Replace 4+3 w/ZF 6-Speed?

[Redcoupe864+3]

Fella over on Ebay has the occasional ZF 6-Speed available. Purported, in this case, to be a "complete package" including clutch, shifter, flywheel, hydraulics, etc. Says it'll fit an L98. Anyone know whether swapping out my 4+3 for this would actually work, or am I better off looking at something like the Keisler 5-speed configuration? Many Thanks!!

 

[WhalePirot]

I understand that it can fit, if it has the tailpiece that will allow the C-beam to bolt to it. You will have to alter the tunnel. The Keisler looks the simplest, from my shopping, but if I change, I want the 6-speed.

If you please, who is the e-bayer? I promise not to bid against you.

 

[Ken]

It (the shifter) ain't gonna fit in the same location. Your have to modify the tunnel, but then, you'll have to do that any way you go -- the shifter for the 4+3 is mounted to the tunnel not the transmission.

Richmond's ROD 6-speed or Keisler's setup is made for the car. The only mods you'll need to do will be the tunnel of course, and a yoke change for the front of the driveshaft.

A major benefit with the aftermarket is that you'll get a brand-new transmission if you go with one of those; with the e-bay ZF you'll have to place your trust in that person to deliver a good transmission.

 

[Redcoupe864+3]

WhalePirot: The Ebay-er is "Fparts".
Ken: Wasn't aware that the 4+3 shifter is mounted to the tunnel. Thanks! Certainly, the fact that Keisler delivers a spanking-new 6-speed is a big plus, admittedly for about 50 percent more than the used ZF I was contemplating. By the by, have any of you folks actually swapped out your 4+3 for the Keisler? Degree of difficulty?

And if I haven't mentioned it-- great forum! You guys have already saved me a bundle by pointing me at Newark Electronics for a new OD switch ($11 instead of $150-plus! And it's the same friggin' switch.). I say again:Great forum!!

 

[Ken]

Thanks for the compliments on our little community here at the Corvette Action Center.

Here's what I had to do to mine:

 

[#1stunner]

Where did you buy your tranny from?
The place you listed above i'm assuming...
Or could you get a 6-spd off of a donor car for less $$$$

 

[Ken]

I purchased my Richmond Gear ROD 6-Speed from Chrisman's California Gear in Anaheim, CA.

 

[jsinga]

Man, DON'T get a ZF-6! Those things are a fortune to get fixed! Keep reading and you will find the horror stories. They are real touchy about clutch adjustment, ect. Follow Ken's advice, he's been there...


JS

 

[ZRXMAX]

Man, DON'T get a ZF-6! Those things are a fortune to get fixed! Keep reading and you will find the horror stories. They are real touchy about clutch adjustment, ect. Follow Ken's advice, he's been there...


JS

While ZF-6 might be expensive to fix... they are a well built trans... with proper fluid, maintenance, and shifting, they will last. The touchy clutch you mention is correct... you must have the clutch system working properly...
I have owned 4 Corvettes with ZF-6 trans... no problems yet...

I just put a clutch in a 89 ZF-6 car... I couldn't bleed the slave system due to the break away bleeder on the factory clutch slave... GM made it a one time part... As in... bleed it when it is installed new... use it till it fails... then throw it all away. I didn't have that option because I was a long ways from home and could not get the parts I needed in time... I ordered them but the vendor screwed up... With help from Bill B. at Z-51 Performance I was able to solve the problem of air in the system and make a 1900 mile drive home without hurting the transmission.

I am telling you this because brand new ZF-6 trans were... and may still be availible for approx $2000+... That price is somewhere around 50% off of list... Just something to consider...