It seams I read somewhere that the gear ratios on these 5 speed manuals were different and based on the engine
Something like lower ratios on 8v or something like that? Can anybody verify that and perhaps even post up some numbers?

Also anybody drive a 16 v manual and a VW 1.9 t diesel was there a significant difference in power / acceleration ? Or is the real advantage fuel economy and lugging torque?

Yeah, my gear ratio chart is out there that tells you what gears a trackick will have, based on year, body type, engine, and tranny. 

,I have yet to find a Chart but Did find a post with this info : ...  16V engines have a .795 5th   the 8Vs,  have .86 5th gear ratio. About 300 rpms difference ,3 speed autos are the same final drive
 Just Incase somebody else can use his info .
So , an  8v tranny in place of a 16v could compensate for mildly larger tires .

I would search for one of my posts and copy and paste the chart, but the search on this site leaves a lot to be desired.
Ok, finally got it....

89-98 Trackick gear ratio

89     2dr 1.3L carb 5speed man. 5.625
89-95 2dr 1.6L TBI 5speed man. 5.125
89-95 2dr 1.6L TBI 3speed auto. 4.625
91      4dr 1.6L TBI 3speed auto. 4.625
91      4dr 1.6L TBI 5speed man. 5.375
92-98 4dr 1.6L MPFI 5speed man. 5.125
92-98 4dr 1.6L MPFI 4speed auto. 5.125
94-98 2dr 1.6L MPFI 5speed man. 5.125
94-98 2dr 1.6L MPFI 3speed auto. 4.30
96-98 X90 1.6L MPFI 4auto or man. 4.625
96-98 4dr sport 1.8L MPFI 4speed auto or man. 5.125

4.30 gears have an 10/43 tooth count
4.625 gears have an 8/37 tooth count
5.125 gears have an 8/41 tooth count
5.375 gears have an 8/43 tooth count
5.625 gears have an 8/45 tooth count

MPFI=16V
TBI=8V