Is a M6 trans upgrade needed
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 754
Likes: 2
From: dothan alabama
Is a M6 trans upgrade needed
I have a 99 FRC, 40,000 miles bolt ons, DTE stg 2 rea diff, and now its time for a clutch still deciding between a spec 3+ and a tex 0z700, but while everything is out IS IT NECESSARY TO BUILD THE TRANSMISSION, i would really rather spend the money for a cam upgrade but if there is a big enough risk, as in a few more months will kill the stock tranny i wont. Car is a wkend driver, drag race 25-40 runs a year on a MT et street radial no pwershifts and no launching by sidestepping the clutch, any opinions or first hand experience is greatly appreciated.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 8
From: Indian Rocks Beach FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
I'm facing the trans problem myself. The real issue is the paper blocker rings used in the 97-00 transmissions. They wear out and render the synchro ineffective. It usually starts with the 1-2 synchro first. If I were you I'd pick up a used, low mileage trans from 2001-2006. Any will bolt right in. I've seen them go for $500-$1000 in the parts section here and on that auction site. Best of luck. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,352
Likes: 103
From: In the pit, trying to love someone.
I'm facing the trans problem myself. The real issue is the paper blocker rings used in the 97-00 transmissions. They wear out and render the synchro ineffective. It usually starts with the 1-2 synchro first. If I were you I'd pick up a used, low mileage trans from 2001-2006. Any will bolt right in. I've seen them go for $500-$1000 in the parts section here and on that auction site. Best of luck.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
Likes: 9,820
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Bill
Last edited by Bill Dearborn; Mar 13, 2009 at 12:31 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 8
From: Indian Rocks Beach FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
Why on earth would you replace a perfectly good transmission? First off, 05-06 transmissions will not fit, unless it is out of an 05 NON Z51 CAR ONLY. Second, the gear ratios in the Z06 transmission are perfect with the stock 3.42 rears, but if he has 3.73s or 4.10s they are going to be too much if he does any serious modding. Third, who is to say that the used trans you buy will not have worn parts? I would pull yours and send it to RPM, or buy one and send yours back as a core. No need to go nuts, just upgrade the synchros and the 3-4 shift fork, and have them look at everything else just in case.
Last edited by Mark C5; Mar 13, 2009 at 09:13 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,266
Likes: 8
From: Indian Rocks Beach FL
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10
I agree, the Z51 trans certainly will fit with a little grinding on the torque tube to allow clearance for the oil pump. Then you can run a line to the rear of the trans or plumb in a cooler. This came from Rodney at RPM about a week ago, when I was researching transmissions
Last edited by Mark C5; Mar 13, 2009 at 09:18 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,352
Likes: 103
From: In the pit, trying to love someone.
Doesn't this also require replacing the rear K-member and lower control arms?
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Safety Car
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From: Northern Virginia
St. Jude Donor '08
I have a 99 FRC, 40,000 miles bolt ons, DTE stg 2 rea diff, and now its time for a clutch still deciding between a spec 3+ and a tex 0z700, but while everything is out IS IT NECESSARY TO BUILD THE TRANSMISSION, i would really rather spend the money for a cam upgrade but if there is a big enough risk, as in a few more months will kill the stock tranny i wont. Car is a wkend driver, drag race 25-40 runs a year on a MT et street radial no pwershifts and no launching by sidestepping the clutch, any opinions or first hand experience is greatly appreciated.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 754
Likes: 2
From: dothan alabama
Thanks for all the replies, after doing some more research by some the mentioned names above, i believe i will be fine with the stock tranny for a while as long as i control some of the variation at the track. Now i have to decide which clutch i was leaning toward the SPEC 3 + but after talking with guys at Vengence Racing i am leaning toward the Tex 0Z700...