ZF transmission for my '93: availability of parts?

[Cenobyte]

For quite some time now (couple of years), the gearbox of my '93 ZR-1 is making rattling noises. It started with the usual rattle in 1st, but now the transmission is making these horrible rattles in all gears, worst up to 2000rpm, but also at higer (3500+) rpm's. Sometimes, after a long drive, there is even a grinding noise

At this moment, I'm looking into the options I have, but since I'm in The Netherlands, all ZF/ZR-1 specialists are far, far away

I'm not a mechanic myself, so my only option is to have the work done by a specialist. I have selected a local Corvette specialist to do the repairs, but they say it's almost impossible to get parts for the ZF transmission, besides some standard bearings. What would be my options if I do need other parts in my transmission besides a couple of bearings? And is anyone familiar with this problem in ZF transmissions?

Thanks guys!

[Ccmano]

Here you... http://www.zfdoc.com/

Bill is the man for anything ZF transmission related. My suggestion is to send your transmission to him and let him rebuild it. It will be better than new.

Good luck,
H

[tomtom72]

Okay, Rockland Standard Gear is a company in New York State I think, that has the parts rights from ZF for our transmissions.

I know for sure that if you contact Bill Boudreau, http://zfdoc.com/ that is the link to his website, that he should be able to help you out with parts and information on our gear boxes.


Tom

[Cenobyte]

Thanks for the tips!

Using a good ZF specialist would be my first choice, but since I'm in Europe I'm afraid that sending it to and from the States would cost me an arm and a leg... I would also need somebody to remove and reinstall the trans. And since I'm confident that the ZF rebuild itself will also not come cheap I'll prefer to have somebody local do all the work and get the parts from a good address like Bill.

[ZZZZZR1]

Originally Posted by Cenobyte

Thanks for the tips!

Using a good ZF specialist would be my first choice, but since I'm in Europe I'm afraid that sending it to and from the States would cost me an arm and a leg... I would also need somebody to remove and reinstall the trans. And since I'm confident that the ZF rebuild itself will also not come cheap I'll prefer to have somebody local do all the work and get the parts from a good address like Bill.

I would buy a new transmission here in the US, get Bill to balance and blueprint it, then ship it back

You will not regret it!



David

[Cenobyte]

Originally Posted by ZZZZZR1

I would buy a new transmission here in the US, get Bill to balance and blueprint it, then ship it back

You will not regret it!

Holy cr... I didn't think of that!

[mike100]

Bill B has a decent collection of core parts and assemblies, but you can still order a good number of internal parts from ZF distributors. If you need one gear and synchro cluster- ok, but if two or three are bad, the parts cost is so high you may as well find another entire transmission.

You may also be able to buy a regular vette gearbox and have the ZR-1 input shaft installed during the refresh. When I had mine done, I ended up with the later style crash-thru shifter rods in my early black label trans. I didn't like the idea of being able to slide into reverse so easily since my lift ring was long gone. A ZF specialist knows all the parts interchange possibilities.

[tccrab]

I'd contact ZF Industries in Germany, I'd be willing to bet that they would be able to offer you some kind of assistance.
Shipping from Germany has got to be a lot cheaper than shipping from the US.

http://www.zf.com/corporate/en/produ...ssic_cars.html

TomC
'Crabs

[Paul Workman]

Originally Posted by Cenobyte

Holy cr... I didn't think of that!

Dittos to Dave (aka Nija Turtle)!

For the cost of labor and shipping, Bill may well be able to send you a new one, one complete with some of his "tweaks" that will make that trans one of the sweetest shifting transmissions I ever experienced...And, probably do it for less $$ that having yours shipped and repaired. (Which was my experience with Bill and his work.)

Need to talk to him and see what you guys can work out.

P.

[WVZR-1]

Originally Posted by tccrab

I'd contact ZF Industries in Germany, I'd be willing to bet that they would be able to offer you some kind of assistance.
Shipping from Germany has got to be a lot cheaper than shipping from the US.

http://www.zf.com/corporate/en/produ...ssic_cars.html

TomC
'Crabs

This certainly would be my first move!

The transmission was also used in the Lotus/Vauxall Carlton. They're very passionate owners. I've sourced a few parts from from a Vauxhall dealer in the UK. I actually contacted a Carlton owner in the UK and was directed to a possible dealer who could help. You might just "Google" for a Carlton owners group and start there. That was my approach. My first contact helped.

I've a ZR-1 "blue label" service transmission here that I'd likely consider a sale of. I work in the Metro Washington DC area and there a many freight forwarders in the area.

I believe there are likley service shops in the Netherlands that could actually help you with the repair/rebuild and your issue would only be parts availability. You might check for truck repair facilities that do ZF transmission repairs/rebuild in your area. I believe you'll find some.

Good luck!