The T56 vs. TR6060 debate brings us to an essential part of the vehicle, the transmission system. It plays the crucial role of power relay and control, from the engine to the car’s moving part. The T56 and TR6060 are six-speed manual transmission systems.
Which is the best, how do they work, and what are their differences? These are questions that many auto enthusiasts have about the two transmission systems. The two have a close relationship that we will look at in this article.
If you want to know more about these two car components, you are in the right place. Stick on as we look at both of them.
T56 Transmission
The T56 transmission made its debut in 1992 for use on the Dodge Viper and the 1993 Camaro Z/28. However, its popularity shot up around the late 90s, courtesy of its use with LS engines. Initially, BorgWarner took charge of its design and manufacture. From 1998, Tremec took charge of the production of the T56. Tremec maintained the exact build of this transmission unit.
Some of the definitive features of the T56 include the use of a hydraulic clutch. It was present on most vehicle models, except the Ford Mustang Cobra, which had a mechanical clutch. Additionally, the T56’s case is entirely aluminum construction.
Many vehicle manufacturers relied on the T56. The vehicles are models from General Motors, Ford, Dodge, and many more. The main target was the rear-wheel performance-oriented vehicles from these manufacturers.
There is also the T56 magnum transmission unit. It is a high-end variety designed for vehicles that want to boost their horsepower. It shares some parts with the TR6060, such as the output shaft. This six-speed manual transmission can handle up to 700 ft/lbs. Of torque. With befitting modifications, this T56 magnum can handle horsepower of up to 1200.
T56 vs. T56 magnum, which one should you go for? The latter is ideal for performance-oriented cars, as it has a high horsepower and torque support value. The T56 is likewise excellent, particularly for laid-back driving.
Pros of T56 Transmission
When you decide on the T56, you will benefit from many perks, like stability. Its frame sports aluminum as its primary material. Aluminum is light and hardy, an assurance of longevity. Furthermore, this transmission unit type is affordable to acquire and maintain. Its gas mileage is reasonable.
You get a touch of this transmission system’s excellence when you try out the T56 super magnum. It gives you decent torque and horsepower values.
Cons
The main problem with the T56 unit is poor gear ratios. This requires custom-cut consoles for a proper fit. Cutting the tunnel for a proper fit can be pretty draining.
TR6060 Transmission
The other side of our discussion leads us to the TR6060 transmission. It is a derivative of the T56 transmission, featuring six speeds. There are six forward speeds and one for reverse.
The main reason for the TR6060’s conception was to deal with the shortcomings of the T56, especially on its limited torque levels. The plans for this system started coming through in 2004, making its debut three years later on the 2007 Ford Shelby GT500.
According to Tremec, the manufacturer of the TR6060, its creation borrowed ideas from the T56 and TKO models. Tremec made a significant move in 2008 by introducing the T56 magnum. Most people thought that it was a T56 upgrade.
On the contrary, the T56 magnum is closer to the TR6060 than it is to the T56. They share a lot of structural features, which results in a higher torque handling capability. This feat comes from its construction, where there is separate machining of the clutch ring and gear.
Joining these parts via laser welding does away with space wastage, as in the T56. The other modification you will notice is the diameter of the friction rings and blocker. Coupled with a three-cone configuration, the TR6060 rolls out more power.
TR6060 vs. T56 magnum, what is the difference? The two transmission units have plenty of variations. For instance, the former has one shifter location, while the latter has three locating positions for the shifter.
Pros of the TR6060 Transmission
An impressive thing about the TR6060 is its high torque and horsepower handling limit. An over-the-shelf utility can give a towing value of 600-750 lb/ft with a horsepower of around 700.
This transmission is suitable for modern vehicles when you consider its construction. It is compatible with vehicle sensors for its efficacy. In addition, it has a sturdy frame, which makes it less prone to wear and tear.
The TR6060 deals with friction in many ways. First of all, an anti-friction plunger does away with this force in the shifter system. The synchronizers feature ball struts and fine-pitch splines to reduce friction.
The synchronizer package has a design intended to reduce shift traveling. It allows for the use of larger gears, which aid in high torque handling.
Cons
This transmission unit can be quite expensive to acquire. You may also experience some resistance with the 1st and 2nd gear shifts when it is cold. The good thing is that it works well when it gets warmer.
