I purchased what I was told was a 1.8 Elantra transmission and took it upon good faith that it was. My question is how can I tell?

 

Easiest way is to see it mounted to the engine, or by checking part numbers failing that. The difference is small IIRC, and lies in the gearing ratios. It should be physically compatible with any Beta engine.

 

it is cause tdonnell has one on his tib

 

I'm not sure that I'm understanding those answers. It was not in a car when I bought it. I know it fits the Beta 1 motor because it's in my Accent right now and has been for close to 1500 miles with no problems. I'd just like to know because I want to sell it and be able to say with certainty that it is in fact a 1.8 trans. I'm going back to the alpha trans having just found it actually has a lower gear set than the 1.8 trans.

 

there should be a part number on the tranny some where and i would just call the dealer to verify

 

I just found a vin on it and that says it's actually from a 1997 Tiburon 1.8. hmaservice says it has the lower set like the Elantra 1.8 trans.