Kilroy1024

Checking on Ebay, Im finding 6 spd ZF transmissions for $1500 or less.
What would it take to put one of these in a C3?
Should it bolt right onto a SB 350?
Are they hydraiulic clutch?
Does the shifter line up?

Just dreaming right now, but is it worth keeping my eye open for one of these?

Twin_Turbo

It bolts right to the block but there are many other problems to over come. It's only set up for an electronic speedo, it has a c-beam type rear mount so you need to build an adapter that adapts to a standard type mount and either ehavily modify the stock trans crossmember or build one from scratch, then there's the clutch and the starter. You'll need the mini starter if you have the magnesium bellhousing, the alu one can use a normal starter I think (but not 100% sure), stock the ZF uses a ual mass flywheel but the pressure plate bolts up to a 84-88 4+3 flywheel no problem, just get the starter to work with that. since this combo is thinner you need either a shorter pivot stud (available from TPIS) or a thicker pressure plate (LT-5) or both. I have the ZF6 in my car and I think theres sómeone else here that has an LT1 w/ one in his car, he promised to post pics but I've never seen them. I've had to heavily modify my trans tunnel, significantly widening it. The shifter is in an excellent position so that's no problem. Also, the german built black tags are stronger than the blue tags, the bellhousing for an LT-5 model won't bolt up and the LT-5 model has a longer input shaft. It's not that big a problem, you could use a spacer (build yourself) or a mid plate, I - in hindsight- would have liked the LT5 model w/ the longer input shaft. I wanted to do the midplate but decided not to since the input shaft to bearing engagement would be too little and I couldn't find a longer bearing. The zf-6 is hydraulic clutch yes, it has a specific slave but you could use the 1 ton truck master. The ZF6 is probably the most involving install w/ all the modifications needed.

I'm using a th400 yoke on mine and for that you need to build and adapter bracket to hold the shifter axle in line but space it outwards (if you see how the internal shift linkage is set up to the shifter bucket on the back you'll see what I mean, kinda hard to explain.

Kilroy1024

That's an amazing project you've got there. Very impressive.
However,
1) it might be just a little too big for me.
2) My cars in pretty good shape and I'd hate to take it all apart.
Seems like a great thing to do if your doing a frame off.

Is there an easier way to get a 4 or 5 speed into my car.
Ive read the T5 from a Mustang post.
Would an earlier Corvette 5 speed swap go better?

Thanks in advance.

evalu8r

That's interesting and looks real good. What did the ZF tranny come out of?

Chris

Entropy

I'm surprised no one has chimed in with a Kiesler upgrade. They provide kits for $3000-4000, and its supposed to be a complete bolt in. I think they might even be a forum supporter (which means you could get a discount). This might be more in tune with what you want to do.

http://www.keislerauto.com/gm/corvette.html

trw

Kilroy1024

Yeah, that's what I'm looking for!
Time to start saving my pennies.

ThereIsNoSpoon

I have a lot of things to do that for

enkeivette

Damn TwinTurbo, your car... wow. Intricate to say the least. Especially your intake manifold?! Was that completely custom? Do you have any links explaining the details of your car? I'd love to read up.

I was looking into either the ZF6 or the T56 last year and I went with the T56 because I was told that the ZF6 couldn't be used with the 2 piece rear main seal engine. But I guess that didn't stop you!

Twin_Turbo

yes, the intake is custom cast, same for the exhaust log manifold, they look like the banks ones but they're one off items.
I don't have a link w/ the details, just loads of pics and an old website w/ some details but it's over 4 years old and not updated.
Exhaust molds:
[]img]http://www.crossfire.homeip.net/twinnie/exhaustmolds.jpg[/img]

intake molds:



the ZF can be used w/ a 2pc main, the dual mass flywheel is the problem, the 1 pc main uses a smaller flange so it won't bolt up..that's why I used the 4+3 flywheel