ZF 8HP Transmission Swap Parts List & Conversion Guide
ZF 8HP Transmission Swap Parts List & Conversion Guide
An 8HP transmission swap is one of the most popular upgrades today, offering fast shifts, excellent drivability, and strong torque capacity for both performance and street vehicles.
One of the first questions people ask when planning a ZF 8HP swap is:
“What parts do I actually need?”
While every vehicle combination is slightly different, most swaps require the same core groups of components. This guide breaks down the main parts involved so you can understand what is required before starting your conversion.
Start With Parts Planning First
Many builders purchase a transmission first, only to later discover adapters or controllers are not available or compatible.
Planning parts selection first prevents buying components twice and saves significant time and cost during the swap.
Transmission
This is the core of the swap. Choosing the right transmission early makes an 8HP swap significantly easier and avoids buying parts twice.
Most builds use a ZF 8HP automatic transmission sourced from BMW, Audi, or other OEM applications. There are also adapter solutions available allowing the use of transmissions such as the Getrag GS7 DCT and Porsche PDK in some swap applications.
Choosing the correct version depends mainly on:
• Engine-to-transmission adapters available for your engine
• Transmission controller compatibility and choice
Engine to Transmission Adapters
To fit an 8HP (or other modern automatic or dual-clutch transmission) to an engine it was never designed for, an adapter solution is required.
This normally includes:
• Engine-to-transmission adapter plate or replacement bellhousing
• Flexplate or flywheel solution compatible with the transmission
• Crankshaft spacer or adapter (if required)
• Starter motor solution or relocation components (if required)
• Required hardware and fasteners
Adapter availability is often the biggest factor in determining which transmission can realistically be used in a swap. The adapter kits on our site often come with all of the above components.
Transmission Output & Driveshaft Interface
The rear of the transmission must be adapted to connect to the vehicle’s driveshaft and differential.
This may include:
• Transmission output flange changes or adapters
• AWD-to-RWD conversion adapters where applicable
• Custom or modified driveshaft
• Driveshaft flange adapters to suit the vehicle differential
This part of the swap is usually tailored to the specific chassis and differential being used.
Transmission Controller
Modern transmissions such as the 8HP require an external controller to operate correctly in a swap application.
The transmission controller is the key to a successful swap. Options range from full standalone systems such as TurboLamik, through to CANbus-based control solutions like CanTCU and MaxxECU integrations. Each option has its own quirks, features, and integration requirements, and this is typically the component that requires the most research and planning in any swap.
Integration requirements vary depending on the ECU and overall vehicle electronics.
Shifter & Paddles
The driver needs a way to select gears and control the transmission.
Common solutions include:
• CANbus gear shifters — OEM style or CAN keypad
• Steering wheel paddle shifters
• Custom button or motorsport-style shift controls in some builds
Shifter choice depends on vehicle interior layout, electronics used, and driver preference.
Cooling System
Most factory 8HP transmissions are designed with vehicle-specific oil cooler connections. Transmission oil cooler adapters make it easy to connect aftermarket cooler lines to the OEM cooler ports in swap applications.
This typically includes:
• Transmission oil cooler adapter
• External transmission oil cooler
• Transmission cooler lines
• Hose fittings or adapter fittings to suit the transmission and cooler
Cooling requirements depend on vehicle usage, with high-performance or towing applications often requiring larger or upgraded cooling solutions.
Electronics & Integration
The transmission controller is the key to a successful swap. Options range from full standalone systems through to CANbus-based integration solutions. Each option has its own quirks, features, and integration requirements, and this is typically the component that requires the most research and planning in any swap.
Integration requirements vary depending on the ECU and overall vehicle electronics.
Cross Members & Brackets
All transmission swaps require a way to mount the rear section of the transmission, which is normally achieved using a custom crossmember and bracket setup.
This may include:
• Transmission crossmember fabrication or modification
• Transmission mount brackets or adapters
• Custom mounting or support brackets where required
• AWD and RWD versions of the same transmission variant often require different bracket and crossmember setups
The amount of modification required varies depending on the vehicle platform and transmission being installed.
Fluids & Service Items
It is good practice to service a transmission before installation to ensure reliability once the swap is complete.
This typically includes:
• Correct transmission fluid for the transmission variant
• Transmission filter and oil pan service where applicable
• Replacement seals and service gaskets as required
Servicing the transmission while it is out of the vehicle is usually far easier than addressing leaks or maintenance after installation.
Recommended Order to Buy Parts
A practical order for most swaps is:
-
Confirm engine-to-transmission adapter availability
-
Choose transmission controller compatibility
-
Confirm output flange and driveshaft solution
-
Plan crossmember and mounting solution
-
Finalise shifter and cooling solutions
Choosing parts in this order avoids most common swap delays.
How Difficult Is an 8HP Swap?
An 8HP swap is not a simple bolt-in upgrade. It usually involves a combination of mechanical, electronic, and fabrication work.
Typical challenges include:
• Correct transmission selection
• Adapter availability for your engine
• Controller setup and tuning
• Driveshaft and mounting changes
• Electronics integration between ECU and transmission
Whether you are performing a DIY garage build or professional workshop conversion, planning parts selection early is critical.
The complexity varies greatly depending on vehicle platform and the parts available for your engine and chassis.
Careful planning at the beginning of the project saves time, cost, and frustration later.
Every swap combination is slightly different, but understanding the parts required before starting makes the project significantly smoother.