Types of Tremec T56 Transmissions Explained
If you’ve ever been confused about the different types of Tremec T56 transmissions, you are not alone. In this guide you will learn all the ins and outs of the T56. From the differences to similarites and everything in between, this guide will provide you with all there is to know about the T56.
Do I sink money into the T56, or is it time to upgrade to the Magnum?
The T56 is a great unit and will work for most cars. You must consider vehicle weight, power level, and usage of the car. Generally, the T56 will handle 600RWHP/RWTQ in an average-weight vehicle.
Examples:
- Fbody with 550rwhp/tq and spirited driving – T56
- LS-swapped truck w/ 500rwhp/tq and weighs 5000 pounds – TR6060 Magnum
- C6 Corvette with 900rwhp/tq – TR6060 Magnum
What’s the difference between a T56 and TR6060?
The T56 was the original Tremec 6-speed transmission which was made from the early 1990s until 2007. Then in 2008, Tremec redesigned it completely and ended up replacing the T56 with the TR6060. It has larger gears, smoother shifting synchro assemblies, redesigned shift forks, and triple-cone synchro rings throughout the unit.
What are the differences between a Magnum and TR6060?
TR6060 (non-Magnum)
- Made to fit specific ranges of years in specific vehicles
Examples include: 10-up Camaro, Challenger, 08-up Vette - Various input shaft lengths between applications
- Remote shifter setup (except Viper)
- Flanged output shaft (except Viper)
- Integrated bellhousing (with a few exceptions)
TR6060 Magnum
- Didn't come in a production vehicle
- Only available to purchase in the aftermarket as a transmission assembly, typically for use in a swap
- Universal unit which can be used on GM or Ford engines
- Input shaft lengths to match either GM or Ford
- Utilizes a separate bellhousing
What are the similarities between a Magnum and TR6060?
The majority of the internals can be swapped between the different styles of TR6060 units to a degree. The strength is the same.
What is the T56 Magnum?
That is what’s written on the box of a new Tremec TR6060 Magnum transmission. In addition, it how the transmission is marketed, which is slightly inaccurate. It’s a mystery as to why the Tremec factory continues to identify this unit as a “T56 Magnum” when it is actually a TR6060. This label often confuses people into thinking the T56 Magnum is somehow a different transmission than the TR6060 Magnum. In fact, they’re one and the same.
What do the GM and Ford Magnums fit?
These transmissions will work nicely in most street rods and swapped vehicles. It has a reversible shifter on the tailhousing, so that gives us two positions. Also, a shifter can be mounted in the forward (midshift) position, giving us a third position. The Magnum units are great for classic car projects and restomods. Unlike the GM unit, the Ford unit will fit one production vehicle with minimal modifications needed. This applies to the 1979-2004 Ford Mustangs.
What does the Magnum F fit?
This transmission is made to be a direct replacement for the 1998-2002 Camaro/Trans Am. The T56 in these cars is the most sought-after unit. Reason being is it works nicely for many swaps which require the shifter to be further back. It was 2019 when Tremec finally came out with the Magnum F.
Can I purchase a new TR6060 Magnum for any T56 car?
We can custom-build a TR6060 Magnum into almost any T56 housing to make it fit your car. This is especially convenient for the Gen 1 CTS-V, C5 Corvette, SRT10 “Viper” truck, among many other applications. It’s done on an exchange basis where we literally take a brand new Tremec Magnum, disassemble and build into your T56 case. This requires many parts to be machined since it’s not a bolt-in by any means. We’re forced to go this route since Tremec doesn’t make vehicle-specific TR6060 units as replacements for older T56 vehicles. See our Level 7 build package.
Can a production-car TR6060 be converted to a Magnum?
Almost any TR6060 can be converted to any other form, including the Magnum, as well as other production car versions.
What are the common gear ratios of the T56?
These are the most common gearsets in the T56 units. There are some slightly different ones such as the 1993 Camaro and Viper units.
94-02 Fbody, 97-04 Corvette (non-Z06)
- 2.66
- 1.78
- 1.30
- 1.00
- .74
- .50
01-04 Corvette Z06, 04-06 GTO, 04-06 SSR, 04-07 CTS-V
- 2.97
- 2.07
- 1.43
- 1.00
- .84
- .57
NEED HELP WITH YOUR TRANSMISSION?
What are the common gear ratios of the TR6060?
Below is a list of the ratios available in the Magnum TR6060 units. Although not exact, most production vehicles are the same or very similar to the ones listed below. The close ratio is the most common, but will usually have 0.74/0.50 5th/6th ratios respectively.
TR6060 Magnum close ratio units
- 2.66
- 1.78
- 1.30
- 1.00
- .80
- .63
TR6060 Magnum wide ratio units
- 2.97
- 2.10
- 1.46
- 1.00
- .80
- .63
Is it possible to change only 5th and 6th ratios in my T56?
The gear ratio is governed by the main drive ratio which is the input and countershaft tooth count. The T56, whether is a close or wide ratio, has the same 5th and 6th gear tooth count. Therefore, the only way to change the ratio is to change the entire gearset. This would get so expensive that it’s a more cost-effective option to buy a new Magnum with the correct ratios. So, yes it can be changed, but it’s just not feasible.
Is it possible to change only 5th and 6th ratios in my T56?
The T56 gear ratio is governed by the main drive ratio which is the input and countershaft tooth count. The T56, whether is a close or wide ratio, has the same 5th and 6th gear tooth count. Therefore, the only way to change the ratio is to change the entire gearset. This would get so expensive that it is a more cost-effective option to buy a new Magnum with the correct ratios. So, yes it can be changed, but it is just not feasible.
Is it possible to change only 5th and 6th ratios in my TR6060?
It is much easier to change ratios on the TR6060. This is because the majority of these units, regardless of ratio have the same 31-tooth input shaft (main drive gear). For example, the 0.80/0.63 can be swapped to 0.74/0.50 and vise-versa. These can also be independently swapped. For example, 0.80/0.50 or 0.74/0.63.
