The Zf8hp transmission is a popular choice for high-performance applications due to its smooth shifting and efficient operation. Recently, significant progress has been made in integrating the ZF8HP with Holley EFI systems using a TurboLamik TCU (Transmission Control Unit) and a CAN bus connection. This allows for seamless communication between the engine and transmission, optimizing performance and drivability.
This breakthrough involved connecting a Holley Dominator ECU to a TurboLamik TCU via CAN bus. This setup enables the TCU to receive critical engine data, such as RPM, TPS (Throttle Position Sensor), and MAP (Manifold Absolute Pressure) from the Holley ECU. This information is crucial for the TCU to make informed shifting decisions.
The image above showcases the physical setup: a Holley Dominator ECU connected via CAN to the TurboLamik TCU. Two laptops are used for monitoring and configuration: one running Holley software and the other connected to the TurboLamik TCU. An engine simulator, connected to the Holley Dominator, feeds simulated engine data (RPM, TPS, and MAP) to the system for testing and development purposes. This simulator allows for controlled testing and validation of the CAN communication and shifting logic.
The development process required close collaboration with TurboLamik. Their engineers remotely logged in and created custom firmware specifically designed to support Holley EFI. This custom firmware enables the TurboLamik TCU to interpret the data transmitted by the Holley ECU over the CAN bus. These updates are expected to be included in the next official release of the TurboLamik TCU firmware, making this integration readily available to a wider audience. This development signifies a major step forward in ZF8HP transmission control, offering a powerful and versatile solution for custom vehicle builds and performance enthusiasts. The ability to leverage the advanced features of both the Holley EFI system and the ZF8HP transmission opens up new possibilities for optimized performance tuning and control.
This successful integration highlights the ongoing innovation in the automotive aftermarket. The collaboration between Holley and TurboLamik ensures that the ZF8HP transmission can be seamlessly integrated with a leading engine management system, providing a comprehensive solution for performance-oriented vehicle builds. This advancement paves the way for more sophisticated control strategies and improved driving experiences.
