I got my old version replaced under warranty. It's a night and day difference. You can easily see which version you have:
Here is the new one
New one before install

I don't have a good pic of the old one, but it doesn't have that big black sleeve for the shaft bearing. The sleeve may still be black, but is alot shorter.

If you send me a pic of yours I can tell which one you have, assuming that's why you are asking.

99 V6 Mercury Cougar Vortech Supercharged