Swap an 8spd auto into a VY-VZ V8 Crewman?

[rammypluge]

Does anyone have any thoughts on the best way to swap an 8spd auto into a VY-VZ auto V8 Crewman or Cross 8?

I would assume an aftermarket controller.

It would be part of a custom project i am researching, the car would be getting other major modifications, although the engine would remain stock or largely so.

I dont need to pre-empt every nut and bolt, but getting a handle on the general best option(s) and cost would give me more confidence to start and finish the project.

If it is too much i would consider a 6spd auto.

[Micks]

Not sure why you'd consider an 8 speed auto? Our old 6 speed auto use to drive me nuts?

[white lie]

From all reports, the 8 speed is leaps and bounds ahead of the 6 speed but none of the Aussie made cars have it so I doubt you'd find anyone that has much of an idea on the scope of work. Fitting and controlling the 6 speed is very difficult, the 8 speed is only going to be harder. Cool project but not sure it's worth it.

[keith reed]

About 12 years ago I looked at putting a 6 speed auto into a vy11 ss Ute. At that stage there was very little information available. An aftermarket stand alone computer was available
from the states. I didn't look to hard because the cost would have been prohibitive as I image fitting an 8 speed auto would be now. I would find it extremely unlikely that anyone has
fitted an 8 speed auto to a VE and less likely to a VY-VZ. Your best bet is to have a look at what is happening in the USA. There is bound to be someone who has had a go at fitting
one to an early Camaro or Pontiac. They have a far bigger market to play with and some people have serious money to throw at their cars.
An other option would be to fit an under overdrive that would fit on the back of of your existing gearbox. I don't know if they make them for the 4 speed auto. I think of the name
of the company that makes them is gears vendor but you would be able to google them and they do have agents in Australia

[Micks]

From all reports, the 8 speed is leaps and bounds ahead of the 6 speed but none of the Aussie made cars have it so I doubt you'd find anyone that has much of an idea on the scope of work. Fitting and controlling the 6 speed is very difficult, the 8 speed is only going to be harder. Cool project but not sure it's worth it.

Guessing it would be prohibitive in fitting the 8 speed, wouldn't achieve too much for the outlay :yup:

[white lie]

About 12 years ago I looked at putting a 6 speed auto into a vy11 ss Ute. At that stage there was very little information available. An aftermarket stand alone computer was available
from the states. I didn't look to hard because the cost would have been prohibitive as I image fitting an 8 speed auto would be now. I would find it extremely unlikely that anyone has
fitted an 8 speed auto to a VE and less likely to a VY-VZ. Your best bet is to have a look at what is happening in the USA. There is bound to be someone who has had a go at fitting
one to an early Camaro or Pontiac. They have a far bigger market to play with and some people have serious money to throw at their cars.
An other option would be to fit an under overdrive that would fit on the back of of your existing gearbox. I don't know if they make them for the 4 speed auto. I think of the name
of the company that makes them is gears vendor but you would be able to google them and they do have agents in AustraliaI also thought of suggesting a Gear Vendors but don't think it would have much use in this case and certainly not the same effect as the 8 speed.
They would work well when you don't have an over drive gear like on a T400 but can't see them increasing shift speed and driveability like the 8 speed would.

[keith reed]

I also thought of suggesting a Gear Vendors but don't think it would have much use in this case and certainly not the same effect as the 8 speed.
They would work well when you don't have an over drive gear like on a T400 but can't see them increasing shift speed and driveability like the 8 speed would.

I don't believe that he 8 speed auto is a runner even if it was possible to do. Added to this is that you could forget about any warranty and I imagine that the cost would
be horrendous. The gear vendors gearbox would come with a warranty and though not relevant in this case is rated at 2000 hp. There must be some benefit in having a
gear between each gear for acceleration and economy. Having said that even the gear vendors gearbox is never going to pay for itself economy wise. But if the real aim
is to be different then it would be a success.

[rammypluge]

Thanks for all the replies.

I kinda thought it might not be too much more than bolting on an 8L90, sorting the crossmember, fitting a suitable shift mechanism, and tuning the gearchange points on an aftermarket gearbox controller. Wasnt thinking it would be cheap, but hoping to get an idea of cost.

[Tre-Cool]

i havent seen a 8l side by side of a 6l. but the 6l fits fine in the tunnel. I converted my vy ss ute to an e38/t43 combo. even have tapshift via buttons on steering wheel.

Eventually I may even put one in another car using the aftermarket controller, but got other projects on the go.

[rammypluge]

https://youtu.be/398cRZ7B_O0

??

[white lie]

I don't believe that he 8 speed auto is a runner even if it was possible to do. Added to this is that you could forget about any warranty and I imagine that the cost would
be horrendous. The gear vendors gearbox would come with a warranty and though not relevant in this case is rated at 2000 hp. There must be some benefit in having a
gear between each gear for acceleration and economy. Having said that even the gear vendors gearbox is never going to pay for itself economy wise. But if the real aim
is to be different then it would be a success.

You'll still have the slow shifting and weak 4L60 as the downside. The 8 speed is rated at 1000Nm off the shelf and shifts quicker than the DSG in a Porsche 911. The difference they have made on the new Mustang compared to the previous model is huge. Same deal with Camaro.

I'd imagine you'll need a custom bellhousing, flex plate and torque converter, AFAIK it won't bolt straight on to the back of the LS1. Then there's the issue of controlling it....

[rammypluge]

i havent seen a 8l side by side of a 6l. but the 6l fits fine in the tunnel. I converted my vy ss ute to an e38/t43 combo. even have tapshift via buttons on steering wheel.

Eventually I may even put one in another car using the aftermarket controller, but got other projects on the go.So fitting a 6spd auto is routine, no issues?

[rammypluge]

I'd imagine you'll need a custom bellhousing, flex plate and torque converter, AFAIK it won't bolt straight on to the back of the LS1. Then there's the issue of controlling it....
That sounds like a bit of a bummer, or is custom work like that nevertheless kinda routine and reliable?

[keith reed]

Possibly your best bet is to forget about an 8 speed and go for a 6 speed and to make it easier go for a manual. If you wish to stay auto
then perhaps finding a donor car would be the cheapest way. Having said that and without really knowing I don't think it will be cheap.

[Xjas]

If you're going to the expense of fitting an 8 speed auto, why not fit an LT1 as well? Then the engine and trans would be compatible with each other, although there would be some work getting them to work with the VYs body controller and dash.

[rammypluge]

If you're going to the expense of fitting an 8 speed auto, why not fit an LT1 as well? Then the engine and trans would be compatible with each other, although there would be some work getting them to work with the VYs body controller and dash.I was vaguely hoping an 8spd might come in at $5 to $7k (?). If not then i was hoping a 6spd auto would come in for the same or less money. I would be okay to use a low kilometre secondhand auto.

Your suggestion seems like a big hit to the budget? It could be a very interesting idea for a future build but not this one i dont think.

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