GA2 kit FAQ

BMW N54 · N55 · S55 to Ford 6R80 · 10R80

Everything about the GA2 swap in one place: the 6R80 to buy, starter work, controller options, converters, cooling and driveline, for BMW E9x, E8x and E6x.

At a glance

What does GA2 fit?#

Vehicle
BMW E9x · E8x · E6x
Engine
BMW N54 · N55 · S55. N52, N53 and F-series N55 by request.
Transmission
Ford 6R80 from the 2015–2017 Mustang 2.3L EcoBoost. Ford 10R80 is a custom order.
Controller
US Shift Quick 6 (6R80) or Quick 10 (10R80), or the stock BMW 6HP28 TCU with internal changes
Starter
OE BMW, with two modifications
Cooler lines
Ford 6R · 10R cooler adapter with PTFE line kit
Shifter
OE BMW 6HP mechanical shifter, or a Lokar 6R80 shifter

What's the difference between the Universal and Complete kits?#

Universal ($1,390) is the adapter core: the parts that join the engine to the transmission. It suits resto-mods, custom chassis and any build where you make your own mounts and plumbing.

Complete for E9x · E8x · E6x ($2,240–$2,350 depending on your choices) adds the chassis parts: upper mount bracket with a TH400-style bushing and RWD crossmember, Ford cooler adapter, PTFE line kit, 10AN-to-8AN reducers, OE cooler delete plugs and caps, the 110mm guibo adapter and guibo, and an E9x shift cable adapter. The kit page itemizes every part and price.

Can I use a 10R80?#

Yes, as a custom order. Message us to spec it; it runs on the US Shift Quick 10.

Cost & what you need

What does the whole conversion cost?#

About $3,500–$5,000+ with a stock 6R80, not including labor. It depends on the controller, tuning, coding and any transmission upgrades you choose.

That covers the GA2 kit, the transmission, accessories (cooling, mounts and the other small parts), the controller, fluid, service parts, coding and tuning.

What else do I need to finish the swap?#

  • Transmission: a 6R80 with its torque converter, from a 2015–2017 Mustang 2.3L EcoBoost
  • Controller: US Shift Quick 6, or the stock BMW 6HP28 TCU
  • 3 gallons of ATF: Hot Shot's Secret Adrenaline R-Series Speed Shift, or a similar Group IV synthetic
  • Service parts: valve body bridge and sleeve seals, connector tube seal, filter, input seal
  • Coding: Houston BMW Coding, or the BimmerGeeks ProTool app
  • Tuning: stock BMW TCU with Sutphin Tuning and the xHP flash tool, or the standalone's own software
  • Labor: DIY or professional. We support the project from start to finish either way.

The transmission

Which 6R80 do I need, and what does it cost?#

The Ford 6R80 six-speed automatic from a 2015–2017 Mustang with the 2.3L EcoBoost. A good used core runs about $200–$600; they're cheap and plentiful, and low mileage is easy to find.

How much power will it hold?#

The stock 6R80 is rated at 590 lb-ft (800 Nm) and commonly handles 600–800 lb-ft. Built with upgraded clutch packs and billet parts it can take 1,000–1,500+ lb-ft, with seven- and eight-second quarter miles on the Coyote Mustang platform.

What are the gear ratios?#

Six forward speeds, the same as the BMW ZF 6HP21 and 6HP28:

4.17 · 2.34 · 1.52 · 1.14 · 0.87 · 0.69

Engine side

What does the starter need?#

Two modifications to reuse the BMW N54 / N55 starter:

  • 1. Drill the threaded hole in the starter out to a through-hole with a 7/16" bit (a hand drill; spray lube and a bench vise help).
  • 2. Clearance the 6R80 bellhousing for the BMW starter. We provide a cut template.

Which torque converters work?#

  • OE 2.3L 6R80: about a 2,500–2,700 RPM stall
  • Circle D 245mm and 252mm Pro-Series 6R80: custom ordered and specced to your build; rare, so check availability with us

No other 6R80 or 6HP converter fits: overall height, mounting pattern and spline counts all differ. GA2 works only with the 2015–2017 Mustang 2.3L 6R80 converter (or the Circle D built for it). Stock converters can be modified for higher stall by Circle D, Florida Torque Converter, TCR of Las Vegas, Precision Hampton and other reputable converter builders.

