Adapter plate or welded bellhousing? A third option

Get a quote

Z-SEQ-5 Sequential Gearbox

The proven GearMotive Sequential has evolved.

The new GearMotive NG-SEQ-5 Sequential combines our proven 5-speed sequential dogbox with a completely redesigned front housing, modular bellhousing system, upgraded shifter and advanced electronics.

At the heart of the NG-SEQ-5 Sequential is a new approach to engine fitment. Instead of relying on conventional adapter plates or permanently welded bellhousings, we have developed our own modular solution that combines the best features of both.

The result is one strong, compact and versatile sequential gearbox platform that can be adapted to multiple engine configurations.

One gearbox. Multiple engines. Built to race.

GearMotive NG-SEQ-5 sequential gearbox with modular bellhousing and engine fitment
GearMotive NG-SEQ-5 Sequential with the bellhousing and engine fitment installed.

A new approach to engine fitment

Traditionally, fitting different engines to BMW ZF-based transmissions has required either an adapter kit or a welded bellhousing.

Both solutions come with compromises.

Conventional adapter plates increase the distance between the engine and transmission, often requiring additional changes to the flywheel and clutch setup. Welded bellhousings provide a more compact solution, but permanently modify the housing and can make future repairs or changes more complicated.

The NG-SEQ-5 Sequential introduces a different solution.

Our new low-profile, bolt-on bellhousing system allows the transmission length and input shaft position to be matched to different engine and clutch configurations without permanently welding the bellhousing.

The system combines the new short GearMotive front housing with a compact bellhousing section and an engine-specific adapter. By changing the adapter and matching the bellhousing depth to the application, different engines and clutch setups can be accommodated while retaining the same core gearbox and input shaft.

Unlike a conventional adapter plate added between the engine and a complete gearbox bellhousing, this solution keeps the overall package compact and maintains the correct clutch and input shaft geometry.

The result is a bolt-on solution that combines the compact packaging of a welded bellhousing with the flexibility and serviceability of a modular system.

This gives you the compact packaging advantages of a welded solution with the serviceability and flexibility of a bolt-on design.

The first engine-specific fitments will be available for BMW M50, Toyota JZ and GM LS engine families – with more to come. The modular platform has been designed to support additional engine configurations as the NG-SEQ-5 Sequential range continues to expand.

Removable engine fitment beside the NG-SEQ-5 bellhousing and input shaft
Engine fitment removed from the bellhousing, showing the modular front-end construction.

One gearbox platform

A major advantage of the new design is standardisation.

Different engine installations can use the same core GearMotive gearbox and standard input shaft configuration, while the engine-specific fitment is handled by the modular front-end components.

This makes the complete system simpler to maintain and service – especially in motorsport, where spare-part availability can make the difference between continuing a race weekend and going home.

Instead of building numerous gearbox variations around different input shaft lengths and modified OEM housings, NG-SEQ-5 creates one common gearbox platform. Gearset components are fully compatible across the models, enabling efficient servicing and allowing parts to be shared and utilised between different gearbox configurations. This common component architecture ensures excellent serviceability, simplifies spare parts management and helps minimise downtime – especially in demanding motorsport use.

Stronger by design

The new front housing is not only about fitment.

Its completely redesigned structure has allowed us to significantly reinforce both the gearbox housing and bearing support compared with the previous OEM ZF-based front housing solution.

This creates a stronger foundation around the same proven GearMotive sequential transmission technology.

GearMotive NG-SEQ-5 core gearbox and input shaft without bellhousing
The core NG-SEQ-5 gearbox without the removable bellhousing and engine fitment.

Flexible installation

The modular bellhousing design also gives builders more freedom when positioning the transmission.

Depending on the application, the gearbox can be installed at different rotational angles, allowing the drivetrain installation to be optimised for the vehicle rather than forcing the build around one fixed gearbox position.

With the BMW M50 fitment, the NG-SEQ-5 Sequential retains the familiar bolt-on concept for replacing the standard ZF gearbox – making it a straightforward upgrade without unnecessary modifications to the existing drivetrain setup.

