C4 Transmission options
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 50
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From: AZ
C4 Transmission options
I have a 1990 C4 with the six speed manual ZF S6-40. 2nd and 3rd gears grind. Parts for this transmission are nearly impossible to find new and transmission shops don't want to sell me just parts, they want to charge me half of what my car is worth to fix it for me, if they can even acquire parts. So I'm looking for other options. My engine is being rebuilt right now and it should be close to 400hp at the wheels. If I can find parts for a reasonable price that would be ideal. I see a lot of people using the T56. If that's still the cheapest straight forward route I could do that. I'm not against using a four or five speed either as long as it will hold the power.
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 3,752
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From: Indiana PA
I have a 1990 C4 with the six speed manual ZF S6-40. 2nd and 3rd gears grind. Parts for this transmission are nearly impossible to find new and transmission shops don't want to sell me just parts, they want to charge me half of what my car is worth to fix it for me, if they can even acquire parts. So I'm looking for other options. My engine is being rebuilt right now and it should be close to 400hp at the wheels. If I can find parts for a reasonable price that would be ideal. I see a lot of people using the T56. If that's still the cheapest straight forward route I could do that. I'm not against using a four or five speed either as long as it will hold the power.
A call to them and explaining what you want, they might work with you.
Honestly, the cost of used T56 is basically the same as a used ZF6. Have you shopped for a used ZF6? T56 aren't exactly cheap to rebuild either and adapting it to the car isn't cheap either. A bracket has to be made/purchased to hold the T56 like the stock ZF on its tailshaft. Not sure on the driveshaft.
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Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 50
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From: AZ
I haven't thought about buying another ZF transmission especially used because I don't want two bad transmissions. My car only has 114,000 miles and the synchros are already shot. I'm not worried about the fabrication part of the swap. Thanks for the link
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
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From: Park City Utah
That is the result of some serious beatage, or terrible maintenance...or both. That trans is tough and it is not typical to have bad synchros at 114k.
You can get ZF parts from RSGEAR
You can get ZF parts from RSGEAR
