Mazda MX-5 NA/NB BMW ZF 8HP50 - 8HP70 Adapter Kit - Adamat

Prepare your Mazda MX-5 for a modern 8-speed automatic swap with this complete adapter kit for BMW ZF 8HP50, 8HP51, 8HP70, and 8HP75 transmissions. This kit is designed to mate the Mazda BP 1.8 and B6 1.6 engines to a robust BMW ZF 8HP automatic transmission, sourced from various BMW B46, B48, B57, B58, and N57 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 foundation for a strong, modern, and reliable conversion. The kit is suitable for high-power builds, as well as for street-oriented MX-5 projects where comfort, reliability, and ease of driving are important.

The BMW ZF 8HP is a modern automatic transmission that is perfectly suited for powerful MX-5 builds. At the same time, this conversion is also ideal for drivers who prefer an automatic transmission, for example, due to comfort, daily use, or physical limitations. This keeps the MX-5 accessible and pleasant to drive, without sacrificing 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 transmission 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 trips or highway use.

This variant is particularly interesting for builds where high power and torque are expected. The included two-piece flywheel is made from a special lightweight AlZnMg+Ti alloy and is designed for applications up to 2000 Nm of torque. The flywheel features a steel starter ring gear for the starter motor, and the converter hub has a steel centering pin to correctly align the torque converter with the flywheel. This ensures a strong and durable construction under high loads.

The adapter plate is machined from AW7075-T651 aluminum and provides a strong, precise connection between the Mazda MX-5 engine and the BMW ZF 8HP transmission. Together with the included mounting hardware, this kit provides a high-quality basis for a serious 8HP swap.

This conversion requires Drive-by-Wire. For this, we have a DBW accelerator pedal adapter available on our website. In addition, we offer throttle body adapters for both the 1.6 and 1.8 MX-5, allowing the engine to be made suitable for a Drive-by-Wire setup.

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

If you choose 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 which allows the EMU Black to be easily connected to the original MX-5 wiring harness.

Our ECU adapter can also be used as a basis for connecting a MaxxECU Race. However, the connector will need to be pinned manually. If desired, we can also supply and perform this for the customer.

Please note: the MaxxECU Race can currently only directly control first-generation ZF 8HP transmissions. The 8HP50 and 8HP75 are not included in this. Therefore, always check in advance whether the chosen transmission variant is suitable for the desired control. For 8HP50 and 8HP75 applications, a separate, suitable transmission control is required.

We also have a suitable solution for operating 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 8HP50 / 8HP50Z / GA8HP50Z
BMW ZF 8HP51 / 8HP51Z / GA8HP51Z
BMW ZF 8HP70 / GA8HP70
BMW ZF 8HP75 / 8HP75Z / GA8HP75Z / GA8HP75X

Examples of suitable transmission variants:

BMW ZF 8HP70 / GA8HP70 from BMW N57 and N57N applications
BMW ZF 8HP75 / GA8HP75X from BMW N57 and N57N applications
BMW ZF 8HP50Z / GA8HP50Z from BMW B58 applications
BMW ZF 8HP75Z / GA8HP75Z from BMW B57 applications
BMW ZF 8HP51Z / GA8HP51Z from BMW B48 applications
BMW ZF 8HP51Z / GA8HP51Z from BMW B46 applications

Contents of the set:

Two-piece lightweight AlZnMg+Ti alloy flywheel
Flywheel designed for applications up to 2000 Nm of torque
Steel starter ring gear for the starter motor
Converter hub with steel centering pin
Adapter plate made of AW7075-T651 aluminum
Mounting hardware for flywheel, adapter, and transmission

Additional components for the conversion:

DBW accelerator 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 engine control or for supported first-generation 8HP transmissions
Suitable transmission control for 8HP50 and 8HP75 applications
Adapter plate for BMW F-Series automatic shifter
Transmission mount, in development
PPF adapter, in development

This BMW ZF 8HP50 / 8HP70 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 8HP Swap Kit

Can I use this kit to mount a BMW ZF 8HP automatic transmission behind my Mazda MX-5 engine?
Yes, this adapter kit is designed to mate BMW ZF 8HP50, 8HP51, 8HP70, and 8HP75 transmissions to the Mazda BP 1.8 and B6 1.6 engines.

Is this kit suitable for high-power MX-5 builds?
Yes, this kit is very suitable for high-power builds. The two-piece flywheel is designed for applications up to 2000 Nm of torque, making this variant interesting for serious performance builds where high power and torque are expected.

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 an automatic transmission. 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 over the original MX-5 automatic?
The BMW ZF 8HP is much more modern, refined, and stronger than the standard MX-5 automatic. The transmission 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 accelerator pedal adapter on our website for this purpose. 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, a suitable ECU and transmission control that supports throttle blips and throttle cuts are required for this conversion. This is necessary so that the engine and transmission can work together effectively and the transmission can rev-match smoothly 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?
A MaxxECU Race can be used for engine control and can use our ECU adapter as a basis. However, please note that the MaxxECU Race can currently only directly control first-generation ZF 8HP transmissions. The 8HP50 and 8HP75 are not included in this. For these transmissions, a separate, suitable transmission control is required.

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 may be interesting if you want to control the engine or are working with a supported first-generation 8HP transmission. For 8HP50 and 8HP75 applications, the transmission must be controlled with a different suitable control system.

What additional parts are available for this swap?
In addition to this adapter kit, we also offer a DBW accelerator 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. For 8HP50 and 8HP75 transmissions, the correct transmission control must be chosen separately. The transmission mount and PPF adapter are currently still under development.

Who is this BMW ZF 8HP conversion suitable for?
This conversion is suitable for MX-5 owners who are looking for a strong automatic transmission 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 trips, highway use, or when manual shifting is less pleasant or not possible.