The V8 Owners Forum -

Hello,

I have recently bought a Ford Pop hot rod fitted with a Rover V8 and a 4 speed manual box. I'd like to convert it to auto for a few reasons, I'dlike a bit more around the pedals and a four speed auto would help lower therevs when cruising. Now I don't know much about the engines but a few people have suggested I fit a ZF4 HP22 as its a 4 speed. Can anyone give me any ideas on how to go about it. What bits will I need, I'm guessuing the box comes with an ECU? What car should I look to find one in that would best suit my application? Are there any other boxes that would be easier to fit?

Any info would be helpful, thanks very much.

Cheers Gaz

The only real choice if you want something with an overdrive top which bolts straight on is the 4HP. Sadly, the only RWD vehicle with an RV8 and this box was the Sherpa van - and these obviously are quite rare. The other way is to get a RR one and a BWM etc one, and fit the tail shaft from that.

Early 4HP use a simple cable control to the throttle. Later ones have some electronics.

Your other option is to get a BWM box as they had a smaller sump, and fit the Range Rover bellhousing. The downside is that you'll get the shift pattern from the BMW which may not suit your engine (unless it is modified in such a way as to rev freely). For example, the Range Rover one upshifts at 5K....... So a BMW one which upshifts at 6K might not be great.
I don't know exactly where the shift point is set, but if it were me, I'd get a BMW one, and fit the Range Rover bellhousing, valve body and governor.

Make sure you get the Range Rover flex plate, torque converter and all the spacers and stuff!

And finally, make sure the torque converter is fully home in the box before fitting it to the engine. It is very hard to get the slots to engage in the oil pump in the end of the box, you will never do it if you fix the torque converter to the engine first and try to assemble it up like a manual box + clutch.

Chris.

Thanks very much chaps, some very useful info there. Cheers Gaz

You can use a Volvo 740,760 4hp22,its got a drive flange rather than a bmw donut.
As the others say,use the bell housing and flex plate from the range rover.
You will have to use an electric speedo though as there is no provision for a cable.
You may have to get creative with the transmisson dipstick aswell.
Try this link.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZF_4HP22_transmission

The transmission dipstick was turned into a level-plug on later boxes.

Chris.

Volvo? Thanks !!