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8HP Gearbox Swaps | KCPerformance
8HP
Porsche Carrera PDK Conversion
GEARBOX SWAPS

KCPerformance has earned a strong reputation for performing 8HP gearbox swaps, integrating the ZF 8-speed automatic transmission into various high-performance vehicles. The 8HP transmission is celebrated for its rapid, smooth shifts, impressive torque handling, and adaptability, making it a popular upgrade for both daily drivers and track enthusiasts. Each swap is customized to the vehicle, ensuring smooth operation and optimized performance.

Read more about 8hp Gearbox Swaps down below

About the ZF 8HP Transmission

The ZF 8HP transmission is a highly versatile 8-speed automatic gearbox series produced by the German manufacturer ZF Friedrichshafen AG. Known for fast shifting, fuel efficiency, and the ability to handle a wide range of torque outputs, it's used in many high-performance vehicles, including BMW, Audi, Porsche, and Rolls-Royce.

Different Variants of the ZF 8HP Transmission

The ZF 8HP family has multiple variants designed to handle different levels of torque and is optimized for various vehicle applications:

  • 8HP45: Handles up to 450 Nm of torque, used in vehicles like BMW 3 Series and Audi A4.
  • 8HP50: Up to 500 Nm of torque, common in BMW 5 Series and Audi Q5.
  • 8HP70: Supports 700 Nm of torque, used in larger sedans and SUVs like Range Rover and Maserati Quattroporte.
  • 8HP75: Slightly higher capacity at 750 Nm, seen in high-performance luxury vehicles.
  • 8HP90: Handles 900 Nm of torque, featured in high-performance cars like BMW M5 and Rolls-Royce models.
  • 8HP95: The most powerful, handling up to 1,000 Nm, used in vehicles like BMW 760il and Range Rover SVR.

Great Features:

Gear changes in just 0.2 seconds.
Boosts fuel efficiency by up to 11%.
Works seamlessly with RWD, AWD, and hybrid systems.
Start-stop capability reduces fuel use and emissions when idle.

8HP Transmission

WHY 8HP SWAP!

Upgrading to a ZF 8HP automatic transmission offers significant improvements, not only over manual transmissions but also over older generations of automatic gearboxes with 3, 4, 5, 6, or even 7 gears. Here's why the switch to an 8HP is beneficial:

back side porshce Carrera pdk

5.

Advanced Driving Modes

The 8HP allows switching between Eco, Comfort, and Sport modes, offering tailored performance for any driving style.

6.

Lower Maintenance

Modern engineering means the 8HP needs less servicing compared to older gearboxes and lasts longer.

7.

Better Control

The 8HP’s advanced electronics ensure precise and responsive shifts, adapting to different driving conditions.

1.

Optimal Power Delivery

With 8 gears, the engine stays in the best power band, improving both performance and fuel efficiency.

2.

Smoother Shifts

The 8HP shifts smoothly and quickly, offering a better driving experience, especially in sport mode.

3.

Fuel Efficiency

With more gears, the 8HP keeps the engine at lower RPMs on highways, cutting down fuel consumption.

4.

Better Torque Handling

The 8HP can manage high torque, making it perfect for performance cars, unlike older 3 or 4-speed transmissions.

back side porshce Carrera pdk

In conclusion, upgrading from an older automatic gearbox to the ZF 8HP delivers improvements across the board—faster shifts, better fuel efficiency, smoother drivability, and more torque handling capacity. Whether you're replacing a manual or an older 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7-speed automatic, the 8HP is a significant upgrade in terms of both performance and comfort. KCPerformance's expertise in integrating this transmission with advanced systems like MaxxECU, CANTCU or HTG ensures the swap is finely tuned to your vehicle, providing the best possible driving experience.

Custom Gear Levers

KCPerformance also offers custom 3D-printed dashboard components to fit modern gear levers into older or modified vehicles. These parts ensure a seamless fit, preserving the vehicle’s interior design. For race-specific builds, custom gearshift levers are available, offering precision and high performance under demanding conditions.

Controller Options: CANTCU, MaxxECU, HTG, and Turbolamik

To maximize the performance of the 8HP transmission, KCPerformance offers several advanced controller options, each designed to meet different driving needs:

Everyday and 'Sport' Car Solution

CANTCU: This controller offers near plug-and-play integration, maintaining the original 8HP mechatronics for seamless communication with the vehicle’s systems. It delivers smooth, OEM-level shifting with advanced features like adaptive shift patterns, launch control, and rev-matching. CANTCU is perfect for drivers seeking a balance between comfort and performance with minimal tuning. It is available for a wide range of 8HP models, from the 8HP45 to the 8HP95Z.

Sport to Race-Oriented Solution

MaxxECU This advanced ECU solution provides full control over both engine and transmission, allowing precise tuning of shift points, throttle response, and driving dynamics. MaxxECU is ideal for high-performance builds, offering drivers the ability to tailor their vehicle’s behavior for either daily driving or track use. It also supports features like transbrake for racing applications. Currently, MaxxECU is available for the 8HP45 and 8HP70.

Race and Drift Car Solutions

A key feature of Turbolamik, as well as HTG, is clutch-by-wire (CBW), which simulates the feel of a manual gearbox, ideal for drift setups. Both controllers also support transbrake and bump control, essential for achieving precise launches in drag racing.

Turbolamik Controller: The Turbolamik controller is a standalone solution specifically built for controlling the ZF 8HP transmission in high-performance environments such as drift and drag racing. It allows real-time customization of transmission behavior, including shift points and throttle response, making it a top choice for extreme performance builds.

HTG Controllers: HTG is a fully programmable, standalone transmission control unit (TCU) designed for extreme performance applications. It offers customizable gear shifts, throttle response, and driving modes. With features like paddle shifting, launch control, and custom shift maps, HTG is an excellent choice for race and drift cars where precise control is crucial.

Conclusion

KCPerformance offers a range of controller solutions to suit different driving styles and performance needs, whether for daily driving, track use, or extreme motorsport applications. Each controller—CANTCU, MaxxECU, HTG, and Turbolamik—brings unique benefits, ensuring that the 8HP transmission performs at its best in any environment.

These controller options allow enthusiasts to fully unlock the potential of their 8HP gearbox, whether they seek comfort and flexibility or high-precision control for racing and drifting.

Our 8hp Swap Projects

KCPerformance has successfully executed a range of 8HP gearbox swaps, showcasing the adaptability of this transmission across various vehicle platforms. Below is a selection of standout projects

Upcoming 8HP Transmission Swap Projects

BMW 335i E92BMW 2002 TurboDodge Viper ACRFord Sierra MI 13 5.0Land Rover Defender 110 CabrioletMazda RX8 TurboMercedes-Benz W126Jaguar 4.2L SC V8Jaguar XJ Series 3 V12 EFIBMW 635i E24 Turbo