Preparing for ZF 8HP Swap in B8 S5

[Audi_Sport]

In the process of figuring out how to swap a zf8 in place of my zf6. Feel like the v8 deserves a better transmission.
Couple questions:
What Audi's came with the zf8?
And out of that list what would be the most bolt on?
Any wiring diagrams?
Do I need a new TCU or just a new program?
Will I still be able to see the gear selected in the dash?

Thanks for your time.

[Audi_Sport]

Thanks to @rennsport.remy on IG (gave me the following) member of AudiUnitesNYC

@that_white_s5 zf8 is in A6, A8L, S8 and RS7 I believe. You will need a different tcu for it I believe. The gear shifting on dash, you can get with any tranny.

[fastboatster]

Wonder if it's possible to bolt up the 8 speed to 3.0t in the s4, 8hp is way more reliable and shifts almost as fast as the stronic

[fastboatster]

AudiSport, tcu is inside the trans, you don't need a new one

[Audi_Sport]

Wonder if it's possible to bolt up the 8 speed to 3.0t in the s4, 8hp is way more reliable and shifts almost as fast as the stronic

The trans should bolt right up as in the a6 the 3.0t is also used with the trans.

[Audi_Sport]

bump any more info would be greatly appreciated

[Kittrell]

ZF8 came in a lot of stuff, including the B8 A4. I've never seen anyone do it, just a lot of people talking about trying.

[Audi_Sport]

ZF8 came in a lot of stuff, including the B8 A4. I've never seen anyone do it, just a lot of people talking about trying.

with the right information, I'm gonna attempt it.

mainly concerned about the current ECU communicating with the new tcu.

[Kittrell]

with the right information, I'm gonna attempt it.

mainly concerned about the current ECU communicating with the new tcu.

That probably isn't going to be an issue considering it came in the B8 chassis.

[Audi_Sport]

That probably isn't going to be an issue considering it came in the B8 chassis.

After lots of chatting with tuners and better informed people. It's just not worth it.

Sorry it's a failed mission.

[Kittrell]

Do share for posterity.

[Zingrox]

Would require rear diff and prop shaft most likely. TCU software data is within the ECU, and can't be recoded. This means you'd need an ECU for your engine that came with that transmission. At best you could have piggy backed a zf8 coded ECU with your current one, but I'm sure it'd be a pain. In addition to if it has a sub harness difference, which I don't know. From my general understanding on that it doesn't but I'm really not sure

Oh well I suppose

[Chatchie]

I know the DSG has its quirks but in now way would I ever give up a good DSG for the ZF8. Yea the shifts are ok, but they are not as fast as a DSG. Also the ZF just feels blah, it's great for just diving around but the DSG feels so much more like a performance unit. Not only are they fast but they're crisp and snap off in such a way the ZF can't match. The shift is done and your moving before the tach catches up.

Source: current ZF8 owner coming from an old DSG. Have had a 2018 S4 for a day.

[Jake@JHM]

I know the DSG has its quirks but in now way would I ever give up a good DSG for the ZF8. Yea the shifts are ok, but they are not as fast as a DSG. Also the ZF just feels blah, it's great for just diving around but the DSG feels so much more like a performance unit. Not only are they fast but they're crisp and snap off in such a way the ZF can't match. The shift is done and your moving before the tach catches up.

Source: current ZF8 owner coming from an old DSG. Have had a 2018 S4 for a day.

You should give a tuned ZF8 a shot. Our software on my C7 A6 is amazing. Shifts hard and fast and still very smooth while cruising.

[avantagg]

Would require rear diff and prop shaft most likely. TCU software data is within the ECU, and can't be recoded. This means you'd need an ECU for your engine that came with that transmission. At best you could have piggy backed a zf8 coded ECU with your current one, but I'm sure it'd be a pain. In addition to if it has a sub harness difference, which I don't know. From my general understanding on that it doesn't but I'm really not sure

Oh well I suppose

So assuming you had all those parts, how much programming would be needed? The ZF8 ECU would put the car in lock-out wouldn't it? The immobilization would be the hardest part to navigate I am guessing. Curious if anyone has gotten further with this.

[yahyah]

I have successfully transferred the 3.0 engine/ manual tranny from b8.5 s4 into my b8 a5. i had to get a new prop shaft and i also changed the rear diff over. if you are swapping from a b8 to b8 vehicle, engine and tranny are a drop in, b8 to b8.5 is a whole other thing. I also planned on eventually swapping the zf8 into the vehicle as the a4/a5 use them and same prop shaft can be used but the gear ratios for the rear diff might be an issue. if someone more familiar with gear ratios please enlight me. Also the tcu is inside the tranny and the sq5 is almost the same setup with a slightly different transmission owing to its increased ability to pull a load. the build is not done yet as I am looking for an affordable paint job in the greater toronto area before i button everything up.

[Audi_Sport]

The other route I'd consider would be a rs5 dsg into the b8 S5. Should be a simpler swap

[Kruzzr]

What do you know about putting a 2014 S4 DSG tranny into a 2014 S5? I'm having issues with my S5 tranny making slight clicking noise when downshifting in drive mode around 50kph. Possible to do the swap without any issues? Any help appreciated.

[Audi_Sport]

What do you know about putting a 2014 S4 DSG tranny into a 2014 S5? I'm having issues with my S5 tranny making slight clicking noise when downshifting in drive mode around 50kph. Possible to do the swap without any issues? Any help appreciated.

They should be the same part number. It's the same motor and chassis. I also have a dsg lying around at the shop if you need to source one. just pm me

[yahyah]

Maybe JHM can chime into a possible s4/s5 zf8 swap?

[yahyah]

You should give a tuned ZF8 a shot. Our software on my C7 A6 is amazing. Shifts hard and fast and still very smooth while cruising.

Can JHM chime into a possible s4/s5 zf8 swap and tune?