Gearbox swap, series 3 VS auto ute. What is compatible?

[vs3]

So, I've read a few posts, but there are some contrary views.

I have a VS series 3 1999 ute with the V6 ecotec and column shift auto. The auto has died. The code on this box is 9HCD. It is the detachable bellhousing type.

The ute is not worth spending money getting the box rebuilt, so I just want to swap it with a second hand one from a wrecker. Trouble is, 9HCD boxes just can't be found.

I can get a 1999 VT 9HFD box cheap. These seem really common. But will it work with the VS series 3 ecu? What's the difference between the 9HCD and 9HFD? I gather the 9 series boxes are an upgrade from the 7HDD. I know I will have to use the bellhousing and torque converter from the VS, but if the VS converter is no good, can I use the VT converter?

In 9H?D, maybe the 'C' is for column, 'F' is for floor. If so, I guess the difference may be just in the selector?

Any advice (or experience) greatly appreciated.

 

[falcomwreck]

I have taken on a job for a cusomer, the car is aslo a series 3 VS ute, the transmission in the vehicle is a 9HDD (VT style with the removable bellhousing), I have a 8HFD and a 9HFD transmission, can someone that is in the know please tell me if either of the transmissions are compatable with the 9HDD?

I also did a search on the 9HDD, and from what i can find out, it's out of a VE commodore? strange that its in a VS if thats the case.
TIA.

 

[woteva]

9HDD will be from year 2009 ?
Not sure what HFD is ?
I know B is for V8 and C is for column shift.

Edit: 9hdd should be 1999 ?

 

[falcomwreck]

Thats what i found with my search, but in saying that it is a 1999 model VS ute.

 

[woteva]

Oops, I meant 1999.

 

[EYY]

The 'hnd' on l67 boxes signifies the slightly higher stall speed of the torque converter. So the N in this case relates to the torque converter I believe.

Afaik you'd be fine fitting a vt-vy box in a s3 vs as they had the full bell housing which is the only obstacle on the earlier vs apart from exhaust mounting.

 

[falcomwreck]

Okay, so fitting a 9HFD is not compatible, it does not select reverse. so as I suspected only a 9HDD is usable. fkn commodores and their **** transmissions!!!!
Edit: after consolting with a transmission specialist I discovered the 9HFD had lost reverse, so I fitted the 8HFD to it today, i finished late and i havent finished fully testing it but it has forward an reverse .
Just for future reference for anyone wanting to do this, the rear extention housing and the bellhousing need to be changed over from the old transmission (9HDD) also remove the park neutral safety from the side of the transmission as its not used in the ute.