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Hey all, I didn't realise we already had a thread on the ZF Tuning already I should have looked sorry. Anyway, I just thought I'd post up my personal experience so far with the ZF tune having been one of the first customers a few weeks ago to have it done. Here's the link to my experiences:

Agree! Yeah... me being one of those animals too!

I do understand your point and yes in context it has merit. However, it has nothing to do with the ZF tune that is now available, so I fail to see why you’re complaining when you should be celebrating? New software requires new hardware sometimes. The Xcal 1 was canned yes, sucks totally for anyone who purchased it. But you need to know why that happened... Sometime approximately in 2008/09 the USA switched of all SCT tuners here in Australia over an alleged contract breach from the first distributor, having thousands of customers & over 65 tune shops Australia wide left in the dark. Rob Herrod ''Herrod Motorsport'' has now taken the reins & rebuilt what was a total collapse of the SCT Ford tuning industry. In 2010, Rob Herrod true to his promise has provided tuners, Australia wide with an unparallel service & open table relationship with SCT in the USA which in turn have provided us ''the tuners'' with up to date software which is also why the x1 had to go... due to the constant challenge & the demands of our Ford enthusiasts with the introduction of the ZF 6 speed auto, it has SCT hard at work in developing the latest upgrades once again. Hence, the X3 was developed. It wasn't Rob Herrod's fault and he did give a special offer to all Xcal1 owners. Herrod Motorsport offered for 90 days only, from the 16th June 2010, to the end user a $200.00 factory rebate on the purchase of a new X3 tuning device. Conditions of the rebate are that it must be returned to Herrod Motorsport unlocked and be accompanied by a copy of invoice from the Supplier/Tuner from which the new X3 unit was purchased. I know what you’re saying and I agree with your disappointment, however this shouldn’t relate to the ZF Tune and its costing. It’s a completely separate topic. The situation relating to the Xcal 1 and SCT should be left in the past as much as it was wrong and totally sucks, lets move on yeah? You can’t expect a tuner to spend a day or two tuning your ZF Gearbox, testing it etc and cost you nothing? Regardless of the points discussed the benefits with this new tuning software is so worth it for ZF gearbox owners. Let’s let the people who have had it done have their say regarding its value for results.

A ZF transmission tune is completely different to an engine custom tune. They could not previously do tuning of the ZF till recently. Herrod have spent countless hours perfecting these tunes. The numerous parameters and thousands of calculations can now be accessed through the latest software, which was not achievable previously. They have done the hard work, blown up ZF gearboxes in the process to show what you shouldn’t do when tuning these babies. Anyway, the tune is separate from what you’re referring to and shouldn’t be confused with what was available. What is available NOW is a complete ZF gearbox tune! $500 (which quite possibly may drop in price over time) for the numerous changes that not only gives the gearbox a greater lifespan but I wouldn’t be surprised if it does take close to half a second off ¼ mile times. There are numerous benefits discribed in post one. As someone who has had this done, I can honestly say it is amazing how this tune has refined something we all know doesn’t need much more refining. But for those who know the areas we’d love improved regarding the ZF, it is NOW finally achievable!!!

You'll be very surprised at how the ZF tune brings new life to an already amazingly fast gearbox. From what I've felt in the differentiation of gear-changes since STD... I tend to be more confident of the possibility that it will... It immediately felt quicker, sharper & precise changes. You get a perfect run and with a faster shifting gearbox you've got a better time I say. But go for it! Would be good to see some individual results.

From what I've been told, the ZF tune could well wipe off half a second off your quarter mile time. Don't quote me on it, but I wouldn't be surprised if it is possible.

The ZF gearbox tune is completely separate to an engine tune. This is purely a Gearbox tune using the latest SCT software developed by Herrod. There are only a few tuners who have 'currently' been qualified to complete the course on tuning the ZF using the latest software, but courses are still running from week to week to provide training for all who intend to tune these gearboxes. It is a separate cost to an engine tune, therefore nothing to do with an engine tune thus it is done completely separate to tuning an engine. Presently the tune for the ZF gearbox is $500, which is excellent value for money considering the numerous changes that are made to the thousands of calculations in the gearbox. Absolutely YES! But in saying that, it all depends on how the gearbox is treated. Due to the shift patterns being lowered and holding onto gears for less time, the gearbox has less strain on it. Thus, if it's looked after and you don't thrash it about too often of vigorously then its lifetime will definitely be extended.

I suggest getting the ZF tuned through the new software that's just become available. Got mine tuned last Tuesday @ Bluepower. Once you've driven a calibrated ZF you'll never go back to STD!

Hi all ZF 6HP26 Gearbox owners, I'm pretty proud to be one of the first in Australia to have my ZF professionally tuned with the latest software from Herrod. It was done last Tuesday at BluePower and I've gotta say, I'm never going back to STD. Gear changes are sharper and shorter, no thump what so ever going down from 2nd to 1st. My brother and I took it for a road test today to play around with it and we were both immediately responsive and ecstatic to the differences in all styles of this tuned transmission. Manual mode, sports... blistering changes that felt strong but precise... even more so than this magnificent transmission as STD. The shift points between gear changes have definitely decreased therefore a quicker transition in gear changes and smooth fluent acceleration. The gear changes were sharper and quicker, even in normal [D]rive mode. This already amazing gearbox is even more responsive now but as the weather hasn't been ideal, I haven’t really been able to put it through its paces for long enough yet. This is just on first impressions... which is nothing short of extraordinary! Thanks again to Chris, Theo and Ryan at Bluepower for all the work last Tuesday and Wednesday! * * * * * * * * * * * * This is a brief point form description of the kind of effects and results that can be achieved via adjustment and calibration of the several hundred files in the transmission; -​TCM based vehicle speed limiting -​Shift schedule, which allows changing transmission shift points and how long the ​vehicle holds onto each gear in all transmission modes -​Kick-down sensitivity -​Change of shift pattern for differential gear changes -​Manual mode downshifting -​Eliminate holding second gear till standstill -​Adjust torque converter stall settings -​On-coming and Off-going clutch shift behavior for built transmissions -​Running Line Pressure for high power applications -​Shift pressure per shift event based on actual gear -​Maximum shift time and amount of slip for each shift -​All of these pressure and time/slip settings are discrete for up-shift and downshift -​Torque limits for general transmission operation -​Torque reduction for each shift event -​Maximum transmission torque capability for built transmissions -​Torque characteristic to adapt for different viscosity transmission fluids *Thanks to the fella's at Herrod for all the info and their tireless testing.*