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 600-650 hp/tq in an average-weight vehicle. The Magnum is about 40% stronger, so if you’re planning to make big power, then it’s the way to go!
Some examples:
- Fbody with 550rwhp/tq and spirited driving = T56
- Heavy LS-swapped truck w/ 500rwhp/tq = TR6060 Magnum
- C6 Corvette with 900rwhp/tq = TR6060 Magnum
What’s the difference between a T56 and TR6060?
In a nutshell, the TR6060 is a fully improved, better, stronger unit, based on the T56 design. 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. To name a few things, 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 T56 Magnum and TR6060?
TR6060 (non-Magnum)
- Made to fit specific ranges of years in production vehicles
Examples include: 10-15 Camaro, 07-14 GT500, 08-13 Vette - Various input shaft lengths between applications
- Remote shifter setup (except Viper)
- Flanged output shaft (except Viper)
- Integrated bellhousing (with a few exceptions)
T56 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 T56 Magnum and TR6060?
The majority of the internals can be swapped between the different styles of TR6060 & Magnum units to a degree. This is due to the fact that they use the same gears, synchro rings, bearings, and synchro assemblies to name a few things.
What is the T56 Magnum?
The T56 Magnum is really just a version of a TR6060 that didn’t come in a new vehicle. It’s strictly an aftermarket transmission only available from Tremec Elite Dealers. The “T56” was technically only made from 92-07 and then replaced with the TR6060 in 2008 (2007 in the GT500). This “TR6060” got was dubbed “T56 Magnum” and the name stuck. This often confuses people, leading them 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. A convenient feature is the reversible shifter on the tailhousing 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. By pure chance, the Ford unit is nearly a direct bolt-in on the 1979-2004 Mustangs. The GM Magnum F fits the 98-02 Camaro / Trans Am. The XL kits are a swap out for the 2011-2017 Coyote Mustangs’ dismal MT82.
What else does the Magnum F fit?
This transmission 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, which was a huge game-changer!
What about Chrysler/Dodge applications?
Unfortunately, Tremec doesn’t make a new Magnum transmission for Mopar. Not to worry, though, since we have the solution for that here at Texas Drivetrain Performance! These transmissions have to be custom-built since they’re no longer available. We start the process by purchasing a brand new Tremec Magnum for GM or Ford. Then, we completely disassemble the unit, as well as the old T56 transmission. Next, we modify the old T56 housing at our in-house machine shop to accept the Magnum internals. Lastly, we assemble the unit with whichever build package our customer prefers. For example, click here to see one of our most popular custom builds (for the SRT10 “Viper” truck).
Can I purchase a new T56 Magnum for any T56 car?
Absolutely! We can custom-build a T56 Magnum into almost any T56 housing to make it a direct bolt-in on your car! This is especially convenient for the Gen 1 CTS-V, C5 Corvette, and 04-06 Dodge SRT10 “Viper” truck among many other applications. It’s strictly done on an exchange basis where we 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.
Can a production-car TR6060 be converted to a Magnum?
Yes, 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
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What are the common gear ratios of the T56 Magnum/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.
T56 Magnum Close Ratio
- 2.66
- 1.78
- 1.30
- 1.00
- .80
- .63
T56 Magnum Wide Ratio
- 2.97
- 2.10
- 1.46
- 1.00
- .80
- .63
Is it possible to swap gear ratios in my Tremec 6-speed?
The gear ratio is governed by the main drive ratio which is the input shaft and countershaft tooth count. It’s not as simple as swapping out gears to obtain another ratio. With the T56, you’re pretty much stuck with the ratio that it came with. If you want to change ratios, you’ll need to swap everything 1st through 4th. This will convert the transmission from the close ratio to wide ratio and vise-versa but isn’t normally cost-effective. So, the best bet is to buy a new transmission with the correct ratios. Unlike the T56, the TR6060 (Magnum) 5th/6th gear ratios can be swapped independently.