Driveline

Which driveshafts work?#

  • OE or M3 BMW shafts: work with our driveshaft adapter after shortening, or use a shorter OE BMW shaft of the right length. We help with this.
  • Ford 8.8 and other 1350 shafts: bolt directly to the 1350 output flange from a 2011+ Ford 3.5L, 3.7L or 5.0L 6R80. That flange swaps straight onto the 2.3L 6R80 with no adapter.

Mounting & fitment

Does my stock exhaust fit?#

One optional modification is recommended for downpipe room: grind the exhaust mounting bosses on the right-hand side of the 6R80 bellhousing (die grinder or angle grinder with a cut or flap disc, carbide burr or grinding stone).

Does it work if my car is a manual, DCT or AWD 6HP car?#

Yes, but those cars need additional parts, coding, wiring and labor. Talk to us before you order.

What about the N52, N53 or an F-series N55?#

Possible by request; expect extra development work. Ask us before you buy parts.

Cooling

What do I need for cooling?#

The Complete kit includes everything except the cooler itself: the Ford 6R · 10R cooler adapter, an 8AN PTFE line kit and the OE coolant block-offs. Add the cooler core and an inline thermostat. We recommend a 19-row cooler ahead of the radiator with a 165 °F thermostat; colder climates may need 185 °F for ideal shifting. The OE cooler can be adapted, but it can't handle the heat, so we don't recommend it.

Controller & shifting

What controls the transmission?#

  • US Shift Quick 6 (6R80) and Quick 10 (10R80): standalone controllers we stock. They need basic to intermediate wiring and computer skills.
  • Stock BMW Gen 2 6HP28 TCU with the ZF 063 M-Shift valve body: needs the 6R80 partly rebuilt to swap in certain internal parts (low / reverse clutch, center support, valve body and related parts). In return you get OEM-level 6HP28 tuning through Sutphin Tuning and the xHP flash tool, with no extra wiring.

Other standalones such as the Motec M150 and HTG GCU also support the 6R80; we don't stock them.

Which shifter do I use?#

  • Stock BMW TCU: the E9x or similar 6HP automatic mechanical shifter. No wiring.
  • Standalone TCU: the E9x or similar 6HP mechanical shifter, or an aftermarket Lokar 6R80 shifter. Wiring required.

Will cruise control and steering-wheel paddles work?#

  • Stock BMW TCU: yes, with no extra wiring.
  • Standalone TCU: yes, with wiring and coding, depending on the controller.

Buying a transmission

When should I buy the transmission?#

You can buy anytime, but we recommend about 1–3 weeks before your install date. Most used parts have a 30-day money-back return period with a receipt. Inspect the transmission within those 30 days so you can return it quickly if there's a problem. The buyer usually has to return it locally or pay return freight, which can be expensive.

Where do I find one, and how can you help?#

We support every customer through this and strongly encourage you to work with us on it. Car-Part, eBay and LKQ are the most common sources. Be careful buying from individuals or anyone dealing in cash without a receipt. Ask about the return policy up front and always get a receipt.

We start with a broad search for donors that meet our criteria. With each donor's full VIN we pull its auction, sale and wreck history to check the advertised mileage and condition, and we check reviews of the yard selling it. Then we help you choose.

We can't guarantee the condition of a used transmission, but we work hard to cut the risk for anyone new to the process. Local pickup is best, though shipping is common. For freight, a business address with a loading dock or forklift, or pickup at your local freight terminal, works best. Residential delivery with a liftgate costs more, and most sellers prefer a business or terminal address.

Ordering & shipping

How does shipping work?#

Free shipping to the lower 48 states, UPS Ground, fully insured. You get the tracking number as soon as it ships. Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, international and expedited shipping are quoted on request.

Do you charge sales tax?#

Texas orders pay 8.25% sales tax.

What about import fees?#

International customers pay all customs import taxes, duties and tariffs.

What if I order the wrong part?#

Our standard return policy applies: you pay return shipping and a 10% restocking fee. Check fitment with us first and order once.

Still have a question about your build? Tell us your engine, transmission and chassis and we'll help you work out exactly what you need.

Contact us Tech Center