ZF 8HP Transmission Swap

[Jstawgn]

Developer of IOcan here (Apex Control Innovations). Fair that there wasn't much info floating around — the docs were thin for a while, that's on me. They're written up properly now:

Docs (wiring, supported transmissions, ECU integration): Apex Control Innovations - https://docs.apex-control.com/
Specs + pricing: ZF 8HP Standalone Controller — IOcan CAN Gateway | Apex – Apex Control Innovations - https://www.apex-control.com/products/iocan-advanced-canbus-gateway-for-motorsport

Quick version of what it does: it's a CAN gateway that lets a factory ZF 8HP, BMW DKG or Porsche PDK run behind a swapped engine on your own ECU — handles the transmission side so you keep the OEM shift behaviour without dragging the whole donor car along.

Happy to answer anything specific — chassis, trans, ECU, whats possible — just ask.

Adam

Thanks Adam.
I messaged you a few times on messenger.
I already bought maxxecu at this time.

I do really like the built in wake up signal.
What kind of I/O can be wired to module?

Biggest issue the integrated TCU to the OEM ECU and hard to integrate shift cut and blip to this Old ECU. I do want to keep it due to the off road traction control that I am trying to keep.

 

[ApexControl]

Apologies on the messenger side — those got past me.

I/O: four CAN buses with software-enabled termination, twelve analogue inputs (several also usable as frequency inputs for speed/shaft signals), 5 V sensor supply, and the switched 12 V wake output. One 26-pin Superseal 1.0 connector — pinout's in the docs.

On the old ECU: torque isn't the obstacle people expect. IOcan has its own torque estimation (fuel-based and MAP/air-based), so it doesn't need the engine ECU to publish a torque value. Cut and blip are the part that needs the engine side to cooperate, and a stock Denso ECM won't take an external request for either.

Before I suggest anything specific — is the MaxxECU going in as the engine ECU with the OEM box left on the bus for the traction control, or are you weighing whether to run the OEM ECM alone? That changes the answer completely, and I'd rather answer the setup you're actually building than a generic one.

 

[Jstawgn]

Apologies on the messenger side — those got past me.

Before I suggest anything specific — is the MaxxECU going in as the engine ECU with the OEM box left on the bus for the traction control, or are you weighing whether to run the OEM ECM alone? That changes the answer completely, and I'd rather answer the setup you're actually building than a generic one.

No worries. I understand you probably talk to so many people. It would be hard to keep track.

The OEM ECU still controls 100% of the engine. MAXXECU is used just like the I/O Can.
I was planning to intercept the crank sensor and modify the output to OEM ECU thru Maxxecu but worried it would cause issues. The VVTI and cam sensor can trigger CEL when it sees mismatch over a certain periods of time.