The ZF 8HP55 (8sp tiptronic on B8.5 A4) shifting question.

[socalfun64]

Hi guys,

I've read that some think the ZF 8HP55 8spd in my 2013 b8.5 A$ is one of the best shifting trannies on the market today (I think Road and Track or somewhere like that). For me though, I had a 68 Chevelle with a 350 and a 350 THD tranny way back in the mid 80's with a shift kit that would actually break traction with 50 series tires. It would "bark" the tires and put you back in your seat. To me the 8sp tiptronic feels slow and mushy when shifting. Does anybody know of any 'shift kit' type mods for this tranny to tighten up the shifts?

[millerchris85]

Many major car reviewers think the ZF 8-speed is incredible. In the RS7, in the Jaguar F Type, etc. Chris Harris is one of those reviewers and I tend to buy into his opinions. Lightning-quick shifts that are even above/beyond some dual-clutch offerings.

There might be "tuning" available for the transmission, but the only caveat is that you do not want to break it... judging by your signature, your car is putting more torque and power through the transmission, and the AWD means the weak point is probably not traction, so most/all of that force is going through it.

Shifts with that transmission should be very fast, as in faster than someone working a manual transmission HARD. Any chance there is something wrong with your transmission?

Here's an example of the ZF 8-speed at work. The RS6's trans would be a stronger version, but every review I have seen extols its virtues; Chris talks about it around 9:45.

[Stubek]

Are you sure the trans in the RS7 and A4 are the same? I thought the RS7 had the same 7 speed DSG as the S4.

Either way, there are not really any tunes or shift kits for the A4 8 speed. There might be a few things you can do, but bottom line, is it is a wet torque convert based transmission, not the dual clutch of the DSG.

[Jerry1847]

Personally I don't feel its slow or mushy. The engine is slow and mushy, but I don't feel it's the trannys fault.

I don't think your comparison is fair. a 350 chevelle (awesome ride) is a NA torque monster that kicks you in the face. Our max torque is delayed and has to build up, plus quattro adds some more drag....

You sir........ Need a bigger turbo!

Also, haven't heard of shift kits or tunes for our platform.

[Jerry1847]

Are you sure the trans in the RS7 and A4 are the same? I thought the RS7 had the same 7 speed DSG as the S4.

Either way, there are not really any tunes or shift kits for the A4 8 speed. There might be a few things you can do, but bottom line, is it is a wet torque convert based transmission, not the dual clutch of the DSG.

Def not the same. There is a chart somewhere that references the specific transmission we have vs the big boys. All the same "line" maybe but different applications. I believe we were the only audi with our specific trans. Our max rating is like 450 lb/ft.

[PyroDonkey]

Are you sure the trans in the RS7 and A4 are the same? I thought the RS7 had the same 7 speed DSG as the S4.

Either way, there are not really any tunes or shift kits for the A4 8 speed. There might be a few things you can do, but bottom line, is it is a wet torque convert based transmission, not the dual clutch of the DSG.

The RS7 is an 8 speed transmission. I'm not sure if it is the same as the A4, though.

[hyperunion]

The RS7 is an 8 speed transmission. I'm not sure if it is the same as the A4, though.

Its called the zf8hp75.… higher torque rating... Rs7 and rs6 have this transmission not the dual clutch... Higher torque rating required for the 500lbs plus of torque these cars produce..... Our tranny is one of the best around,definitely very performance oriented... Especially when it rev matches during down shifts....

[bdons]

I have an a5 with 20" 265 tires and the same apr stg2 e85. I will bark tire going into second when it's colder than 65 outside. The transmission is great. I have to hit the traction off button or else it cuts power. With a tank of e85 and a cool day you should be having a blast. If under those conditions it feels slushy than you have an issue somewhere with either a limitation in some area of performance or you just have way to high of expectations. Try an early morning after the car has warmed up and hit the traction button. Also try to time your 0-60. If everything still feels mushy call your ape dealer and see if the tune is good and maybe your Audi dealer with a stock tune and see if there's an issue with the car.

[socalfun64]

Thanks EVERYBODY! I agree, I do need a BIGGER Turbo!! Seriously though, maybe I was just spoiled by those early experiences with my Chevelle. The A4 runs really really strong, puts me back in the seat on the onramps up to 90-100mph, so no problems there! I also have to turn off traction control or it will cut power (I mention this in the APR E85 tune thread). I guess I miss the days of the hard shifting turbo hydramatic 350/400's of old with racing shift kit upgrades!! Running the 50 series 'meats' back in the day, I was always afraid of finding the weak link like the drive shaft or axel everytime I stomped on the gas! Sold that car to my Nephew who ended up putting it in Car Show Circuit after really making it nice! God I miss that Car (Chick Magnet like no other!!!).