You would want to get a trans that was bolted to a similarly powered engine otherwise it wont last, plenty of BMW's and i think Volvo's that may have a trans to suit.
I'd be happy with a 5spd auto for a better spread of ratio's.

 

Yes you are correct. But I find it hard to believe that a ZF was used in anything with less power

I figure dispite the obvious shifting issue, which might be helped if the donor uses a TBS?
The hard part would be to find a donor with the same bolt pattern as the ZF 22/24 so the old bellhousing can be used.
And finding one with same approximate length and out put shaft. Possible might not be bad if it was longer, might eliminate the need for a double cardon joint?
I like the feed back thx

 

If zf are anything like other suppliers the core case will be the same and they just bolt on a bell housing to suit the motor being used, theoretically it should almost be a bolt in job.

 

I would agree in some instances, look at the 22 and 24.

The problem with that theory as i see it is the addition of more gears, will have an effect on the case. Add to that the changes in what its being bolted in and you could have a very different beast.

 

If it was easy some one would have done it .the one thing that makes the 22/24 stand out is the engine bolt pattern, now knowing it is removable it opens up opinions.

I figure if it ends up longer in overall length it may not be the much of a deal breaker.I meen it's not like buying a custom drive shaft is unheard of on a rover.

Please continue I would like to be as armed as possible before trying to ask silly questions on a ZF forum, you people are used to it

 

Clarification of whether the 4HP22/24 bell housing to case bolt pattern is the same would be the first step. Same pattern shouldn't be taken as a given.
......

 

if they had different ZF bolt patterns that just opens up even more possible donors.

before everything became electronic the big issue with a tranny swap was always what are you going to use for an adaptor plate.

we know the bell housing will mate with the buick/rover side and "assuming" there is another ZF with that pattern, one would think they would bolt together.

 

The pattern is the same.

 

thank you sir