Quick ZF-6 Question
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,293
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From: Jackson MI
Quick ZF-6 Question
Hey guys, I just got done with my auto to manual swap. I haven't taken the car out on the roads yet because of the snow here in MN. The shifting seems to be a bit clunky, not smooth like butter. Is this normal???? I guess I'm used to shifting 4 banger fwd cars. Do I have anything to worry about?? 
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,293
Likes: 79
From: Jackson MI
Oh, I guess I should mention that this is a black tag tranny. I'm not sure if that makes a difference or not. The oil has been drained for several months so perhpas I just need to drive it around to get it lubed up a bit with the new oil.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Originally Posted by mn_vette
The oil has been drained for several months so perhpas I just need to drive it around to get it lubed up a bit with the new oil.
I would think that lubricant would help.
Other than that, I've found most ZF6 gearboxes are a bit notchy...not "hot-knife-through-butter". They have more of an "industrial feel" rather than culinary.
Larry
code5coupe
Team Owner
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 24,337
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From: San Diego , CA Double Yellow DirtBags 1985..Z51..6-speed
How is the shifting though? I find mine to be very easy to shift fast, and I've never even come close to missing a shift racing it.
All the imports I've driven feel very imprecise and limp-wristed, the shifter feels like it's attached to the tranny with rubber bands, yet the shift effort is always very easy.
All the imports I've driven feel very imprecise and limp-wristed, the shifter feels like it's attached to the tranny with rubber bands, yet the shift effort is always very easy.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 5,726
Likes: 46
From: Waukesha WI
St. Jude Donor '15
My 90 ZF does shift a little notchy too. Third is really bad - I think the syncro is toast. It has 145k miles on it so I should be happy that is all that is wrong.
I also find this thing really easy to shift fast - and I suck at driving a stick. It seems as though I only have to think about grabbing the next gear and I am there already...awesome tranny. It makes me actually look good
I should add that my only other manual experience is with an F-body T5 (smooth but I just cant shift it as fast or as well as the ZF), an 89 F*rd Ranger (OK but, ick...Ford) and my Dad's 86 (Something about that 4+3 bugs me but I can't put my finger on it). ZF wins in my book. I wish I had some seat time in a C5...I have heard mixed reviews about the T56 in there.
I also find this thing really easy to shift fast - and I suck at driving a stick. It seems as though I only have to think about grabbing the next gear and I am there already...awesome tranny. It makes me actually look good
I should add that my only other manual experience is with an F-body T5 (smooth but I just cant shift it as fast or as well as the ZF), an 89 F*rd Ranger (OK but, ick...Ford) and my Dad's 86 (Something about that 4+3 bugs me but I can't put my finger on it). ZF wins in my book. I wish I had some seat time in a C5...I have heard mixed reviews about the T56 in there.
Last edited by Dale1990; Mar 17, 2006 at 03:37 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2002
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From: The reason time exists is so everything doesn't happen at once
Originally Posted by mn_vette
Oh, I guess I should mention that this is a black tag tranny. I'm not sure if that makes a difference or not. The oil has been drained for several months so perhpas I just need to drive it around to get it lubed up a bit with the new oil.
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Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: SCMR Rat Pack'r Charter Member..Great Bend KS
Originally Posted by CentralCoaster
I don't see what difference the gear cut has to do with it. Unless the synchros or dog teeth are designed differently.
Them's my thoughts exactly.
Larry
code5coupe
Last edited by rocco16; Mar 17, 2006 at 01:36 PM.
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 32
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Originally Posted by mn_vette
Hey guys, I just got done with my auto to manual swap. I haven't taken the car out on the roads yet because of the snow here in MN. The shifting seems to be a bit clunky, not smooth like butter. Is this normal???? I guess I'm used to shifting 4 banger fwd cars. Do I have anything to worry about??
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,524
Likes: 4
From: Hinckley Ohio
Originally Posted by mn_vette
.................... The oil has been drained for several months so perhpas I just need to drive it around to get it lubed up a bit with the new oil.
I felt the BMW synthetic oil recommended by ZFDOC.COM noticeably smoothed out the shifting in mine compared to the factory fill.....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,303
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From: Bartlett IL
Originally Posted by mn_vette
Oh, I guess I should mention that this is a black tag tranny. I'm not sure if that makes a difference or not. The oil has been drained for several months so perhpas I just need to drive it around to get it lubed up a bit with the new oil.
I'm in Chicago with a black tag TRANS-plant on my Xfire. I use the BMW Castrol in mine and its notchy during the winter months. It gets easier in the spring and summer. Also, I have a Hurst short throw, which makes shifts more certain but a bit more effort becuase of the shorter throw.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,400
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From: Oceansaide CA
Hmm I'm all ears here. My black-tag is nothy as ****, and got WORSE after the Castrol 10-60 synth. I'm thinking of going back to facotory fill. Sometimes it just feels like the clutch isn't in all the way. I replaced my master, slave is next and i hope that helps. But sometimes going into 3rd at cruising RPM is ridiculously difficult and I'm scared to mash it in there with the force it takes...
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,303
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From: Bartlett IL
Originally Posted by ClarenceT
Hmm I'm all ears here. My black-tag is nothy as ****, and got WORSE after the Castrol 10-60 synth. I'm thinking of going back to facotory fill. Sometimes it just feels like the clutch isn't in all the way. I replaced my master, slave is next and i hope that helps. But sometimes going into 3rd at cruising RPM is ridiculously difficult and I'm scared to mash it in there with the force it takes...
Racer
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 304
Likes: 0
From: Littleton MA
Originally Posted by jrzvette
The black tag trans has a straighter cut to the gears (think Muncie M-22 Rockcrusher), hence it is noisier, a little more "notchier" and stronger than the later Blue tag trans.
