Is anyone interested in the ZF 8HP transmissions?

[Strictly Attitude]

I have been contemplating one of these in my 72 Chevelle I have a fueltech ft 550 lite and they offer an option to tune the trans. I need to figure out a adapter plate/converter for it to mount to my Gen 1 but just started drinking that cool aid.

[andrewb70]

Originally Posted by Strictly Attitude

I have been contemplating one of these in my 72 Chevelle I have a fueltech ft 550 lite and they offer an option to tune the trans. I need to figure out a adapter plate/converter for it to mount to my Gen 1 but just started drinking that cool aid.

I don't know anything about Fueltech or their 8HP controls, but Domiworks offer a Gen 1 SBC adapter.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

I am working on my own 8HP70 swap into my 67 Cougar. I was using the 5th gen Camaro starter. Well, that starter has a unique nose on it and it does not work well with the Domiworks adapter. I recall having a similar clearance issue when I used that starter with a stock T56 bellhousing. Instead of butchering the adapter (more than I already did) I ordered this truck starter. It has a different nose, but still have the connector for the solenoid wire.



You can see where I have already clearanced the adapter, but had I used this starter from the beginning, that would not have been necessary.



The other difference with this starter is that it does not have provisions for the heat shield, like the one that is used on the 5th gen Camaro starter. I don't think this will present any issues.



This shows how much the bellhousing has to be notched in order to clear the nose of the starter. I could have done a slightly smaller notch, but I didn't want to keep messing with it.



I plan to 3D scan that area and have a small cover designed and 3D printed. The engine swap party is a little over 2 weeks away.

Andrew

[andrewb70]

The ZF8hp70 transmission fits better in my Cougar than the T56. I was able to raise the back of the engine about an extra inch, which actually improved the relative angle of the engine to the rockers.



This is the view on the driver's side.



and the view on the passenger side.



I used an 8HP70 mount from Holley and even recycled the transmission mount from my 89 Suburban project. I also made a new crossmember by starting with a Chris Alston Chassisworks Mustang crossmember kit. The new crossmember turned out pretty good, except when we went to install the exhaust, it hit the crossmember. :��:



I've had these little plastic bellhousing block off plates in my tool box for 15 years and I finally have a chance to use them. This one seals off the driver's side of the bellhousing.



This side loops around the started nose and seals off the passenger side opening.



I ordered a small Earl's cooler to use for the transmission and we found a good place for it on the side of the hood latch support.



My buddy Brian took this shot after we got the hood back on it.




Saturday afternoon FedEx delivered the blower belt and a few minutes later....



Tom handled the transmission fluid fill procedure while Brian shifted through the gears, which is required to fully fill these transmissions.

Yesterday I ordered a dual CV driveshaft from The Driveshaft Shop. In the meantime I need to permanently wire the TurboLamik and figure out a way to mount the BMW shifter. Ideally I would make a console, but there isn't time to do that before LS Fest.

Andrew

[digitalsolo]

Following along on this... I think I'm going to swap the TR6060 in my Mustang for an 8HP70 this winter. Not shocking to find you're way ahead of me on your builds.

I wish they made one of these I could fit in a Corvette transaxle.

[andrewb70]

I'll just leave this here:





Andrew

[dontlifttoshift]

Stock 8hp70, stock converter, 10.2

That's rad.