[bspaulsen]

Let me preface this by stating that I regularly track my 2017 BMW M3 - and I'm obsessed with the DCT paddles. I've driven other manual //M cars in the past, and as sacrilegious as it sounds, the auto DCT has stolen my heart permanently.

Goal: (Automatic with driver-selected gears via paddles or gear-shift) Track-Only Type 65 Coupe-R

What I'm looking to resolve before I put in a buy for a Coupe-R is which transmission I should go with that will fit the frame and have manual mode gear selection options. I'm not looking to drop a DCT of any sort into the frame, as I imagine the fab-work would be preposterous and I'm not really looking to mate a DCT to any of the supported Ford engine listings. I saw recently that FP may sell their GT500's 5.2 Predator with its DCT, but I imagine it'll cost a small fortune.

So I've come to y'all - any input on automatic transmissions that fit (or require minimal frame modification) the Coupe-R (that fit the allowed Ford motor line-up) that also allows for manual drive modes via paddles?

I've only been able to find two real solutions:

• a TCI 6X 6 Speed that's based on the GM 4L80E mated to a Ford small block (can't find info on which engines it actually mates to so if y'all have any of that I'd love it) > pair with the TCI EZ-TCU controller > use the TCI Paddle Kit.
• a 6R80 mated to any of the Ford small-blocks > use something like the US Shift Quick 6 which supports "Manutronic Push-Button / Paddle /H-Gate Shifting > find a compatible paddle shifter kit that fits my selected wheel (something like the PCS Paddles) or if paddles are impossible, a Lokar Automatic Electronic Shifter that allows both 'automatic driving' and 'sport mode (i.e. user-controlled shifting)'

I know this is a little out there, I've combed both the forums for some answers and only came across a few mentions of people using autos in a manual/automatic setting. I'm incredibly capable when it comes to all of the technical and wiring aspects of a kit car project like this, but I have next to no experience with transmission and engine selection and mating.

Looking forward to seeing what y'all think - excited to put my engineering degree to work on something of this caliber.

 

[Cone Basher]

Let me preface this by stating that I regularly track my 2017 BMW M3 - and I'm obsessed with the DCT paddles. I've driven other manual //M cars in the past, and as sacrilegious as it sounds, the auto DCT has stolen my heart permanently.

Goal: (Automatic with driver-selected gears via paddles or gear-shift) Track-Only Type 65 Coupe-R

What I'm looking to resolve before I put in a buy for a Coupe-R is which transmission I should go with that will fit the frame and have manual mode gear selection options. I'm not looking to drop a DCT of any sort into the frame, as I imagine the fab-work would be preposterous and I'm not really looking to mate a DCT to any of the supported Ford engine listings. I saw recently that FP may sell their GT500's 5.2 Predator with its DCT, but I imagine it'll cost a small fortune.

So I've come to y'all - any input on automatic transmissions that fit (or require minimal frame modification) the Coupe-R (that fit the allowed Ford motor line-up) that also allows for manual drive modes via paddles?

I've only been able to find two real solutions:

• a TCI 6X 6 Speed that's based on the GM 4L80E mated to a Ford small block (can't find info on which engines it actually mates to so if y'all have any of that I'd love it) > pair with the TCI EZ-TCU controller > use the TCI Paddle Kit.
• a 6R80 mated to any of the Ford small-blocks > use something like the US Shift Quick 6 which supports "Manutronic Push-Button / Paddle /H-Gate Shifting > find a compatible paddle shifter kit that fits my selected wheel (something like the PCS Paddles) or if paddles are impossible, a Lokar Automatic Electronic Shifter that allows both 'automatic driving' and 'sport mode (i.e. user-controlled shifting)'

I know this is a little out there, I've combed both the forums for some answers and only came across a few mentions of people using autos in a manual/automatic setting. I'm incredibly capable when it comes to all of the technical and wiring aspects of a kit car project like this, but I have next to no experience with transmission and engine selection and mating.

Looking forward to seeing what y'all think - excited to put my engineering degree to work on something of this caliber.

I think you should contact Mike Forte (forum vendor) he supplies a lot of parts for FFR builds and is the go to guy for trans related options.
HTH
CB

 

[meckstei]

Have been looking into similar options, but approaching it from the manual transmission side. Clutch to get going, but sequential shifting/paddle shifting when you are on the go. There are sequential options for the T-56 transmission... but those turn into a 11-14k transmission. Trade-off is you get fast shifting. Alternatively I found a Romanian (I think) company that makes race paddle shifters that can retrofit any manual gearbox to be paddle shift. They even have an electric clutch add-on if you don't have a dog-box. So you can shift without the clutch on a regular manual.I think that kit is closer to 3-5k total. Downside is that if you don't have a dog box, shifts are basically like the Ferrari 360 F1 gearbox...not DSC speeds

 

[bspaulsen]

As an update after some discussion on the other forum:

I am definitely leaning toward pairing an LS376 or Gen 2/3 Coyote with a TCI 6X 6 Speed (based on the 4L80E).They offer a bunch of bellhousing solutions and flexplate/torque converter options, and I like the idea of pairing a TCI transmission with a TCI controller with TCI paddles integrated.

Have been looking into similar options, but approaching it from the manual transmission side. Clutch to get going, but sequential shifting/paddle shifting when you are on the go. There are sequential options for the T-56 transmission... but those turn into a 11-14k transmission. Trade-off is you get fast shifting. Alternatively I found a Romanian (I think) company that makes race paddle shifters that can retrofit any manual gearbox to be paddle shift. They even have an electric clutch add-on if you don't have a dog-box. So you can shift without the clutch on a regular manual.I think that kit is closer to 3-5k total. Downside is that if you don't have a dog box, shifts are basically like the Ferrari 360 F1 gearbox...not DSC speeds

This is a particularly intriguing solution - I'm definitely going to look into this week, as the T-56 is really appealing as it fits so nicely. I appreciate the comment!