TR6060 vs T56
 

I have been wanting a Z06 for a very long time now. As I run the numbers, I have to decide on an 07 vs an 08. That said, I just read that in 08, they have a different transmission, the TR6060. What is the difference on this one from the 07 T56?

Also, I very briefly drove my friends 07 Z06, and my impression was that 1st gear was very tall and went on a long time before I went into 2nd. All I have to compare it to in my 07 base model 6 speed with 3.90's.

there is hardly a difference none as far as driving experience goes.

The T56 has more of a "notchy" feel, and the shifter sits a tiny bit higher than the TR6060, I have owned 2 with the TR6060 and 3 with the T56, I like them both......

The gear ratios are exactly the same... the main difference is the TR6060 has a higher torque capacity. Also the throws are ever so slightly shorter in the TR6060. There have been some early '08 that have had some issues with this trans however. They can be very clunky when cold.... cold meaning until fully warmed. Some owners have Lemon lawed their cars due to this issue as it can be bothersome in cold climates.

With that said I have driven several '08 and up Z and have never felt this issue. The TR 6060 felt solid and is an upgrade in my book! Whatever car you decide on, drive it thoroughly and be sure it meets your standards!

The TR6060 has a history of having a "clunky" shift pattern when cold, particularly going from 1st to 2nd gear. After it warms up, no problem. If you check, there is a TSB about this recommending "no fix, tell customer it is normal". I don't find it to be a big problem, but I do notice it. This clunkiness may be why they changed to carbon fiber synchros in 2011.

I don't think (IMO) I would characterize this as "clunkiness", rather "notchiness" is word i would use to describe. It's especially noticeable in 1-2. And ONLY when cold. After a few minutes of driving and it warms up it's TOTALLY gone.

As someone mentioned, the synchros were supposedly changed in '11 to correct this. I personally don't have any issue with this. It does not affect the car moving....the only thing it would affect is maybe performance shifting.....but I don't think a driver would be driving the car real hard (when cold) until it's warmed up which then (notchiness feel) is a mute issue....

Personally, I own a 6060 but have also driven 'Z w/56....I did NOT notice any difference, either cold or warmed. The ratio's are same. I do NOT believe (IMO) that one is better over the other with only street driving. If your going to track, maybe one has advantage(s) over other....:thumbs:

Agree with above. Let me add, performance shifting on a road course basically never involves 1 to 2 shifts in any case. Also let me add, it is my understanding that the 6060 is more robust in terms of how much power it can manage.. in fact, isn't that why they changed the tranny, because the T56 was only marginal for that power level ?

:iagree:

TR6060 = new
T56 = old

They're both great transmissions (and thus they are found in many different vehicles from the 4th gen F bodies, to GTOs to SVT Cobras to GT500's and more) I have an 07 w/ the t56 and wouldn't consider the TR6060 an "upgrade" because the T56 has been around for much longer and has undergone many many years of hard driving in so many applications.

The notchyness is also present in the T56 if you think about it. Ever wonder why it's hard getting into 1st or 2nd sometimes when the trans is cold? Ever car I've owned/driving with a t56 is exactly the same.

owned both, both are notchy when outside temps are under 50 degrees until car is warmed up. i have an 07 but added a complete late model oem shift box, shift lever, closeout boot, outer cover, boot, and knob. shift height is 1/4 shorter on 08+ compared to 06-07 but the throw is the same. I haven't confirmed if the 2011's are the same or not.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tremec_...0_transmission

both are fine, buy the car already :)

ranger talks about shift refusals (mentioned as shift block-outs on wiki) but dirty clutch fluid will more than likely be the culprit of that.

***I sold my 08 to a fellow forum member and got the chance to sit in it after about a year of woning my 07Z. felt like the 08 had ever so slightly throws but i can't be sure. either way you can't go wrong.

Yea actually I'm having the same dilemma in regard to buying my z06, but I decided that the car is going to be all performance so I'm going for an 06 which is less quiet on the inside but also lighter weight which is what i really want, not to mention cheaper. I've already decided that i'll have to rebuild the t-56 pretty soon down the road.