F Body T56 vs. TR6060
The F body was General Motors’ car platform for some of its rear-wheel-drive models. The F-platform’s engine transmits power to the rear wheels. For the best experience on the road, you need a higher towing power to handle the vehicle’s weight. The TR6060 has more torque than the T56. It translates to better handling, especially on poor terrain.
T56 to TR6060 Swap
There are many reasons for going for a T56 to TR6060 swap. You may want your car to have more power due to the latter’s ease of installation. It is a simple process, and a professional mechanic can handle it on your behalf.
There are things you need to know about this swap. For instance, an unconventional transmission mount and the TR6060 use an electronic speedometer.
T56 vs. TR6060 Shifter Location
The shifter location varies depending on the transmission type you have. It is essential to know its positioning, more so if you want to swap the transmission units. You will also realize that the location relies on the vehicle chassis.
For the T56, you will realize that the shifting handle is behind the transmission. The TR6060, in some models, is around 2 inches back from the transmission, which seems more complicated. The TR6060’s -shifter may be atop a tripod-like platform, whereas you have the T56’s integrated into the bell housing’s frame.
T56 vs. TR6060 Input Shaft
By now it is obvious that the TR6060 is better in weight handling than the T56. There are several factors behind this, one of them being the structure of the input shaft. The TR6060’s input shaft has larger bearing hardware. It improves its torque management capability, as it is sturdier.
This is the same thing on the Magnum variety.
T56 Vs. TR6060: What Is The Difference?
Despite their close relationship, the T56 and TR6060 differ in many areas. The first area you will notice their variance is in their structure. While both have robust construction, the TR6060 has larger components. The larger components bring about resiliency, hence its impressive towing capability.
Furthermore, there are other structural variations between the two units, like length and incompatible shifter locations. The TR6060’s impressive feats on the road translate to a higher price than that of the T56.
How Do I Know If I Have T56 Or TR6060?
You can rely on several ways to tell the transmission type you have. You may start by structural inspection, where the TR6060 appears big, with a shifter perched on a platform resembling a tripod.
Optionally, inspect this unit, looking for a tag attached to one of its bolts. The tag contains details of the utility, like part number, manufacture, and manufacturing date. Check the part number, which will start with the letter ‘T’ most of the time.
Write the number down and confirm with your dealer to know which transmission system you have.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs
How Much Power Can A TR6060 Handle?
One of the factors to consider when getting a transmission unit for your vehicle is the power it can handle. The TR6060 has an excellent handling value of 600-750 lbs/ft. This is a great towing capacity, which can give your standard vehicle the resiliency of a truck.
What Vehicles Came With A TR6060 Transmission?
The TR6060 is a modification of the T56, designed to offer more power. Its conception began in 2004 and debuted in 2007 in that year’s Ford Shelby GT500. Other cars to feature the TR6060 are Ford Falcon, Holden Special, and Chevrolet Camaro, among many more.
What Cars Have A T56?
The T56 first came into the automotive scene in 1992, featuring in the Dodge Viper. It went mainstream in the late 1990s after Tremec took over. Some of the vehicles that run on the T56 are Chevrolet Corvette, Ford Mustang Cobra, Holden Monaro, and others. The T56 is very robust and guarantees you a great performance on the road.
How Much HP Will A T56 Handle?
The T56 is milder than its counterpart, the TR6060. It can handle up to 700 hp, though it averages around 400 hp. This is a decent value, showing off its excellence.
Who Made The T56 Transmission?
The original design and construction of the T56 transmission was the work of BorgWarner, an American automotive technology company. However, Tremec took charge of production in the late 1990s.
How Much Is A T56 Worth?
The price factor can either encourage or discourage you from getting a transmission kit. The T56’s cost is around $3500, on the higher side for a new unit. You may get cheaper versions, possibly refurbished, at around $1000.
How Much Is A TR6060 Worth?
The TR6060 is an excellent car utility, ideal if you want more pulling force. You can get a new one for $4000 to $4500, depending on the dealer. Second-hand or refurbished types are way cheaper.
Final Words
The car transmission is very significant in relaying power to the wheels from the engine for motion. In this article, we look at two popular transmission units, the T56 and TR6060. You understand that the TR6060 is a derivative of the T56.
Always remember to fill up on transmission fluid for the best service and longevity.
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