the body of my 1998 A4 1.8T quattro manual is history.
Looking for a new 'shell' to use as many of the mechanical parts.
a) Engine: swapping the 1.8 into 2.8 car easy?
b) Transmission: manual into auto too much work and not worth it?
c) 1998/97/96 vs 98.5+: dash, lights. What else changed?

Obviously: 1997 or 1998 with the manual and 1.8T would be best recipient.
What next to look for?