ZR51 Performance By Bill Boudreau - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

dnobull · 10-11-2018

We Trailered our #180Z to Cave Creek Az just north of Phenox 1300 miles each way. Bill Boudreau is a former Aerospace Engineer & ZF Transmission Genius. The work he does to re manufacture the ZF Transmission is beyond anything done in the industry. When you get your car back you have the original transmission but it has been blueprinted by Bill's touch. He actually uses a micro hand grinder to touch the tips of every tooth in the transmission to shave off any imperfections. This is a very tedious process and takes several days to a week. The result is that he eliminates most sources of metal from ever being shaved off during shifts into the transmission oil. He matches all the springs for shifting so that those 3 gear shifts are never missed. The spring load allows you to just push the shifter from 2nd to 3rd with the palm of your hand to land perfectly in the 3rd gear slot.

I have many videos of his work if anyone wants to see the details.

The cost is more than you would pay for a new transmission but you get the best that can be had in a ZF 6speed transmission.

Dave Noble
1993 40th anniv 0180

32valvZ · 10-11-2018

Bill has also gone through my ZF.... Fortunately the previous owner of my car bared the expense of it... but Im the lucky one to reap the rewards of having a ZF that shifts like a high quality bolt action rifle!

Paul Workman · 10-12-2018

I concur.

The ZF in my previous (base) 95 Vette shifted with butter-smooth action. Hard to describe: luxurious is about as close as I can get!

My Z's 5th gear has always had issues. Once the trans is warmed up, it seems to shift better IF I shift into 5th gear gently. Otherwise? CRUNCH!

I need to have the maestro lay hands on it.

Karl · 10-12-2018

Quote:

Originally Posted by Paul Workman

I concur.

The ZF in my previous (base) 95 Vette shifted with butter-smooth action. Hard to describe: luxurious is about as close as I can get!

My Z's 5th gear has always had issues. Once the trans is warmed up, it seems to shift better IF I shift into 5th gear gently. Otherwise? CRUNCH!

I need to have the maestro lay hands on it.

I have a spare zf6 I've been meaning to send his way.

If you ship yours let me know maybe we can save on the freight charges.

Or if anyone is heading to AZ let me know!

JThomas · 10-12-2018

Bill built the transmission currently in my '91 ZR-1. I now have approximately 3,000 miles on the transmission without any problems. I also have his shorter shifter, which is precise and functions with ease. I used his shifter in my '92 as well. Bill was very good to work with as well.

George Maz · 10-13-2018

Early build black tag cryogenic treatment Bill Brodreau trans recently installed in my '90 #1727 car...works great.
And a spare Bill Brodreau trans (never used) on the shelf, should I ever need it.

I have available a 38,000 mile Black Tag if someone wants it. I had put 5000 miles on it before the swap, no issues.

Also have a broken trans if parts are needed (Reverse spline failure)

NOS Blue Tag if someone wants it for their 93-95 cars.

Keep in mind Bill Brodreau is also the go to guy for Master & Slave cylinder, taking over Jim Jandack's stock. He is knowledgeable with Clutch & Flywheel, helped me figure out why my new SPEC 3+ clutch sucks, probably going back to stock Valeo soon.
FYI ...Fidanza 3.2 4-puck clutch didn't last 5k-10k miles before slipping at WOT.

FU · 10-13-2018

There is nothing like a BB transmission. Once I drove a ZR1 with the BB transmission it was soo nice we sent my transmission right out to Bill for the full cryo and blueprint treatment with oiling mods.

PhillipsLT5 · 10-13-2018

I drove my Bill B trans rebuild from previous owner aprox 55,000 miles, lots of high speed events, was still great at 85K, keep changing fluid, keep seat forward enough to get full clutch engage

93RubyZ · 11-02-2018

Bill put in a new clutch for me several years ago. It was just a clutch, but gosh it felt like a new car when I got it back. Bill is highly recommended by me!

Meanmyz · 11-03-2018

I have some issues with the ZF in my '96 Grand Sport (were there when I bought the car). Anyway I am taking the car to Bill this next spring to have him work his magic. This is 1600 miles away. ...Some things are worth it. I can't wait until spring!

10-11-2018	#2
32valvZ Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 1,071	Re: ZR51 Performance By Bill Boudreau Bill has also gone through my ZF.... Fortunately the previous owner of my car bared the expense of it... but Im the lucky one to reap the rewards of having a ZF that shifts like a high quality bolt action rifle! __________________ [B]1990 #2815[/B] [COLOR="Red"][B]Red/Red[/B][/COLOR] Ported Plenum & IH (by Pete) Haibeck Chip Rebuilt FPR (by Phil) FIC Injectors Watson LT Headers 3" Stainless Works exhaust Lingenfelter Open Air Lid Bill B Built Transmission Shifter & C Beam Plates [FONT=Impact][COLOR=red]1992 [COLOR=black]#[/COLOR] 091[/COLOR][/FONT] [FONT=Impact][COLOR=#ff0000]Red/[COLOR=silver]Gray[/COLOR][/COLOR][/FONT] [B]SOLD[/B]

