The Chevrolet C8 Corvette is one of the best performance bargains of the 21st century. The entry-level coupe is loaded with go-fast goodies including a 6.2-liter V8 engine that cranks out 490 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, enough to get this low-slung exotic to 60 mph in the 3.0-second range. Beyond that, there’s also a limited-slip differential, standard Brembo brakes and some great in-cabin tech, all for less than 72 grand including delivery fees. But sadly, for all its virtues, there’s one critical amenity the latest and greatest Corvette does not offer.
The C8 is only available with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This critical drivetrain component plays a major role in delivering the car’s staggering performance, but no matter how good a gearbox like this is, there’s no replacement for a proper manual and three pedals. But mixing things up, the folks at transmission manufacturer Tremec have developed a standard gearbox for this generation of the Corvette… well, sort of.
An aftermarket offering that’s unlikely to ever be fitted to a C8 from the factory (but never say never!), this six-speed manual transaxle is designed for mid-engine vehicle applications made by custom car and truck builders looking to optimize the weight and balance of the machines they craft.
Rather obviously, the company noted in a media release that this new transmission is “ideal for drivers who want the control of shifting their own gears.” Based on the TR-9080 DCT already installed in the Corvette, this new transaxle maintains all of its predecessor’s mounting points and approximate exterior dimensions, so this unit should fit in spaces already occupied by the TR-9080 DCT.
Drivers can rifle through this transaxle’s six forward speeds (plus reverse, of course) via a cable-based mechanism that mounts to the side of the housing. “The aluminum case design achieves the right balance between strength and weight to handle heavy torque loads. The side-mounted cable shift mechanism provides precise, responsive gear changes,” the manufacturer noted. As expected in a modern manual, those gears are of the helical variety for added strength and greatly reduced noise compared to straight-cut gears.
Ensuring drivers have plenty of traction, this manual gearbox also incorporates a mechanical limited-slip differential, so there’s no need to spin the tires, well, unless plumes of smoke are desired. When it comes to capability, this Tremec wonder is designed to handle up to 800 lb-ft of torque and a maximum of 1,000 hp, impressive stuff. This transaxle is also ready to withstand high-winding powerplants because the gearbox is rated up to 8,600 RPM.
Transferring the engine’s torque to the transmission, this setup is designed to incorporate a dual-plate clutch. Additionally, the slave cylinder is of a concentric design, sliding over the input shaft, while this gearbox’s innards are lubricated by a separate geroter pump; there’s no splash lubrication with this fancy transaxle.
It sounds like this new Tremec gearbox is an ideal fit for the C8, but it seems unlikely GM will ever install a manual in the Corvette again. Still, the strength, packaging and smart design mean this unit could find a home in countless custom cars and trucks going forward.
Source: Tremec
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