Anybody ever contacted ZF Friedrichshafen in Germany to find out if our 6HP26 is upgradeable inside? Some trannys can be race-built and although most European mfgrs peak their performance to begin with, I have a feeling there may be some information available on how to strengthen it to handle the torque this engine is capable of producing.

ZF.com says they now have an 8 speed auto coming out.

 

I wouldn't fancy your chances of getting anywhere with that one. By all means let us know if you do!
Leedsman.

 

Level Ten transmissions in New Jersey does a complete buildup in 5 business days for about $4k, plus you can buy their Bulletproof torque converter "built from scratch" for $1000 or send in your own to get modded for about $500

They wont mess with the gear ratios in the ZF but they do modify superchargers.

Thanks for the link super_jag

www.LevelTen.com

 

I don't see where Level10 has anything for the 6HP26? Some 5 and 4 speed ZF's.
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I've been to their shop a few years back. They will probably take on anything. They specialize in building up the trannies for drag racing. They get the scattered parts back when it all goes boom and then analyze for where to improve things. When I was there they had several benches covered with busted Honda stuff waiting to be examined.

If you want to be the guinea pig call them up.

Bob S.

 

It can already handle the torque (and more). Unless you found out something new?

 

According to ZF, the 6HP26 in the STR is rated to handle 444 ft/lbs of torque on a CONTINOUS scale, not many of us will peak that every time we sit behind the wheel since we don't often burn whiteouts while travelling uphill with 4 healthy Helgas on board. I contacted a trusted Jag dealership and spoke with some mechanics, none of them have ever serviced a broken one. Lots of X Type transfer cases but no S Types.
However, some people who race their STRs and have over 500hp have experienced problems, since it is a passenger vehicle, albeit on steroids. The more research I do on this motor the more possible horses I seem to be able to extract, and its actually not impossible to have over 700hp at the fly and still pass smog.

If Bentley trusts it with their Continental GT, so do I.

 

Thanks for the info Bob, its nice to hear from someone who has actually been inside their plant. These guys build race torque converters from scratch, I found that impressive. According to them they have done ZF trannys before and know whats in them. But I am wondering if I will wind up being the guinea pig...

 

Well I was there a while ago and I wouldn't call it a plant. More like a very big shop. But the business may have expanded since then.