10-12-2018	#3
Paul Workman Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Squires (near Ava MO in the Mark Twain N'tl Forest) - Missouri Posts: 6,493	Re: ZR51 Performance By Bill Boudreau I concur. The ZF in my previous (base) 95 Vette shifted with butter-smooth action. Hard to describe: *luxurious* is about as close as I can get! My Z's 5th gear has always had issues. Once the trans is warmed up, it seems to shift better IF I shift into 5th gear gently. Otherwise? CRUNCH! I need to have the *maestro* lay hands on it. __________________ Good carz, good food, good friendz = the best of timez! 90 #1202 "FBI" top end ported & relieved Cam timing by "Pete the Greek" Sans secondaries Chip & dyno tuning by Haibeck Automotive SW headers, X-pipe, MF muffs Former Secretary, ZR-1 Net Registry

10-12-2018	#5
JThomas Join Date: May 2008 Location: Okemos, MI. Posts: 1,186	Re: ZR51 Performance By Bill Boudreau Bill built the transmission currently in my '91 ZR-1. I now have approximately 3,000 miles on the transmission without any problems. I also have his shorter shifter, which is precise and functions with ease. I used his shifter in my '92 as well. Bill was very good to work with as well. __________________ Joe Thomas Corvette Club of Michigan NCRS-Michigan Chapter Member NCM Master Ambassador NCM Lifetime Member Former NCM Board Member 1991 ZR-1 Melon Copper Metallic/Black 1992 ZR-1 Bright Red/Black (Sold) 1995 ZR-1 Bright Aqua/Gray (Sold) 2012 ZR1 Super Sonic Blue / Dark Titanium

10-13-2018	#6
George Maz Join Date: Dec 2014 Location: Long Island, NY Posts: 295	Re: ZR51 Performance By Bill Boudreau Early build black tag cryogenic treatment Bill Brodreau trans recently installed in my '90 #1727 car...works great. And a spare Bill Brodreau trans (never used) on the shelf, should I ever need it. I have available a 38,000 mile Black Tag if someone wants it. I had put 5000 miles on it before the swap, no issues. Also have a broken trans if parts are needed (Reverse spline failure) NOS Blue Tag if someone wants it for their 93-95 cars. Keep in mind Bill Brodreau is also the go to guy for Master & Slave cylinder, taking over Jim Jandack's stock. He is knowledgeable with Clutch & Flywheel, helped me figure out why my new SPEC 3+ clutch sucks, probably going back to stock Valeo soon. FYI ...Fidanza 3.2 4-puck clutch didn't last 5k-10k miles before slipping at WOT. __________________ 1990 ZR-1 #1587 1990 ZR-1 #1727

10-13-2018	#7
FU Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Found Member Posts: 4,346	Re: ZR51 Performance By Bill Boudreau There is nothing like a BB transmission. Once I drove a ZR1 with the BB transmission it was soo nice we sent my transmission right out to Bill for the full cryo and blueprint treatment with oiling mods. __________________ Frank Urbo. NCM Lifetime member # 982 Registry Founding # 237

10-11-2018	#1
dnobull Join Date: Feb 2017 Location: Raymore MO Posts: 43	ZR51 Performance By Bill Boudreau We Trailered our #180Z to Cave Creek Az just north of Phenox 1300 miles each way. Bill Boudreau is a former Aerospace Engineer & ZF Transmission Genius. The work he does to re manufacture the ZF Transmission is beyond anything done in the industry. When you get your car back you have the original transmission but it has been blueprinted by Bill's touch. He actually uses a micro hand grinder to touch the tips of every tooth in the transmission to shave off any imperfections. This is a very tedious process and takes several days to a week. The result is that he eliminates most sources of metal from ever being shaved off during shifts into the transmission oil. He matches all the springs for shifting so that those 3 gear shifts are never missed. The spring load allows you to just push the shifter from 2nd to 3rd with the palm of your hand to land perfectly in the 3rd gear slot. I have many videos of his work if anyone wants to see the details. The cost is more than you would pay for a new transmission but you get the best that can be had in a ZF 6speed transmission. Dave Noble 1993 40th anniv 0180

10-13-2018	#8
PhillipsLT5 Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Scottsdale, AZ Posts: 2,450	Re: ZR51 Performance By Bill Boudreau I drove my Bill B trans rebuild from previous owner aprox 55,000 miles, lots of high speed events, was still great at 85K, keep changing fluid, keep seat forward enough to get full clutch engage

11-02-2018	#9
93RubyZ Join Date: May 2006 Location: Texas Posts: 307	Re: ZR51 Performance By Bill Boudreau Bill put in a new clutch for me several years ago. It was just a clutch, but gosh it felt like a new car when I got it back. Bill is highly recommended by me!

11-03-2018	#10
Meanmyz Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Springfield, Minnesota Posts: 444	Re: ZR51 Performance By Bill Boudreau I have some issues with the ZF in my '96 Grand Sport (were there when I bought the car). Anyway I am taking the car to Bill this next spring to have him work his magic. This is 1600 miles away. ...Some things are worth it. I can't wait until spring!