Just Registered

[tgonyaw]

Hello Folks,
2nd attempt to post. I am interested in the ZR-1's that have been converted to an auto trans.. I have had a 67 convertible and an 87 convertible, yet still have the want for a Z. I special ordered a 14 CTS-V wagon, yet lost interest when the summer tires had to come off. I now have a Honda to drive all year.
Thanks for reading.

[Ccmano]

Welcome, interest is all that’s required to belong. We have at least 2 members that I am aware of that did the conversion to auto. I’m sure there are more. I believe the conversions were done largely for drag racing purposes. More will likely chime in.
H

[tgonyaw]

Thanks for posting. I know they are rare. At my age, the auto is best. The car will be mostly for cruising, one or two drag days and the same for a couple of track days here in Va. A few wash and show, and cars and coffee's about sum it up.
Pete's garage sent me some info that's sounds interesting. I am hoping some of the auto owners may stumble upon this thread and give me some pointers!
Thanks for reading.

[Paul Workman]

Pete (here in FBI land) has done one (or some) conversions for people (Kevin Costello's 10 second 441 cid LT5, for one). And, he has designed a custom tail shaft housing to facilitate the auto conversion. He'd be the one I'd contact. (I'll likely see him tomorrow at Marc's BBQ, and I'll ask him for some particulars for ya.)

[tgonyaw]

That would be helpful. It would be nice if an auto would show up for sale, yet adding an auto to a “found” car sounds like it can be done. Is there a thread that decribes this process? My 87 used “tv” ? cable adjustment to control wide open throttle along with part throttle up shifts.
Thanks for the help and the interest.

[aafc]

Hi,
I have done this back in Aug. 2004. Broke 3 transmissions from 2004 -2009.
Go to search and type aafc click on show posts, there is some information
that may help you.
John
1990 white/black #2546
one of a few auto (4l80E ) eq ZR-1's

[tgonyaw]

Thanks for the heads up. I read thru the posts. Do you still have the same set up? Has it been trouble free? I plan on going thru Pete based on the positive comments here. What controls the part throttle up and down shifts in your car? I don't plan on beating the car up, yet would expect it survive some abuse.
I appreciate the comments and direction.
Terry

[aafc]

Terry,
I have been busy as i just moved from Longwood,FL to The Villages,FL. on
April 26th. Still unpacking 7/8 done.
Yes i still have the same setup, no troubles. Part throttle up shifts and down
controlled by a transmission controller ( TCI - Compushift ) to name a few.
you can use a stock auto shifter that came in standred auto C4's to shift
gears.The 4l8OE trans is a good choice ,if i was to do this from the start
again i would use a built turbo 400 with gear Venders over drive unit like the
87-88 twin tubro C4's that came from the factory. But back when i did mine i
went a less cheaper route, but it cost me 3 transmissions until to went with
a 4l8OE transmission.
So the best thing is do a lot of research on transmission controller units
(there are many to pick from).
good luck with you install.
John
1990 white/black # 2546
one of a few auto 4l8OE eq ZR-1's

[tgonyaw]

Hi John,
Those are encouraging words. I sent Pete a message and asked many questions. I told him I would try not to worry him to no end. Did you change the radiator to add cooling for the trans.? I would like to do a one stop trip if it all works out. We moved here in 12/09, and I unpacked the last box this past winter and now have a pile on the floor in the basement. Not having a ridged schedule is a negative at times.
Thanks for the follow up info,
Terry

[aafc]

Terry,
I replaced the org. stock rad with one from Ron Davis racing for cars with automatic transmissions. I used braided hoses with with AN fittings from the
the trans to the rad, two required . On the rear of the trans i made a small dimple cover to clear the rear fitting in the trans tunnel. as the trans moves it will rub the fitting causing it to leak.Have who ever does your work check the clearance before completing the install. Also you will notice that the LT5 stock
transmission uses 6 bolts,but the 4l8E0 can only use 5 bolts as the upper
left hole is about 1 in away. I used 5 bolts and never had a problem.
I you have any more questions sent me an email.
thanks
John
1990 white/black #2546
one of a few auto 4l8E0 eq ZR-1's