GearMotive BMW ZF H-Pattern Dogbox
The GearMotive BMW ZF H-Pattern Dogbox is a heavy-duty 5-speed competition gearset designed for BMW ZF S5D transmissions used in applications such as the BMW M3, 325 and a range of other performance and motorsport vehicles.
Built around the original ZF transmission architecture, the GearMotive conversion combines extremely strong dog-engagement gearing with a completely reworked shift mechanism to provide fast, positive and reliable H-pattern gear changes.
The gearset can be fitted to a range of BMW ZF housings and can also be adapted to many other vehicle and engine combinations using aftermarket adapter plates or modified bellhousings.
High-Power Motorsport Capability
For higher-powered applications, GearMotive offers an HD countershaft and input shaft package designed for vehicles producing more than 500 hp.
The HD gearset has been used in demanding drag and drift applications at power and torque levels of approximately 1100 hp / 1100 Nm, demonstrating the strength of the platform in high-load motorsport use.
Stronger Shift Mechanism
The original shift mechanism is extensively redesigned and rebuilt to improve rigidity, strength and shift accuracy.
The clutch/input shaft is also stronger than the standard component and can be manufactured with alternative spline configurations to suit different clutch and engine combinations.
Dogbox Features
- 5-speed H-pattern dog-engagement gearbox
- Re-designed heavy-duty shift mechanism
- Patented design to improve power-handling capability
- Extremely strong competition gearing
- Fits OEM ZF housing with minor modifications
- Dogleg shift pattern
- Alternative input shaft spline options available
- Suitable for adapter plate and custom bellhousing installations
Compatible ZF Housings
The GearMotive dogbox gearset is designed for:
- ZF S5D-260
- ZF S5D-280
- ZF S5D-310
- ZF S5D-320Z
Ratio Set 1 — Rally / Circuit
Designed with a longer first gear and closer spacing between ratios, making it well suited to rally and circuit racing applications.
- 1st: 2.23
- 2nd: 1.71
- 3rd: 1.38
- 4th: 1.16
- 5th: 1.00
Ratio Set 2 — Drift / Drag / Rallycross
Designed with a slightly shorter first gear and larger ratio drops to suit high-power applications.
- 1st: 2.73
- 2nd: 1.83
- 3rd: 1.42
- 4th: 1.16
- 5th: 1.00
Choosing the Right Ratio Set
The two available ratio sets allow the ZF dogbox to be configured for very different types of motorsport.
InGear Performance can help determine the most suitable ratio set based on your engine power band, final drive, tyre size, vehicle weight and intended competition use.
For rally and circuit applications, the closer-ratio set can help keep the engine within its optimum RPM range, while the alternative ratio set is better suited to the demands of drift, drag and rallycross competition.
Talk to InGear Performance
The GearMotive BMW ZF Dogbox is a strong option for drivers wanting to retain a traditional H-pattern transmission while gaining the speed, strength and durability of a modern dog-engagement gearbox.
Whether you are building a BMW-based competition car or adapting the ZF transmission to another engine and chassis combination, InGear Performance can assist with gearbox specification, ratio selection, input shafts, adapter solutions, clutch configuration and installation engineering.
Contact InGear Performance to discuss your vehicle, engine output and motorsport application.