Another question I'm planning on tuning my z06 for a 100 shot as soon as I get it, how far will it be before the tranny goes? cause I know nitrous gives the tranny a lot of torque to deal with.

I wouldn't call the shifting notchy when the transmission is cold. It is more like a little sluggish. On the T56s in my 97 and 03 it felt like rowing through heavy mush until the tranny warmed up a little. With the 08 I can feel the gears nibbling a little as I move the shifter slowly between 1st and 2nd. On any of them the sluggishness disappears within a mile of starting out. Just think how hard the shifting would be if they still used gear oil instead of ATF in the transmissions.

Both transmissions are easy to shift when warm with the TR6060 being a lot easier than the T56. I can shift my Z fast and easy using two fingers and the heel of my hand with just a bit of arm movement. On the earlier cars I had to use 3 fingers, the heel of my hand and a fair amount of arm movement.

Bill

also cars with the t56 trans the rear ends have clutch packs
and the cars with the 6060 the rear ends have spider gears

You have to realize that the t56 is not the weak spot of the drivetrain. You will be able to spray a 100 shot on it without any issue from the transmission. The clutch might be another story though. Just because the TR6060 is newer than the T56 does not make the t56 a sub-par transmission. The t56 is the last thing you need to worry about breaking with 100 more horsepower. Just think, you don't see people saying "oh no, my trans bit the dust!" nearly as often as "oh no! I have 250 additional horsepower and my clutch can't handle it!" or some other part.

Bottom line, the TR6060 and the T56 ARE BOTH GOOD TRANSMISSIONS AND THE T56 HAS A HISTORY WITH HIGH HORSEPOWER CARS.

Yea I understand my c5 held 650whp pretty steady with the t56 and a twin plated clutch.
My main problem is that it bothers me that my z06 will share the same tranny as a 98 f-body just bothers me a tiny bit, although i'm aware of how good the tranny is overall. If there is any difference between the older t56 and the ones in the 06z06 besides the clutch i would be delighted to know.

Now that is an interesting bit of information. Would there be any difference in strength or longevity differences between the two? Or did they do that just for reduce NVH?

Well the Corvette model doesnt have a bellhousing or tailshaft housing :lol:

But in all seriousness, unless they went with triple cone syncros like they did with the MN12 variant of the t-56 like with the c5 Z06 and the GTO, then ratio wise it may be the same.

I don't think the differences between the T56 and T6060 are enough to really warrant a change if you already ran the numbers and decided an 07 was for you.

1st gear in either car will be tall, that is just the way it is in the Z06. It is pretty cool getting to 60mph in first gear.

6060 > t56. Holds gobs more power and is like butter to shift. Im a high hp c5z guy (800rwhp) and the 6060 is what we go to when making tons of hp because it holds everything that's thrown at it and is super easy to drive/shift

That's the first time I've heard that. The clutch packs in a limited slip differential are there to make it a "limited slip."

Well maybe they used a different type of limited slip. In the 98-02 F-bodies the 98-00's used an auburn type limited slip which used clutch packs where as the 01-02's used a torsion type which didn't use clutch packs. Not sure what it did use but i know that you didn't have to add the extra additive to the gear oil to make it quiet like you did with the other limited slip unit, although it was still recommended.

we just took apart an 08 rear that broke at the track, and we found out that there was no clutch pack in there just the spider gears, come to find out only the t56 cars have the clutch pack rears

Hmmm...

This is news to me as well, I thought I had heard of some early 08's having the clunking in the rear due to the clutch packs and the updated rear lube cured the problem.

I could be mistaken though...:lurk:

If there isn't a huge difference, then why did GM make the change? Why not just wait till the next generation. Changing transmissions gives the perception that the old one's were flawed.

I believe the development of the new TR6060 was for the upcoming ZR1 which was in need of a more robust transmission. The whole Corvette line just happened to be recipients of the update.

