Having a silky-smooth automatic alongside a quick-shifting manual transmission capable of handling 1000HP in the same transmission seems impossible—but the ZF 8HP might just achieve it. Andrew Astley from 8speed joins us to explain why this transmission has become such a popular choice.

👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip

In this episode of Tuned In, Andrew shares his journey from growing up near Silverstone in the UK to becoming a leader in Australia’s aftermarket scene, specialising in 8HP conversions. He covers his early car projects, his transition from car detailing to running a wrecking yard, and the growth of his YouTube channel, Zero to 60.

We dive into modern transmission technology, comparing DCTs and the 8HP, and breaking down what makes them work—and where they fall short—in high-performance applications.

Andrew unpacks what it really takes to run an 8HP in a custom build, covering compatibility, installation challenges, control strategies, torque modelling, and even the use of clutch pedals or clutch emulators for applications such as drifting.

We also explore how the 8HP performs across drag, drift, circuit, and street use, along with the importance of proper tuning and getting the most out of the TurboLamik TCU.

At its core, Andrew’s mission is simple: to make high-performance modified cars drive like OEM. And with the 8HP, that goal is closer than ever—whether you’re building for the street or the track.

👉 Use the code ‘PODCAST500’ to get $500 OFF HPA's VIP Package: https://hpcdmy.co/podvip

Follow Andrew here:

Youtube: ZeroTo60Tube

WWW: 8speed.au

Timestamps:

0:00 No Compromise? Why the 8HP Might Be the Ultimate Transmission
4:07 How did you become passionate about cars? 
10:03 Do you have any car related formal qualifications? 
12:02 What’s your skills set today?
14:48 Youtube Journey
18:59 What makes the M54 so good?
21:16 Pro’s and con’s of the different types of transmission
38:03 Why has the 8HP become so popular in the aftermarket world?
45:19 The 8HP is a family of gearboxes? 
47:33 What vehicles do these transmissions come in?
50:00 How do we go about finding the right 8HP for your swap?
52:15 Does the 8HP fit in most cars?  
54:56 What are our options for gearshifting?
55:41 How do we control these transmissions?
1:08:19 What do you mean by the term adaptation?
1:10:34 How do we set up a clutch pedal and how do the clutches work?
1:17:43 Can the 8HP be upgraded to handle more torque?
1:19:18 Can the 8HP be the best of both worlds?
1:21:24 How hard are the standalone controllers to set up?  
1:27:17 Why would you look at a DCT if the 8HP is so good?
1:30:30 Final 3 questions