ZF or C6???
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
ZF or C6???
Now that my cash flow has increased big time, I am finally going to play with my 4x4!! But, I am stuck on what tranny choice to go with. My truck is a 95, 4x4, with 302 mazda tranny, and 3.55 rear (to be 4.11 soon).
I plan on building the engine to about 350-375 HP, and I know that the tran's will not hold up to it (it seems to be shifting poor now, this after new clutch, and slave cylinder).
So, what I need to know is how much work is bolting on a ZF 5 speed, compared to automatic? I am wondering about transfer case, driveshaft, etc.
For an auto, I know that I will need a new computer (I am converting to mass air anyway, so I will need a new one regardless), and I will put in a floor shifter, in place of the 5 speed shifter. What else would i need for this route?
I would prefer 5 speed, but also looking for reliablity, and I am also not sure of how much the zf can handle.
Any info, suggestions, comments would be much appreciated.
I plan on building the engine to about 350-375 HP, and I know that the tran's will not hold up to it (it seems to be shifting poor now, this after new clutch, and slave cylinder).
So, what I need to know is how much work is bolting on a ZF 5 speed, compared to automatic? I am wondering about transfer case, driveshaft, etc.
For an auto, I know that I will need a new computer (I am converting to mass air anyway, so I will need a new one regardless), and I will put in a floor shifter, in place of the 5 speed shifter. What else would i need for this route?
I would prefer 5 speed, but also looking for reliablity, and I am also not sure of how much the zf can handle.
Any info, suggestions, comments would be much appreciated.
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 601
Likes: 1
From: South Sioux City, NE USA
ZF or C6???
Personally, I would go with a ZF, or maybe even a NV4500. I think either one would be able to handle the power (they are both used behind diesels).
The reason I would stick with the manual is that there would be less things needed for the swap. I just recently replaced my M5OD, and I had look into using a C6. I went with a NP435, which was a lot less of a hassle then a C6. That and I got a really good deal on the NP435 ($75).
Just remember, this is just my $.02 worth.
Roger Lane
Test Analyst
Sr. Automated Test Engineer
IBP, Inc.
The reason I would stick with the manual is that there would be less things needed for the swap. I just recently replaced my M5OD, and I had look into using a C6. I went with a NP435, which was a lot less of a hassle then a C6. That and I got a really good deal on the NP435 ($75).
Just remember, this is just my $.02 worth.
Roger Lane
Test Analyst
Sr. Automated Test Engineer
IBP, Inc.
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
ZF or C6???
I agree with Rodger. The ZF is behind a diesel and a 460, should hold up fine. The ZF (S5-42) is rated at 420ft-lbs of input torque.
Just curious, if you want reliability, why are you looking to squeeze out 350-375 HP out of a 302. A 302 won't be reliable unless you find a 4 bolt main Boss block. Better plan on an axle/driveshaft upgrade too.
I've got an '89 F-150 with a 302 w/ a M5OD transmission. I have been looking for a ZF. Cannot find anything used for under $1000, and nothing rebuilt for under $1600. A NV4500 is $2000 new plus $400-500 for a Advance adapter kit......not bad for something new. I don't trust rebuilds.
BTW, the mass air conversion kit is great, I installed one 4 years ago. It really boosted the HP and Torque. I also installed ss headers, eliminated the cats, and installed a flowmaster 3" exhaust with big block series muffler. It runs like a raped ape.
Just curious, if you want reliability, why are you looking to squeeze out 350-375 HP out of a 302. A 302 won't be reliable unless you find a 4 bolt main Boss block. Better plan on an axle/driveshaft upgrade too.
I've got an '89 F-150 with a 302 w/ a M5OD transmission. I have been looking for a ZF. Cannot find anything used for under $1000, and nothing rebuilt for under $1600. A NV4500 is $2000 new plus $400-500 for a Advance adapter kit......not bad for something new. I don't trust rebuilds.
BTW, the mass air conversion kit is great, I installed one 4 years ago. It really boosted the HP and Torque. I also installed ss headers, eliminated the cats, and installed a flowmaster 3" exhaust with big block series muffler. It runs like a raped ape.
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 308
Likes: 0
ZF or C6???
Good point on the block, however, if I was going to change blocks, I would go with a 351W. Basically, just wanted to keep what I have, and change bolt on stuff. I know 350-375 is a stretch for that, but it was just a number. I want to have the engine built, and have it run well enough to get 100,000 out of it before it needs done again. But this will be with lots of WOT as well. Just looking to be able to scare some of the riceburners out there a bit!!!
What about a supercharger? Properly maintained, would I be able to expect reliabliity with this?
What about a supercharger? Properly maintained, would I be able to expect reliabliity with this?
Cargo Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,281
Likes: 18
From: Northern California
ZF or C6???
If I were you and had that truck, I would look very hard at the superchargers. I think you might find a Whipple Twin Screw or Paxton that could bolt right in.
The reason for say this is that a super charger makes a BIG difference and because your talking about making changes to the engine, you could select the pistons and CR that is best for the super charger. I bet some of the web sites out there have dynos and if you look closely you should find a huge increase in usable torque in the low-mid range and that would make the power much more usable then some of the high-rpm stuff only (like turbos and NOS)
As for the tranny, I like the 5 speeds but the ZF and NV's are big bucks, so I stuck with my NP435 4 speed. However, if the engine makes enough lowend torque you can cange the gears around to get lower freeway rpm and still have the hill climbing/pulling power.
The reason for say this is that a super charger makes a BIG difference and because your talking about making changes to the engine, you could select the pistons and CR that is best for the super charger. I bet some of the web sites out there have dynos and if you look closely you should find a huge increase in usable torque in the low-mid range and that would make the power much more usable then some of the high-rpm stuff only (like turbos and NOS)
As for the tranny, I like the 5 speeds but the ZF and NV's are big bucks, so I stuck with my NP435 4 speed. However, if the engine makes enough lowend torque you can cange the gears around to get lower freeway rpm and still have the hill climbing/pulling power.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Jason66F100
1961 - 1966 F-100 & Larger F-Series Trucks
2
Dec 26, 2005 10:55 PM
78bigbronco
Clutch, Transmission, Differential, Axle & Transfer Case
1
Apr 16, 2003 09:27 PM
