Does anyone have any sources for general information about these two trannys? I have the mazda in my truck, and am considering a tranny swap to a ZF. Anyone know what it would take to do this? I looked in my ford dealership manual and there isn't a whole lot of general information except that i did notice that the ZF's torque limit is at 420ft-lbs. I'm a little worried about this, I have an almost stock 302 (msd and exhaust) and want to put a blower on it. 6psi kit gives me in the neighborhood of 300hp and 365ft-lbs. Also, when this engine dies eventually, I plan on building it up with possibly the 331 stroker kit, forged internals, lower compression to handle more pressure from the supercharger, gt-40 heads and some headers. I would assume I could get about (slightly on the high side of my estimation for a safety) 375-400hp and 415-430ft-lbs. You guys think the ZF is the way to go or do you know of any aftermarket trannys that would be better? I really want to get a supercharger, but can't because of this stupid tranny issue. I need to get this settled, and I'm in extremely desperate need for help. Anyone, please chip in.



Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds .

Check out my Gallery for a look-see.


Justin - One Happy FTE Member

 

What exactly are you trying to do with your truck? The ZF is NOT a performance transmission, it's a truck transmission. It has a granny 1st and an O/D 5th. Gear spacings are fairly wide and the RPM drop between gears is fairly large. It doesn't even shift particularly quickly compared to most automotive trannies. If you're looking to build a streetracer it may not be the tranny of choice.

 

Also something to think about is your 1356 T-case. I'm not so sure the magnesium case will hold up in 400ftlbs torque area.

 

They put BW 13-56's behind 460's and 7.3's, so they sure as heck can handle 400 lb. ft. of torque. I've even got one behind my 460/C6 and it's given me nothing but exemplary performance. Heck, in grannie gear with a four-speed, isn't the 13-56 seeing close to 2800 lb. ft. at that point coming in anyway? Not to mention that in low range more than 7500 lb. ft. are rolling out the back.

The Law
1989 F-250 HD 4x4
460, C6, BW 13-56, Sterling 10.25" (4.10:1), Dana 44 HD (4.09:1), twin K&N's, no muffler, stock lo-flo cat, Bosch Platinum Plugs (0.060") MSD 6A and TFI Blaster Coil

 

Yeah the Transfer case is something i have no worries about. Pleanty strong there. I'm not really after a drag racer, i'm just after a powerful truck that can move when i feel like it. What other options do I have? I want the granny low and I want the OD. I don't think there are any other trannys that will work well unless i go aftermarket. I do have the gear ratios in my book so i have that information.

Primary rig is Green Thunder:
95' F-150 XLT 4x4, 302, 5 spd, MSD 6A, Flowmaster Exhaust, Sunroof, Clear corners w/ Diamond headlights, CD player with 2 10" subs and some 32" BFG Muds .

Check out my Gallery for a look-see.


Justin - One Happy FTE Member

 

I guess the 1356 IS strong to stand up to the test, Often thought about putting the 3sp C6 into my 96. I had it in my 86 and I loved it!