Anymore, there are ample ways to accomplish an eight-speed swap with a ZF 8HP automatic transmission. However, level of difficulty among the assorted options varies widely. Some require multiple controllers to be wired and talking together while others, like FuelTech, have made it such that pretty much everything is handled with an all-encompassing electronic control unit (ECU).
In a recent video, 8HP expert Eduardo went through some of the specifics on how FuelTech can supply a single ECU to control engine, transmission, and ancillary equipment. “FuelTech ECUs have the capability to do up to ten-speed transmissions. Yes, this FT600 is able to control a 10L or 10R transmission that is essentially a clutch-to-clutch transmission,” Eduardo explains. Other models, like the FT450, might only have enough output capacity to run a four-cylinder with a 4L60.
For an 8HP, seven specific transmission outputs are required: five are for the shifting solenoids, one is for pressure control, and one is for torque converter lockup. It really doesn’t sound all that complicated, especially with FuelTech’s PCB board bypassing the complexities of the 8HP’s original controller in order to run the show directly.
Basically, a package made up of their FT600 ECU, Peak & Hold Injector Driver, and SwitchPanel-5 Mini could run almost combination of engine and 8HP automatic. Note that the driver is required to control the current going to each transmission solenoid.
Understand that this doesn’t exactly mean 8HP tuning is easy; there are many complexities within its logic. Stay tuned for another video in the near future which will go through what software tools are available from FuelTech to make the process as easy as possible.
