The numbers roughly correlate to the torque rating of the box basically. The JB/JC series gearboxs are the old renault design boxes that i'm pretty sure they don't use in anything new anymore. The Mk2 Clio was the last car to use them I think.
As far as the Mk2 Clio goes:
1.2/1.2 16v/1.4 16v = JB1
1.6 16v/dCi65/dCi80 = JB3
dCi100 = JR5
1*2 = JC5
The JR5 is a cable change/hydraulic clutched JC based box and is pretty damn crap, theres the PK6 box which is the 6 speed used in the Clio v6/Laguna V6/Traffic 6speed. And theres also a JH series of boxes which I believe were used in later lagunas etc these are also cable change/hydraulic clutch.
Then theres the new(ish) ND0 box which is the Nissan designed 6 speed box fitted to the Megane 2.0 16v/RS Megane/Most Modern Renault With a 6 cog box. This is much more like it and a lot more hardy from what I gather, its certainly leaps ahead in use.
You may get away with a JB1 box but the ratios won't be exactly the same and it won't take the same ammount of torque a JB3 will, get a JB3 and nothing else imo.
Have you spoken to specialist renault breakers? I'll bet they'll be able to get you one in and ship it to you. If your Ph1 uses ABS speedo like the Ph2 your specifically after a JB3-979 box.
Don't worry or mess about with fitting anything else, just get a direct replacement to save complications.