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 belowThe 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.
The ZF 8HP family has multiple variants designed to handle different levels of torque and is optimized for various vehicle applications:
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.
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:
The 8HP allows switching between Eco, Comfort, and Sport modes, offering tailored performance for any driving style.
Modern engineering means the 8HP needs less servicing compared to older gearboxes and lasts longer.
The 8HP’s advanced electronics ensure precise and responsive shifts, adapting to different driving conditions.
With 8 gears, the engine stays in the best power band, improving both performance and fuel efficiency.
The 8HP shifts smoothly and quickly, offering a better driving experience, especially in sport mode.
With more gears, the 8HP keeps the engine at lower RPMs on highways, cutting down fuel consumption.
The 8HP can manage high torque, making it perfect for performance cars, unlike older 3 or 4-speed transmissions.
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.
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.
To maximize the performance of the 8HP transmission, KCPerformance offers several advanced controller options, each designed to meet different driving needs:
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.
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.
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.
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
BMW 335i E92 • BMW 2002 Turbo • Dodge Viper ACR • Ford Sierra MI 13 5.0 • Land Rover Defender 110 Cabriolet • Mazda RX8 Turbo • Mercedes-Benz W126 • Jaguar 4.2L SC V8 • Jaguar XJ Series 3 V12 EFI • BMW 635i E24 Turbo