the other one look like it is direct drive from the crankshaft. Could someone tell me the WTF? From the badging....one looks like a 98...and the other looks like a 98.5. The target car is the chain drive (98.5)

 

It looks like there was a revision to the motor. Check this link and notice the difference you mentioned. Sorry I can't be of more help.
http://www.vagcat.com/epc/cat/au/A4Q/1997/157/49/[/URL]

 

Rogue....Awesome site! Thanks! Looks like I got the earlier engine in the parts car....then they did a revision to the oil pump system. Thanks! Now I just have to get those parts for a chain driven oil pump

 

Hey Im from Warsaw! Oh and are you parting the entire manual car? I REALLY want the transmission!!!! I have access to my dad's shop w/ 11 lifts and can remove it myself if you can give me a deal. My 99 is making a bad noise in first gear...

 

The manual transmission I have is now sitting in the back yard with a hole in the casing I sold the back end on it...to a guy in Florida.