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I currently own a 2002 C5 Corvette, base model hatch back, and i need to replace my transmission. My question is about the differents between the Z06 automatic, and mine. Would it be worth upgrading to this transmission, or just find a new one.
There is no automatic Z06. ALL C5 Z06s have a manual six speed transmission. The transmission itself is the same M6 transmission that is in the base or vert manual cars. Although I believe the Z06 does have a different gear ratio in the differential. It is possible to covert an automatic into a manual. However, there is no advantage to having one from a Z06 vs a base model manual. However, if you do want to upgrade to a better transmission (either automatic or manual) I would reach out to RPM transmission. They can take care of whatever you need.
The Z06 manual trans M12 has different gear ratios than the standard base models.
Changing out to a manual would be a bit of a project. You also have the option of having a tuner adjust your shift point and firmness giving the car a more aggressive feel; a far less expensive proposition.
There is no base model in C5s. Coupe, Vert, FRC, and Z06,
The FRC was meant to be the cheapest C5, and really it should be considered the "base" model, how people came to associate base with the coupe I have no idea.
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Just spring for a new tranny and if in the budget, go for one that has been upgraded over the stock unit. A change in rear gearing would go well with the new tranny.
I am thinking that your car is an auto transmission, commonly referred to as an A4, technically the 4L60E transmission. As noted above the Z06 did not come with an auto (A4).
If you are wanting to install a stronger A4, there are a number of vendors who make strong A4's:
The M12 has tighter gear ratios which make it handy for cone and road courses as you can maintain your power band and almost never have a wrong gear. You could also look at it from the perspective of GM being cheap..... and instead of changing the final ratio in the rear end they just reused the same 3.42 but changed the transmission gearing such that the MN12 delivers gear ratios similar to if you had installed a 3.73 or 4.10 ring and pinion set. The MN12 was rated to 450tq and came with straight cut gears while the M6 was rated to 400tq and had normal axial cut gears.
Then I don't mind having sold mine to Connor Triest so much now to go into his twin turbo car before he sold it. Pic from before he painted hot and cold sides red and blue, which seems to be a well known picture.
C5 Transmission question.