Ive owned an 06 and an 08....I wont own another pre 08 Z, mosty for the total package not because of the t56.

Well one major reason for the change is the sheer volume of new cars that have a TR-6060 in them already. This volume alone would dictate the corvette make the transition to a TR-6060.

TR-6060 can be found in:

2007+ Mustang Shelby GT500
2009+ Dodge Challengers
2009 Pontiac G8
2009+ CTS-V
2010+ Camaro SS
2008-2010 Dodge Vipers
and probably a few others...


The TR-6060 is a better transmission, no arguement, just not THAT much better. And it certainly doesn't mean the T-56 is crap or prone to failure. It is just an updated new transmission. It isn't like the T-56s are falling apart.

If my sources are correct. The TR-6060 is rated for 600 ft-lbs, and the T56 is rated to 550 ft-lbs. Both substantially strong enough to handle stock and modified Z06s. Other differences or improvements over the T56 are:

- Reduced friction in the shifter system courtesy of a new cam and anti-friction plunger to control the side load shift detents.

- Forward and rearward shift detent grooves are broached on the front of the main-shaft with a spring-loaded anti-friction roller, for more precise control of shift detents and positive shift feel.

- Anti-friction ball struts, sintered hubs and fine-pitch splines on all synchronisers for reduced friction between components - delivering improved shift feel and reduced shift efforts.

- Wider, two piece gears with machined clutch teeth for more precise gear engagement and reduced potential for gear block-outs."


Again, based on the OPs question. He decided that his budgets fits getting a 2007, and there is no reason IMHO that the T56 should be a deal breaker if a 2007 fits his budget. The T56 is still a good transmission, it just isn't the newest transmission.

FWIW, and someone correct me if I am wrong, but the TR-6060 is some 40lbs or so heavier than a T56.

:flag:

06 Z06 differentials have "spider gears" and bronze clutches

07 up Z06 differentials have "spider gears" and carbon cluthes

09 and up Z06 differentials have the cooler pickup fitting in a new location

those are all the differences...

if you took a differential apart and it had a "torque biasing" differential, which is what I believe you are trying to say, it was installed aftermarket.

Your information is great, finally someone who gets it. You shouldn't be afraid of having a T56. I'm going to throw a cam in my already 500whp Z and quite literally the transmission (and engine) are the last things I am worried about breaking. And of course there are slightly different parts than the T56 from your 98 Fbody or your SVT Cobra.

And yes, I do believe they are physically heavier too. :cheers:

Would the ZR1 differential have the same carbon clutches as the Z06?

Which pieces in the ZR1 are billet vs. the forged pieces in the Z06?

Lastly, when you do your L-5 treatment on a ZR1 differential, do you change the clutches?

Oh, and that "cooler pick-up fitting in a new location" sure makes it PITA to put a ZR1 differential in an '08 or earlier Z06, particularly when you don't notice the difference until you go to slam everything back together :eek:

Cheers, Paul.

the T-56 should handle your car w/100 shot easily. You might take a look @ your clutch setup however...

Liter bike riders laugh at this... (They do 100+ in first...)

The ZR1 has the same carbon clutches
They have different part number springs

The aluminum and steel parts of the center rotator are billet

The spider gears are 4340

we use the ZR1 clutches in the stage 3 ZR1 differential builds

The ZR1 pinion support is stronger as well

I have owned an 06 and 08...I have had problems with both transmissions, however, I prefer the feel of the 08.

so stock the z06 has low 400ft lbs of torque and the tranny is rated to only handle 550? so with a 100 shot and some boltons and maybe a cam I would have to replace the trans????????
Also is the differential different in the various years? if so is it that big of an improvment.

