Anyone know if the zf trans in a 97 xk8 is the same as the zf in a 02 . Or is there some difference in the electronics?

 

All ZF 5HP24 gearboxes will mix/match in any X100/X308.

I am running a 1998 gearbox in a 2001 and I just find good used boxes to fit forward drums and valve body upgrades.
I'd advise keeping the solenoids/regulators as a matched set so if the later ones are used and one fails, use the later green ones vs the older black one.

I tried to mix/match and got DTCs until I used all of one kind or the other.

All later or all older.