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Very glad this thread came along. Cant wait for this. I was looking up the Maxxecu option but unfortunately discovered that only has the CAN software built out for the E9x version of the transmission. I like the F8x version much better due to the overdrives.
^ Me too, Collin. Had this on my bucket list for a while, but not enough skills to pull it off. Glad Neal came along with the adapter kit to make it happen. Going to be a best driving a DCT, paddle shift equipped FD.
Is Neal going to be creating a shop to place orders? Or is he handling it all through DM's? I have a custom application so would be interested in the the input shaft coupler if they're available.
I don't have the full list. And it definitely depends on existing modifications. If you already have a good aftermarket ECU with enough inputs/outputs to communicate with the transmission controller. If you already have a diff swap or existing diff mounted without the PPF, that will save some money. But either way, it's pricey.
The transmission alone has a wide range of cost, the poor gear ratio ones can be had less than $2k. But can be double that depending on where you source the newer better ratio ones from.
Neal has a FB page where everyone contributes their ideas and experiences, there are maybe 15 or so conversion done or are in process. Unfortunately it leaves me out of that loop since I’m not on FB, but as long as I can get the basic swap parts and understanding then it can all be worked out. Don’t really want to speak too far out of turn or step on forum rule toes, but can give a basic summary.
There are four key components that he can supply; rear iron adapter plate, e-shaft/flywheel input adapter w/ARP bolts, console/trans tunnel mount for the DCT shifter, and rear trans support mount (no PPF adapter, assumes you will either ditch or adapt it yourself). Which you can pick & choose those individually. The rest of what’s required are purchased by you through the DCT conversion and other various aftermarket providers.
So to be clear, it’s not a complete kit that shows up to your door in a big box and you just install it over a weekend. You’ll be buying a lot of components on your own, but there’s a list with recommendations and such that details it out.
The kit was initially designed for a 20B. They determined it fits an REW manual rear iron as well through someone who did that conversion, but requires using the 20B (auto?) starter that mounts on the lower rear LH side of the engine and comes forward toward the front of the car. Which the rear REW etc. iron plate wasn’t originally designed for this and has a cast “hump” protrusion there that will need to either be machined or hacked off.
They added several threaded mounting holes to the adapter plate there that you will need to drill holes through the 20B starter plate to align with them. That will then allow the 20B starter to be bolted on to the REW etc. 2-rotor engine once those mods are completed.
So it can also be used with the earlier BMW E-series I-6 engine DCT with the 1:1 7th gear in addition to the later F80/82 I-6 engine; your choice.
so he had a few conversions worth of components currently available, but there’s one less engine and input adapter now
So it appears that the “hump” is one of the standard bellhousing mounting ears on the lower LH rear iron, that has to be trimmed off to fit the 20B starter onto the engine/bellhousing adapter plate for a 2-rotor REW engine
So here’s the basic run-down of parts and the suggested sources, though not specifically limited to them
Neal’s parts are listed as “H7”
Transmission - BMW F82
Park lockout - DomiWorks or SeemsLegit
Driveshaft adapter - SeemsLegit
Driveshaft - SeemsLegit
Bellhousing adapter - H7
Input shaft coupler (and arp bolts) - H7
Transmission mount - H7
Flywheel if you don't have one - ACT Streetlite
Auto counterweight if you don't have one
20B Automatic starter
Shifter mount - H7
Shifter - BMW F80
GCU - HTG
Mechatronic wiring - DomiWorks (you have to remove and send them the OE Mechatronic from the DCT transmission)
I've sold over 15 kits now. And we have 2 fully running now.
we have a page on Facebook that we try to share knowledge about each build so far.
I haven't been on the forums in a while. So if you guys have any questions just let me know.
I'm Neal Adderley on Facebook and Instagram.
couple more pics showing the starter mounting on the lower LH corner on the rear iron for 2-rotor REW (pics are from a 20B though), no drilling or tapping on the iron, just cutting it back to be flush with the adapter where the starter mounts:
For anyone looking, you may be able to do better. But best I was able to find in the newer version of the transmission with the longer overdrives was $2500 for one with about 30k miles. Several from salvage yards I had quoted between $3k and 4K depending on mileage. Saw one for $4.3k with only 3000 miles on it.
Best I saw for the older version was $1200, mileage was 50k. So you can reduce cost quite a bit if you don't care about the longer ratios.
For anyone looking, you may be able to do better. But best I was able to find in the newer version of the transmission with the longer overdrives was $2500 for one with about 30k miles. Several from salvage yards I had quoted between $3k and 4K depending on mileage. Saw one for $4.3k with only 3000 miles on it.
Best I saw for the older version was $1200, mileage was 50k. So you can reduce cost quite a bit if you don't care about the longer ratios.
That is what I am seeing as well, Collin. The longer ratio units have gone up in price.
the longer ratio one actually works out well if you intend to keep the OE diff with the common R&P ratios. So that could enter into the cost equation if the intended power level doesn’t require a diff change. The Rx8 differential seems to not need a cradle etc. like the FD diff does, or possibly just at a higher hp level.
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Not sure if I can provide a link to a video from Facebook, but will try it. This guy put in the 7 speed DCT from a BMW M4 into his FD. Its controlled by his Haltech. I'm not a flappy paddle guy, but this is an awesome swap for a track machine!
Okay... Here's a link to a YouTube video that does work... I think Sean Flynn's -- "socks" on here I believe -- DCT conversion is one of the most innovative things I've seen in many years for the FD. Not sure what work he did on the rest of the car, but suspect its pretty good stuff. I'll check it out. Doesn't matter. On a track, this thing should be really capable. I hope Peter Hahn and Fritz Flynn and other track monsters comment.
Considering there are only 2 known functional rotary DCT cars out there, not sure its quite old news. Just cuz I dont post much on here doesnt mean its not happening. lol
Neal (islander) and I have been working on this for a LONG time, and the other working car at the moment is using the parts Neal had developed.
Yes, i got my F82 gearbox in august for $1300. They have gone up a bit since they have become a "swap trans". LS and Honda guys jumped on this a while ago.
Neal and I shipped transmissions all over the country, only to end up having a local place pull it off for us.
Regarding the HTG developed controller, there's at least one very unsatisfied customer over here (non-rotary). I think he was on the verge of removing the whole shebang, suggesting the developers were entirely out of their depth, at least for something intended for street use.
I just looked at the linked thread and live driving videos are quite different than discussing parts availability. Sean's fully functional DCT setup is definitely noteworthy. I see that Peter Hahn is aware of it anyway. Not sure about Fritz.All the track guys plus everybody that still can't shift for beans or just like the flappy paddles should be looking at this.
