We are convinced the 6R80 auto conversion is the best auto swap to consider in the Landcruiser. We have sold quite a few of the 6R80 gearbox swaps and customers are reporting that they are very happy with the outcome.
Its not just that we think can handle the power better than other options. Below we cover the aspect we like to discuss when talking to customers:
- It is an upgraded version of the ZF 6HP (fitted to millions or cars around the world as well as behind the powerful Ford Barra engine). When upgrading a 6HP to handle crazy power levels they start borrowing parts from the Ford 6R80.
- I has a standalone controller that has the program unlocked and can be modified by the end user using simple software and curves to show shift points.
- Tiptronic shifter, but with the ability to program the shift points, it can be made to change how you want, when you want.
- Does not rely on can-bus communication from the shifter (such as the 8HP) which can mean with coms issues or controller faults you aren’t going anywhere.
- The 8HP adapters are designed for the 8HP75 as found in BMW. This means they are factory rated to 750Nm, just like the 6R80 is rated for 800Nm. PDI source gearboxes from the F150 with coyote bellhousing and larger torque converter.
- The 6R80, without a controller installed, can access P, R, N and 2. Thats enough to get you off the beach or back from a remote location.
- Since fitted to F150 and Ford Mustang in the USA, there is a aftermarket upgrade catalogue to choose parts from. In Australia (and in fact many countries) the Ford Ranger was released with that gearbox so these parts are available locally.
That being said, there is nothing quite like “putting your money where your mouth is”. In December 2024 we sent a HZJ105 overseas with the 6R80 behind it to show we had confidence in the conversion. It then had a 1HDFTE with high flow injectors and turbo upgrade, intercooler and airbox installed and sent to Argentina. The plan is for the 105 to cover many km over various continents over the next few years.
In April-May 2025 we covered 15,000km through Brazil, Boliva, Peru, Chile and Argentina. We covered many different landscapes and were driving up through the Andes and high plains spending weeks at high altitude and working through mountain passes.
The vehicle drove great and having the ability to change the programming in the 6R80 meant that we could move all the ship points up for the thinner air, where the exhaust would soot badly when it struggled to make boost in the thinner air. Once the turbo was spinning it performed as well as well at lower altitude. Also the tiptronic shifter was good to hold a gear and get some engine braking, for those very long down hill sections through tight turns.
The video below shows the difference in size of the F150 and the Landcruiser. The vehicle is owned by a guy I met in Santiago, Chile who was super keen to see a bunch of Landcruiser on tour.
Link to the product page for the straight 6 swaps HERE
Link to the product page for the VDJ79 swaps HERE