T-56 Tranny Differences?

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Nov 29, 2001 | 05:36 PM

C5Cemo

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Sep 1999

Posts: 2,521

Likes: 0

From: Houston, TX

T-56 Tranny Differences?

I'm currently looking to buy a spare T-56 for my '99 FRC. I am wondering if anyone knows if a tranny originally from a Viper will work in my car? What about one out of an F-body? I know they aren't direct replacements but is there any way to modify them to work...different rear casting, etc..?
Also, is there any difference between M6's from '97-'02 Vettes that would prohibit a direct install?

Thanks

Nov 30, 2001 | 01:41 AM

davidfarmer

Race Director

Joined: Sep 1999

Posts: 12,434

Likes: 916

From: CONCORD NC

Re: T-56 Tranny Differences? (C5Cemo)

I have always wondered about the f-body and viper setup, but never tried it. I know mechanically they are the same, but I would think the mounts would be different.

The non-Z06 cars have a tighter 3-4 shift, which makes them better for some road-racing applications. However, the Z06 has a lower 1,2,3,and 5, giving them slightly better drag race times. For my kind of racing, it would be nice to have the 1-4 of the early trans with the 5th of the Z06, as the non-Z06 basically "bogs" into 5th gear at 140mph, while the Z06 trans really pulls hard.

Dave

Nov 30, 2001 | 11:47 AM

C5Cemo

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Sep 1999

Posts: 2,521

Likes: 0

From: Houston, TX

Re: T-56 Tranny Differences? (y2khardtop)

I'm coming to the conclusion that there is no easy way to get a non-C5 T-56 to bolt-in to my '99.

I'm sure I don't want an M12. They are breaking more often than M6's around here. And hearing you describe the 6 as a better roadrace tranny because of the 3rd-4th spacing brings this feeling home even more. The first time I drove a Z06 I was unimpressed with that. 1st-2nd-3rd were spaced so well then drop....mych lower rev after shifting into 4th.

My only real other concern was that I wasn't 100% sure that any M6 from a 97-02 C5 had the exact same features, or if it would require some changes to work. I've been told since that they will bolt right in.

Does anyone know about any upgrade parts for these trannies? MelloYellow has found a steel 3rd-4th gear shift fork that is available from D&D Performance for $50. Is there anything else available that I'm not aware of?

Thanks

Nov 30, 2001 | 12:09 PM

kewlbrz

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jul 2000

Posts: 7,758

Likes: 0

From: Fort Worth Texas

Cruise-In II Veteran

Cruise-In III Veteran

Re: T-56 Tranny Differences? (C5Cemo)

There was a change, i beleive in 01 for all C5 6 speeds, in some kind of coating or something on the syncros or gears.

Nov 30, 2001 | 05:25 PM

gonbad

Melting Slicks

Joined: Aug 1999

Posts: 3,452

Likes: 3

From: Spring, TX

Re: T-56 Tranny Differences? (kewlbrz)

C5Cemo,

My only recommendation is to avoid a 98 tranny. That was when they switched production from Germany to Mexico and I think some German workers were unhappy about that. The 98's seem to have a few more problems than the other years. I have a 99 spec tranny in my car now.

Nov 30, 2001 | 10:28 PM

Bill Dearborn

Tech Contributor

Joined: Oct 1999

Posts: 41,030

Likes: 9,787

From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)

Re: T-56 Tranny Differences? (gonbad)

Actually the manufacturing went from the US to Mexico. Tremac bought the rights to the transmission along with all of the production equipment from Borg Warner. The C5 differential is made by Getrag in Germany. Getrag made the 6 speed that was available in the C4s.
Bill

Nov 30, 2001 | 11:44 PM

C5Cemo

Thread Starter

Melting Slicks

Joined: Sep 1999

Posts: 2,521

Likes: 0

From: Houston, TX

Re: T-56 Tranny Differences? (gonbad)

Thanks guys. I'll be sure to stay clear of any trannies from '98 models. Transitional years are always bad news. I'd heard about the Tremec buyout but I didn't know when it happened. I got a Mexican-built tranny...Hehe

I'm really looking for one that needs a rebuild since I'm gonna beef it up anyway. Anyone know of a used one for sale, please email me...no '98's of course. :D

Dec 1, 2001 | 10:29 AM

MelloYellow

Le Mans Master

Joined: Apr 2000

Posts: 7,248

Likes: 0

Re: T-56 Tranny Differences?

Also I think the Blocker Rings & Synchros were updated sometime around '00 give or take. The newest blocker rings should be carbon lined or something. In any case, the latest GM p/n's give you the current blockers & synchros. Replace all of them during a rebuild.