Controllers & Shifters
A TCU (transmission control unit) is the computer that runs the transmission, the way an ECU runs the engine. Every 8HP swap needs one, and the one you pick decides which shifters you can use.
Every BMW and Dodge 8HP, grouped by generation. Our adapter kits fit the 8HP70 · 75 · 76 (BMW) and the 8HP70 · 75 · 90 · 95 (Dodge); the rest are listed so you can identify what you have.
| Generation | BMW | Dodge · Ram · Jeep |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 1 | 8HP45 · 8HP70 · 8HP90 | 8HP45 (845RE) · 8HP70 · 8HP90 |
| Gen 2 | 8HP50 · 8HP75 · 8HP95 | 8HP50 (850RE) · 8HP75 · 8HP95 |
| Gen 3 | 8HP51 · 8HP76 | — |
On Ram, Jeep and Durango the move to Gen 2 started in 2019, depending on the model. ZF has also built a fourth generation since 2022. The controllers below list the generations they support.
| Controller | Generations | Sold as |
|---|---|---|
| CANTCU | Gen 1 · Gen 2 · Gen 3 | CAN-based. Pre-made harness or unterminated, with CANformance and xHP tuning and flash options. Dodge TCUs can be flashed to BMW software. |
| Turbo Lamik | Gen 1 · Gen 2 (Gen 3 on a substituted Gen 2 TCU) | Direct control. A full kit: modified TCU, PCB and harness, wired directly to the solenoids and sensors. |
| MaxxECU | Gen 1 only | CAN-based. A TCU alongside your engine management (the Mini is the popular choice), or one ECU for the engine and the 8HP together. |
CANTCU
OEM-style launch control, easy installation, wide compatibility, good instructions and support. Excels at OEM-level drivability with some race features.
Turbo Lamik
Trans-brake and virtual clutch pedal for drift setups. Suits race builds that need a high level of control with few restrictions. Well established, with good support and community.
MaxxECU
Trans-brake launch control, CAN integration and much more. Strong value for race builds, with extensive support, wiki and community.
Installing one depends on the controller and what comes with it. Some have plug-and-play harnesses; others need intermediate to advanced wiring to build your own. Check the controller maker's website and talk to your installer or tuner before you buy. Other 8HP controllers exist, such as Sound German PCS; we don't stock them, but we're happy to talk one through.
| Controller | Runs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Stock BMW Gen 2 TCU | 6HP28 (GA1) · 6R80 with internal changes (GA2) | 03/2007+ Gen 2 6HP28 / 6HP26 TCU. Coding and a custom tune, no extra wiring. |
| US Shift Quick 6 | 6R80 · 6HP28 built with 6R80 internals | Standalone. Basic to intermediate wiring and computer skills. |
| US Shift Quick 10 | 10R80 | Standalone, for the 10R80 custom order on GA2. |
| Controller | Shifters it supports |
|---|---|
| CANTCU | The widest range: BMW F-series, G-series and F90 M5 8HP selectors, BMW DCT and SMG shifters, the A90 / MKV Supra, Dodge stick and police column shifters, Jeep Wrangler, Jaguar Land Rover sticks and knob, sequential shifters like the DCT, CAN keypads and universal DIN / CAN shifters. Full list on the CANTCU wiki. |
| Turbo Lamik | BMW F-series (10- and 8-pin), G-series / Supra 10-pin, Dodge and Land Rover selectors, plus the DCT sequential. |
| MaxxECU | BMW F-series and Dodge. Anything else needs custom CAN integration. |
BMW F-series and Supra shifters
Our shifter adapter fits the BMW F-series base or sport electronic shifter (both with the 10-pin connector at the front) and the A90 / MKV Supra shifter. On our BMW 8HP kits (GA4, GA6) the adapter also fits the G-series. We can add a pre-sourced, good-condition shifter to your order.
DCT sequential shifter
Four models: the 270GT, 290GTE, 390GT and 390GTE. GT has a silver base with a black aluminum handle; GTE has a black base with a carbon or Kevlar handle. Build-your-own handle versions are also available, and a gated shifter version is on the way.
On E9x, E8x and E6x they come with the matching base plate, which takes the place of the F-series shifter adapter. Check stock with us before you order.
Any other shifter needs a different shifter adapter for the chassis. The MK4 Supra kit has its own adapter for an automatic or manual tunnel. Ask us before you buy one.
Still deciding? Tell us your engine, transmission and goals and we'll help you pick.