Hi, I was wondering if anyone could tell me whether or not the C5's ever used more then two models of transmissions. I know that you could purchase them with either a 4-speed auto or a 6-speed manual, but did they have more then one model of either of them? If so, what were all of the transmission models, or codes, that were available and what were the differences? Any information youall can provide would be appreciated.

The reason I ask is becuase I am currently working on a project vehicle that will be using C5 suspension, motor, and drivetrain. I have recently come across an entire drivetrain(axle, axel housing, trans, diff, rear control arms, the whole thing) and wanted to make sure I am going to get my moneys worth. It seems like a really good deal, so ofcoarse, I'm sceptical. Anyway, thanx for your replies and information.

 

Yes, there were only 2 transmissions. However, the differential is a seperate device from the transmisson and there are different variations of those.

The A4 automatic came with a rather tall 2.73 ratio as standard, but an optional 'performance' ratio of 3.15 could be ordered. the code for this option is G92 My car has this option.
The M6 manual 6 speed came fitted with a 3.42.

The differential housing for the 3.15 and 3.42 are larger than the base model automatic.
The larger difff can accept all sorts of aftermarket gears in many different ratios. I know of no optional or aftermarket gears that fit in the smaller base model automatic differential housing.

A popular improvement is to install a much harder heat treated input shaft,

Another mod often seen is a complet external brace that reinforces the flex between the automatic transmisson and the differential, thus allowing it to hold up to much higher power. Made by DTE.

Hope this gets you started.......

If your doner car has a manula and you are not going to use it, I might be interested in helping the 3.42 differential find a new home.......

 

I can't speak to all of the changes that may have been made to the C5 transmissions through the model years. However, a different 6-speed transmission was used in the Z06 than that used in the coupe/vert. The M12 transmission was used in the Z06 and the MM6 in the coupe and vert. You can review the specs on these at the following link:

2001 Corvette Specifications (See Drivetrain/Gear Ratios)

Also the following speaks to a few changes that were made to the drivetrain/transmissions for the 2001 model year along with a little more on the M12:

Model Year 2001 Press Release - More Performance...

 

Incorrect.. The 3-series differential housings and the 2-series differential housings are EXACTLY the same physical size between each other and have *always* been this way from 1997 to 2005. Additionally, any aftermarket gear ratio available today WILL fit the 2-series differentials just fine when built properly and have *always* been this way since aftermarket gears first became available quite a number of years ago.

We have been successfully building 2-series differential conversions for 4 years now with outstanding durability and many on this board on running them to this very day.


Best Regards,
DTE

 

I understand that the synchos on earlier MN6 are different resulting in problems using synthetic oil in the earlier models.

DBD

 

A4 - automatic transmission. Enemic, sloppy shifts, horrible torque converter, extremely unlikely to survive high horsepower for long in stock form even with a DTE brace. Get an aftermarket A4, like a RPM transmission, along with a DTE brace. (see picture)

MN6 - standard manual transmission on all C5s expect the Z06. Very strong with the addition of a DTE brace

MN12 - standard manual transmission on the C5 Z06. Gearing is shorter than the MN6 giving the MN12 mated to 3.42:1 gears effective gearing the same as 3.90:1 gears in 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Very strong with the addition of a DTE brace.

 

GEE! I was wondering when someone would mention the MN12 6-speed from the Z06 that has shorter gearing and stronger internals,a perfect recipe for a project/hot rod!

Oh, BTW, can that brace be installed with the trans/diff in the car?

 

Thank you for the information. This has been, so far, very useful. Any idea what pricing normally is on the MN6 and MN12. New and used, if you can provide it. The one I'm looking at has 20K miles on it, and I beleive it is an MN6.

 

Yes it can, but it is a major PITA

 

Does anyone have any idea what I should be looking for in price?