The new modular design also offers three different gearbox installation angles, providing greater flexibility for different vehicle and drivetrain configurations.

Serviceability has been considered from the start. When removing the gearbox, the engine-specific adapter – including the starter motor – can remain installed, making gearbox removal faster and easier. Alternatively, the complete bellhousing assembly can be left attached to the engine together with the clutch release system, allowing only the gearbox itself to be removed.

This makes routine servicing, gearbox changes and trackside maintenance significantly quicker and more straightforward.

Our prop shaft adapters can also be used to increase the output flange size and adjust the overall transmission length when replacing larger OEM ZF gearbox configurations.

BMW M50 modular engine fitment viewed from the front with installation angle markings
BMW M50 engine fitment with mounting positions for 0°, 20° and 30° gearbox installation angles.

Keep more of your existing setup

Where possible, the new bellhousing system allows existing flywheel and clutch configurations to be retained, reducing the number of specialised components required when changing to a sequential gearbox.

The system supports BMW OEM-style clutch forks as well as Tilton and other hydraulic release bearing solutions.

The result is a more straightforward drivetrain package without the unnecessary stack height often created by conventional engine adapter kits.

What stays the same: the proven gearset

While the front-end architecture is new, the core transmission retains the features that have made the GearMotive Sequential successful in drifting, rally, circuit racing and other demanding motorsport applications.

The proven GearMotive gear design remains at its heart, including the direct 1:1 fifth gear. When running in fifth, power is transmitted directly through the gearbox, reducing internal drivetrain losses and component loading. The box also is a lot quieter when driving in direct fifth gear.

Two ratio sets continue to provide configurations suited to different motorsport disciplines.

Strain gauge in the shift knob: how the new shifter works

NG-SEQ-5 also introduces the next generation of the GearMotive Sequential Shifter.

The redesigned shifter is lighter and features an integrated self-centering mechanism for easier and more reliable installation. The strain gauge has now been integrated directly into the shift knob, making servicing, retrofitting and installation on other shifter applications significantly easier.

The new shift knob is extremely lightweight, and both its mechanical construction and visual design have been carefully refined to integrate seamlessly with the GearMotive shifter while also making it suitable for use with other shifter designs.

The shifter height can also be adjusted with an optional extension piece, allowing the lever length and driving position to be tailored to the application and driver preference.

The complete shifter kit includes the required rod ends, threaded rods and linkage components, with components prepared for straightforward assembly.

Correct setup is easy to verify: with both the gearbox and shifter in neutral, the linkage can be installed with both mechanisms in their standard positions. Equal free play in both directions provides a simple way to confirm correct adjustment.

Display, controls and advanced sensing

The full-colour touchscreen provides clear gearbox information and allows key parameters to be configured directly through the display.

The system allows adjustment of parameters including:

  • Gear positions
  • Shift-cut sensitivity
  • Shift-cut duration
  • Shift-cut modes

A new standalone version of the display is also being developed, allowing it to operate independently without the GearMotive ECM. This will make the display available for a wider range of applications and installations.

The NG-SEQ-5 Sequential is also designed to support an upgraded drum position sensor located at the front of the gearbox. This more precise sensor is planned to replace the current sensor solution in the NG-SEQ-5 platform in the future, providing improved and more accurate gear position data.

Together, the shifter, strain-gauge technology, configurable electronics and evolving display and sensor options provide a highly integrated and flexible shifting system designed specifically for motorsport applications.

What the NG-SEQ-5 platform changes

NG-SEQ-5 represents the next step in the development of the GearMotive Sequential.

A stronger housing.
A modular engine fitment system.
A smarter and lighter shifter.
More advanced electronics.
The same proven GearMotive sequential gearbox at its core.

GearMotive NG-SEQ-5 Sequential – engineered to fit more, built to compromise less.


To read more details and pricing about the GearMotive NG-SEQ-5 Sequential, please visit the product page.

If you like to see GearMotive products in action, visit our videos page or social media page to check out how our customers are pushing the limits with GearMotive products.

Interested in a GearMotive dogbox?