Mazda MX-5 NA/NB BMW ZF 8HP45 N20 Adapter Kit - Adamat

Prepare your Mazda MX-5 for a modern 8-speed automatic swap with this complete adapter kit for the BMW ZF 8HP45 transmission. This kit is designed to mate Mazda BP 1.8 and B6 1.6 engines to the BMW ZF 8HP45 automatic transmission, sourced from BMW N20 and N26 applications, among others.

Do you want to install a BMW ZF 8HP automatic transmission behind a Mazda MX-5 1.6 or 1.8 engine? This adapter kit forms the basis for a strong, modern, and reliable conversion. The kit is suitable for both performance builds and street-oriented MX-5 projects where comfort, reliability, and ease of driving are important.

The BMW ZF 8HP45 is a strong and modern automatic gearbox perfectly suited for high-power builds. At the same time, this conversion is also ideal for drivers who prefer an automatic, for example, due to comfort, daily use, or physical limitations. This keeps the MX-5 accessible and pleasant to drive, without compromising on performance or driving experience.

Compared to the standard MX-5 automatic, the ZF 8HP is a much more refined, stronger, and more modern transmission. The gearbox shifts faster and smoother, has more gears, and features a long overdrive. This results in quieter driving at higher speeds, with lower RPMs and more comfort during longer journeys or highway use.

The kit forms a precise and high-quality basis for an 8HP conversion. The adapter plate is made of AW7075 aluminum and has a thickness of 20 mm. The included billet flywheel weighs only 2.9 kg and is designed for applications up to 1000 Nm of torque. The flywheel is equipped with a starter ring gear for the original Mazda Miata/MX-5 starter motor and comes dynamically balanced.

Drive-by-Wire is required for this conversion. For this, we have a DBW pedal adapter available on our website. Additionally, we offer throttle body adapters for both the 1.6 and 1.8 MX-5, allowing the engine to be prepared for a Drive-by-Wire setup.

For a properly functioning 8HP conversion, suitable ECU and transmission control are also required. The control must support throttle blips and throttle cuts, so that the ECU and transmission controller can work together effectively and the transmission can accurately rev-match during shifting. This makes the conversion not only faster and stronger but also more refined and enjoyable to drive.

If you opt for an ECUMaster EMU Black, a CAN TCU must always be used for controlling the ZF 8HP automatic transmission. The EMU Black controls the engine, while the CAN TCU controls the transmission. The ECUMaster EMU Black is available in our webshop, as is our plug-and-play ECU adapter that allows the EMU Black to be easily connected to the original MX-5 wiring harness.

The adapter can also be used as a basis for connecting a MaxxECU Race. Unlike the EMU Black with a separate CAN TCU, the MaxxECU Race can control both the engine and the ZF 8HP transmission. However, the connector needs to be pinned manually. If desired, we can also supply and perform this for the customer.

We also have a suitable solution for controlling the transmission. On our website, you will find an adapter plate for mounting a BMW F-Series automatic shifter. This allows the 8HP conversion to be neatly and functionally integrated into the MX-5.

The transmission mount and PPF adapter for this conversion are currently still under development.

Suitable for:

Mazda Miata / MX-5 with BP 1.8 engine
Mazda MX-5 NB with B6 1.6 engine
BMW ZF 8HP45 / GA8HP45 transmission from N20 and N26 applications

Also fits other 8HP45 variants after flywheel modification, such as:

BMW ZF 8HP45 / GA8HP45 N55
BMW ZF 8HP45R / GA8HP45R S55, from the M235i among others

Contents of the kit:

Billet lightweight flywheel, 2.9 kg
20 mm AW7075 adapter plate
Starter ring gear suitable for original Mazda starter
Mounting hardware for flywheel, adapter, and gearbox
Dynamically balanced flywheel

Additional parts for the conversion:

