Tremec is making a six-speed manual transaxle that uses the C8 Corvette’s eight-speed dual-clutch automatic’s mounting points so that manual-swapped C8s can be built. When the engine is turned over at 8600 rpm, the transaxle can handle about 1000 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque. Right now, we don’t know how much it will cost, when it will be ready, or who will make the software that will teach the Corvette how to use a three-pace drive. The Chevrolet Corvette always came with a manual transmission until 2020. In some models, it was the only transmission choice.That stopped when the eighth-generation car came out, which was available only with the Tremec TR-9080 DCT, an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox.It’s a great transmission that’s directly connected to the shift paddles for the best response, but it doesn’t feel as good as a manual gearbox.Tremec makes a six-speed manual transaxle that is the same size and can be mounted in the same places as the TR-9080.”Manual-swapped C8 Z06″? The new Tremec transaxle fixes the main problem, but there are still some details to work out, like the price, the release date, and how to address the other problems with a manual swap (especially getting the car to forget its fake automatic gearbox).We thought the general performance would go down since there were only six human-shifted ratios instead of eight robo-rowed ones and a mechanical limited-slip differential instead of the Vette’s more advanced electronically controlled diff, but nothing changed.The Corvettes don’t perform well.There are no clutch pedals or an ethically sound six-speed stick between the seats.Where is that going?It doesn’t bother me; someone will figure it out. The new Tremec six-speed can make about 1000 horsepower and 800 pound-feet of torque at 8600 rpm.That looks like it was built to ZR1 specs. Once that’s proven, we’ll check whether the specs are updated to include the ZR1’s 1064 hp and 828 lb-ft of torque.There aren’t many more technical details, but the transaxle is made of metal, and a gerotor pump on the input shaft cools and circulates oil. It’s important to note that Tremec’s gift to gearheads can be found in more high-performance mid-engine cars than just Corvettes. For example, the Ford Mustang GTD uses the TR-9080 DCT.”This lets a lot of people in,” says Dave Smith, head of Factory Five Racing.”We’ve got a new mid-engine car coming out, and we were going to do it anyway, but this puts it over the top.” Mid-engine manuals will not become the most popular way to get around in the U.S., but next year we want to get our hands on a brand-new manual transmission —the rarest thing ever made.