Ya, but we can rev 'em to 14K and need to hit 100+ in 1st - my '05 ZX10R used to do almost 109 in 1st (NOT GPS verified) --:rofl:

This is the description of the diff in the 08 models. I got it from the Service Manual.
Getrag Differential


The vehicle is powered by either the LS3 or LS7 V8 engine. Motion is transferred from the engine crankshaft/flywheel through the driveline support, propeller shaft, assembly to either the 6L80-E (MYC) automatic transmission or the Tremec 6-speed manual transmission. The splined output shaft of the transmission drives the pinion, which in turn, rotates the ring gear and differential case assembly. The limited slip differential distributes torque/power to the rear wheels via individual axle shaft assemblies. The limited-slip differential is of a conventional separator plate and friction disc type design.
The differential housing, side covers, pinion housing, and differential case halves are constructed of cast aluminum. The internal components incorporate a hypoid gear set, ring and pinion, carrier assembly, and pinion housing assembly. The pinion is supported in a pinion housing by tapered roller bearings. The pinion is positioned rearward of the ring gear centerline.
Pinion position, ring gear position, and carrier bearing preload are determined by shimming procedures.
Each ring gear has specific setup dimensions, A1 and A2 values, stamped onto the side area of the gear. The A1 and A2 values are unique to each ring gear/pinion and are determined during the manufacturers gear/pinion noise and vibration setup and testing. The vehicle speed sensor, in manual transmission applications, detect the rotational pulses produced by the ring gear teeth and send the signal to the vehicle control module (VCM).
The differential assembly is available in 2 gear ratios. The 3.42 ratio axle is used in all manual transmission applications. The 2.56 ratio axle is standard equipment for automatic applications.
Some models have a differential lubricant pump and cooler. Oil is pulled from the sump through an external oil pipe into the pump. Oil is pumped through an external oil pipe to the cooler. The oil is cooled by dissipating heat with transmission oil returning from radiator mounted cooler.

The illustration that goes with this description clearly shows the clutch packs.

Bill

do you have the link to that illustration? the rear we took apart
had no clutches, and the shop that is fixing it said 08 and up
are not the same as 06-07:willy::willy::willy:

No, you don't have to replace your transmission. I personally know cars well over the horsepower range (and weight) on a stock t-56. Your clutch will take a poop long before your transmission even considers it. I am going to put in a cam, in addition to my bolt-ons, and maybe spray. But I also run slicks at the track which woudl cause way more stress. Again, I'm not worried about the trans, I'm worried about the clutch. You should be too. Trans = no breaking. Don't think about if you havea t56 or a tr6060 just remember regardless of which one you have, you have one of the best transmissions built. they will handle whatever you want to throw at them.

With my power, my t56 is holding 850+ rwhp and about the same amount of tq.

No problems at all.

It is probably not a fair comparison but I have just up-graded my T56 to a TR6060 Level 6 from RPM (Thank you Jeremy for the great support and advice) and all I can say is "WHAT A HUGE DIFFERENCE":rock:
It shifts so much smoother and faster than my old T56. I mean I never really had an issues with the T56 but now the shifting is noticeaby shorter and much more acurate. Also no more problems getting the rear gear in when backing out of my garage:cheers:

PS: I also got the special gearing 5th (.8) and 6th (.63) and I really like it. As I just got my car back today I will report more when I have put some more miles on it.

I love this new transmission!:cheers:

Wow! That's alot of information that sounds great! I guess buying a 2007 z06 will not be so bad?

An 07 Z06 will be just fine. Ask me how I know. :thumbs:

\wow! that's good news! so in comparison to a 2008 z06 a 2007 z06 isn't bad performance wise?

The TR6060 is more robust compared to the T56. The synchronizer keys on the TR6060 have been re-designed for less effort. Everything inside the TR is bigger except for the synchros. I have personally drove both T56/TR6060 equiped vehicles and I do like the TR6060 better. Below are some comparison pictures.

The C6 Z06 diff does have carbon clutches, BTW. Look in my sig for comparison pictures (C5/C6 Z06 diff).

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Old thread new info. Be advised that some 07 Z06s have the 6060. Mine, with a June 7 2007 in-service date, does. I’m guessing they switched the line over just prior to starting 08 production. Don’t go by year, always go by VIN.