Is anyone interested in the ZF 8HP transmissions?

[andrewb70]

Today I visited Vic, not just for lunch but to see if he can help with a small project.

I got these paddle shifters from DomiWorks a while back. I was actually going to use them on my GTO, but it seemed more appropriate to repurpose them for the Cougar in anticipation of the 8HP70 swap.



We decided to keep it simple and just mount the paddles to the spokes of the steering wheel. Before taking off the steering wheel I actually mocked up the paddles against the steering when when it was still installed in the car.



This was the chosen location. It puts the paddles at the fingertips but keeps them tucked nicely and the left side one does not interfere with the turn signal stalk.



The location for the holes was laid out and the holes were drilled.



Apparently I forgot to take more pictures along the way, but here is a little video that shows one of the paddles in action.





Andrew

[andrewb70]

Here is where I am with all of this. I have been trying to gather as much information as I can about both the TurboLamik and the HTG, especially how they integrate with Holley EFI. Sadly, there is precious little information out there. So either it is not being done very much, or people are being very secretive. If you do a google search for Holley and HTG or TurboLamik, there is barely anything out there. Seems Legit Garage claims that they have done "many" Holley EFI systems with the HTG, but even their El Camino uses a GM ECU. I also joined the HTG and TurboLamik FB groups, and while there seems to be quite a bit of interest in these swaps, there is very little actual information.

I am going to the PRI show this coming week and have a meeting on my schedule with the TurboLamik US rep. I also purchased a CAN course from HP Academy, which has been very helpful. That is all I have for now, but I will be making updates as more information becomes available.

​​​​​​​Andrew

[dhutton]

Hi Andrew. I am following and curious what features and functionality you are hoping to achieve by integrating the Holley with the TCU versus both systems running independently. Just curious, not questioning the goal.

Watching this thread for possible integration into my 57 Buick Caballero build.

Thanks,
Don

[groovyjay]

Originally Posted by andrewb70

I love the Mercedes wagon!!!

Which TCU are you using inside the 8HP70?

Andrew

No TCU. It’s all controlled through halltech.

[andrewb70]

Originally Posted by groovyjay

No TCU. It’s all controlled through halltech.

I am not aware of any Haltech product that has direct control of the 8HP transmission. Do you have some more details, please?

Andrew

[andrewb70]

The ZF 8HP swap journey continues as well. Tom is working on prepping these transmissions for us. These two were probably the worst looking on the outside.







But they sure cleaned up nicely!



The really cool part about these transmissions is that they already have a CV cup on the output! If you guys recall, I was basically the one that popularized the use of modern CV driveshafts in older cars. My Cougar has had a dual CV driveshaft since I built it in 2015.



The GTO has had a CV driveshaft in it since about 2012-2013ish...Both driveshafts use a carbon fiber tube.

So when using the 8HP in an older car, the front CV is already to go! I met with The DriveShaft Shop at the PRI show and they assured me that they can build driveshafts for these swaps.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

In addition to working on the electronics, we also had a chance to mock up the engine with the adapter and the transmission. Please keep in mind this is just a loose mock-up. We were missing a couple of key parts, like the flexplate and the dowel pins between the adapter plate and the transmission.

This is BA's engine. It was recently on the dyno and made just under 700HP.



This is one of the transmissions that Tom got and it already has the PCB modification performed.




The Domiworks adapter plate fit the engine block perfectly. It is a nice touch that they included the oil pan bolts.




The adapter has beautiful chamfers on all of the edges. I really appreciate that kind of detail.



The is the "wagon wheel" adapter that bolts to the torque converter and a stock LS flexplate. BA actually has a TCI SFI flexplate and I will be getting a SFI flexplate from Circle D. Notice that the wagon wheel has provisions for all 3 of the popular flexplate to converter bolt patterns.




Here are the transmission and the adapter plate put together. Notice the offset bolt in the adapter for Gen V LT engines. This is critical for Tom, who obviously has a LT based engine in his BMW.




Here is a just a close look at the transmission and adapter.



This is more of the same from the other side.




More to come eventually. Things are in a bit of a holding pattern until this cold snap is over.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

My friend Tom is making progress on his e46 M3 Gen 5 LT 8HP swap.

He is using a spare 5.3L L83 block for mock up. You can see the Domiworks adapter plate along with his custom engine mounts.



Working with a lift and some tables the engine and transmission drop out the bottom.



Tom is using a transmission mount sold by Holley, but it will be modified to work with a stock BMW crossmember. This particular crossmember is from a later F-series BMW.



With the transmission mocked up at the correct engine angle the transmission pan is level and flush with the rockers.



The tunnel needed to be massaged just a little in a few places, but he will be able to reuse all of the stock heat insulation panels.



This car is going to hurt some feelings.

Progress is being made...

Andrew

[andrewb70]

I got a notification from eBay showing a BMW shifter for $120. I jumped on it because it was black. Most other ones are silver. I don't really even know what kind of BMW it is from.



Andrew