Are you on the hunt for a new transmission? If you enter T56 into a parts search engine, you may get back a wide array of part numbers. Is there more than one T56 transmission on the market? Our FAQ can help you better understand what T56 will best fit your ride or if you should look at a new Magnum or TR-6060 option.
What is the T56 Transmission?
If you owned an American sports car built in the 90s and early 2000s, it likely had a T56 transmission. The manual six-speed transmission made its debut in 1992 on the Dodge Viper. Each vehicle that used the T56 had its own shifter location, but the gearing was the same between Chevy, Ford, Pontiac, and even Aston Martin.
You can still buy a new aftermarket T56, even though it retired from new car showrooms in 2008. TREMEC now offers the T56 Magnum and TR-6060 that carry on its reputation for durability and performance.
Who Built the T56 Transmission?
The original T56 launched in 1992 on the Dodge Viper and was produced by Borg-Warner. In business since 1928, the company specialized in parts and supplies for automotive manufacturers around the world.
They sold off the rights to Tremec in 1998, which continued to produce the T56 for another 10 years. The transmission was so popular and durable, that Tremec updated the T56 design and launched the T56 Magnum and the TR-6060 in 2009.
What Cars Featured a T56 Transmission when New?
As the T56 proved to be the perfect match for big muscle in a wide range of applications, a variety of automakers placed ordered it to use in their performance street cars.
- 1992 to 2007 Dodge Viper
- 1993-2002 Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird
- 2004 to 2006 Dodge Ram SRT10
- 2000 to 2004 Ford Mustang Cobra
- 2004 to 2006 Pontiac GTO
- 2204 to 2007 Cadillac CTS-V
- Chevrolet SSR
- Aston Martin V12 Vanquish
Corvette made a few minor changes and added them to the C5 and C6 platforms from 1997 to 2007. Other applications include the Aston Martin DB7 Vantage and Holden Commodore.
What is the Difference Between a Magnum and Standard T56 Transmission?
If you think a rebuilt T56 will easily replace your worn-out T56 Magnum, you might need to keep looking. A standard rebuilt T56 transmission, for example, is this. The Magnum features a triple-cone design, instead of the original double cone. The triple cone is used for 1st and 2nd gear when the rest of the gears are housed in just a double cone. The Magnum offers an extra position for the shifter and provides for more flexible mounting points. The synchronizer was redesigned, allowing for more room between the gears.
They are not immediately interchangeable, but many vehicles can be retrofitted to accept either transmission.
Do Corvettes Use the Same T56 Transmission?
Corvette made a few tweaks to the T56 to better suit their particular machine. The Corvette version uses an alternate mid-plate. The tail housing is also engineered to bolt onto the rear end housing. The gearing and shift patterns remain the same. You can order a standard T56 Magnum and a few adapters to install it into your vintage Vette.
Are the T56 and TR-6060 the Same Transmission?
The TR-6060 was developed by Tremec for use in performance race cars. As such, it features beefier elements able to withstand up to 700 horsepower when blistering a quarter-mile run at the dragstrip. Launched in the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500, the designers focused on improving torque and reducing shift travel. The TR-6060 can be a smart choice for heavy-duty trucks looking to do a lot of towing. Like the Magnum, switching from an original T56 to a TR-6060 can be done with a few adapter parts.
What is the Difference Between the LT1 and LS1 T56 Transmission?
LT1 and LS1 refer to GM small-block engines. Both were fitted to the T56 transmission in a variety of rides. However, there are some differences between the two types. The LS1 T56 features a longer housing for use with an appropriate main shaft. There is a different front plate, clutch, and bell housing, too. There are conversion kits sold that make the swap easier.
Matching Codes is the Best Bet for a Fast T56 Transmission Install
What kind of TR56 is under your classic sports car? The best way to determine if you have an original or aftermarket version is to check the tag bolted to the side of the housing. Check the codes against available rebuilt or new aftermarket transmissions for compatibility and proper replacement. Make sure to check for conversion kits to make your swap seamless and stress-free.