ZF 8HP Transmission Control

ZF 8HP seems like a good candidate for swaps in many cars due to their range of torque capacity as well as fast shift times for an auto and cost. I know HTG tuning has a unit for replacing and controlling the stock transmission control. Wondering if any aftermarket ecu's are supporting this transmission via CAN using the transmissions controller. I know there are a few reflash options as well for the transmission. Just seems like implementation into aftermarket ecu's would not be that difficult with can communication and maybe a reflash of the transmission controller. So what all is out there for adapting this transmission. Preferred implementation would be for a Haltech ecu.

I think right now you'll struggle to do anything with that transmission with the likes of a Haltech without going to a standalone TCM. Even then the integration with the haltech could be tricky since often there will be requests for a torque reduction on upshifts and throttle blips on the down shift and all this needs to be accurately timed around the shift process. We shot a video with MoTeC at PRI about their new auto trans control package that is being released for the new Ford Mustang just as an example of what is possible.

Wanted to bump this to the top since there are several ZF8HP controller/options now and this is becoming a common swap.

Can HP Academy reconsider reviewing the available options?

Thanks!

Mike

Yes, I second this. Many people see the promise of these transmissions from completed projects, but struggle to integrate the somewhat piecemeal information about getting this done. That said, 8HPAU is an excellent place to start. I have a customer who has recently purchased a bunch of parts from a stillborn project. He was financed to fit a sequential to his race car so we have embarked on a voyage to see if we can 8HP70 swap his 302W powered Falcon racecar. Step 1 is to convert the 302W to DBW and EFI! Given this we have chosen to go down the MaxxECU road which permits CAN control of the transmission using their custom firmware in the 8HP Bosch TCU. I figure using 1 ecu to control engine and transmission must be a good thing, but we are workingin a bit of a vacuum. Every swap I watch I learn something new. An HPA series would be great. Perhaps partnering with a developer level tech savvy group like the crew at PT Motorsport in Tasmania who I understand are about to embark on their first 8HP install on one of their own cars (maybe the R33 coupe?) could help to get the job done.

Realistically there are 3 options for most that will essentially 'just work':

For single box solutions on engine and transmission management run a Maxx and their 8HP firmware, unfortunately though you're limited to gen 1 8HPs - this has been by far the easiest integration, to me. There are some compromises though 99.9% wont care. You can also just piggyback a Maxx Mini on top of your current ECU if you've got a developed platform.F

CAN TCU - haven't integrated one myself though it goes the same route as Maxx with regards to control via CAN though doesn't require a reflash before use and from what I gather is a great box.

Turbolamik - I've helped with some wiring integration though not mapping on this - it's a great box that essentially gives full control rather than reflashed CAN communication. I'm sure a few out there will find their more robust control strategies appealing though I can't think of what I'd need to use it for at the moment - that said the sky is the limit.

Many people have probably heard of HTG and its drama. There are a lot of them being sold used at the moment - steer clear.

Thanks David. In USA this procedure is ahead of us here in Australia. Also transmission availability and price seems much better. I draw some comfort in your reply that suggests I might be on the right track with Maxx. While waiting for the belllhousing adapter I'm making a start on the EFI conversion. You don’t happen to know of a square bore style throttle body with dbw actuator? Otherwise we we will go to a port injection EFI manifold with a regular Bosch Motorsport DBW TB.

HPA Tuned in Podcast 158