Upgrade 1997 Z3 2.8 transamisstion to GM six speed

Jim Bray

Regular Member
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Dec 28, 2018
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Has anyone swapped out their four speed automatic to a GM six speed transmission? I looking to low the RPMs for curising and get better gas mileage.
 
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I know of several swaps with BMW six speeds but not a GM one. The BMW swaps gain a little top gear but not much.
The ZF8hp auto conversions are popular in about everything. The top gear in these is better and it's a really good gearbox. Cost wise even with an TCU it may be pretty comparable. With a standard 2.8 you could use the smaller 8HP45 without problem.
 
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Thank you for the reply. I think I am also going to purchase a super charger from Turner Motor Sports in Atlanta. I purchased my Z3 in 1997, it had 4,000 on it. It was a BMW factory reps company car. It has 114,000 on it now. I have come up with some creative ways to deal with the deteriorating plastic parts in the interior. It is the Jame Bond car.
 
If you do look at the ZF8hp swap there are multiple adaptors for the M5x engines.
And there are three main TCU options. Ignore the spelling.
Turbolamic. Full standalone does everything.
Cantcu. Reflashes stock unit and good for most everyone.
Maxxecu. They do an engine ECU that also controls the gearbox. So if you are looking at going standalone this is a good option as it kills two birds with one stone.
 
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