Early A4s had starters from one manufacturer, later A4s had starters from a different manufacturer - each needs a different ring gear. Later ring gears were bigger and need a slightly bigger flywheel housing. When they made the new flywheel housing, they also made it deeper so they could use a sheet metal cover (save costs).
Early housings, being cast, had tolerances and will sometimes fit the later flywheels - especially if you're willing to do a little grinding. Early housing covers were cast with nice lettering - quite attractive when painted in contrasting colors.
I do not know if the covers are interchangeable. I do know the sheet metal cover will not go on the early housing - it's not deep enough. It may be possible to fit an early cast cover on a deep late model housing, but I haven't tried it.
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