DBW pedal adapter
Throttle body adapter for Mazda MX-5 1.6
Throttle body adapter for Mazda MX-5 1.8
Standalone ECU with support for throttle blips and throttle cuts
ECUMaster EMU Black
CAN TCU for ZF 8HP control when using EMU Black
Plug-and-play ECU adapter for ECUMaster EMU Black
Optional: MaxxECU Race for controlling both engine and transmission
Adapter plate for BMW F-Series automatic shifter
Transmission mount, under development
PPF adapter, under development

This BMW ZF 8HP45 swap kit is a strong and high-quality solution for anyone who wants to combine a Mazda MX-5 with the speed, efficiency, and shifting capabilities of a modern 8-speed automatic transmission. Ideal for powerful street and performance builds, but also for drivers who want to make their MX-5 more comfortable, accessible, and modern.

Frequently asked questions about this BMW ZF 8HP45 swap kit

Can I use this kit to install a BMW ZF 8HP automatic transmission behind my Mazda MX-5 engine?
Yes, this adapter kit is designed to mate a BMW ZF 8HP45 automatic transmission to the Mazda BP 1.8 and B6 1.6 engines.

Is the ZF 8HP45 suitable for high-power MX-5 builds?
Yes, the BMW ZF 8HP45 is a strong and modern automatic gearbox that is very suitable for high-power builds. In combination with the right control and supporting components, this is a popular choice for powerful street and performance builds.

Is this conversion also interesting if I prefer driving an automatic?
Yes, this conversion is not only interesting for performance builds but also for drivers who prefer automatic driving. For example, due to comfort, daily use, or physical limitations. The ZF 8HP makes the MX-5 more accessible and comfortable, without losing the car's sporty character.

What is the advantage compared to the original MX-5 automatic?
The BMW ZF 8HP is much more modern, refined, and stronger than the standard MX-5 automatic. The gearbox shifts smoother and faster, has more gears, and features a long overdrive. This results in quieter driving at higher speeds and lower RPMs during highway use.

Do I need Drive-by-Wire for this conversion?
Yes, Drive-by-Wire is required for this conversion. We offer a DBW pedal adapter for this on our website. Additionally, we have throttle body adapters available for both the 1.6 and 1.8 MX-5.

Do I need a standalone ECU for this BMW ZF 8HP conversion?
Yes, this conversion requires a suitable ECU and transmission control that supports throttle blips and throttle cuts. This is necessary for the engine and transmission to work together effectively and for the transmission to rev-match accurately during shifting.

Can I use an ECUMaster EMU Black for this conversion?
Yes, the ECUMaster EMU Black can be used for engine control. When using an EMU Black, a CAN TCU must always be used for controlling the ZF 8HP transmission.

Can I use a MaxxECU Race for this conversion?
Yes, the MaxxECU Race can be used to control both the engine and the ZF 8HP transmission. Our ECU adapter can be used as a basis to connect a MaxxECU Race. However, the connector needs to be pinned manually. If desired, we can also supply and perform this for the customer.

Which ECU do you recommend for this conversion?
There are several options for this conversion. An ECUMaster EMU Black can be used in combination with a CAN TCU. A MaxxECU Race can be used if you want to control the engine and transmission from a single ECU.

What additional parts are available for this swap?
In addition to this adapter kit, we also offer a DBW pedal adapter, throttle body adapters for the 1.6 and 1.8 MX-5, a plug-and-play ECU adapter for the ECUMaster EMU Black, the ECUMaster EMU Black ECU itself, and an adapter plate for mounting a BMW F-Series automatic shifter. When using an EMU Black, a CAN TCU is also required. The transmission mount and PPF adapter are currently under development.

Who is this BMW ZF 8HP45 conversion suitable for?
This conversion is suitable for MX-5 owners looking for a strong automatic for a high-power build, but also for drivers who want more comfort, better driving characteristics, or a more accessible driving experience. This can be interesting for daily use, long journeys, highway use, or when manual shifting is less pleasant or not possible.

Click here for the manual