Transmissions available for new model 2008 2009 C6 Z06 and ZR1 Chevrolet Corvette – Transaxle - Tranny

"The 6 speed automatic and manual Chevy Corvette transmission, tranny or transaxles. Drivetrain, Corvette gears."

Chevrolet Corvette - Getting it to the pavement pics

"The Tremec TR6060 and Hydra-Matic 6L80 proportion the power delivery on the modern Chevy Vettes"

Basically with the base C6 Corvette the buyer has the option of a 6-speed manual or 6-speed paddle-shift automatic transmission. Both models have electronic controls which strive to optimize the power transfer. All models feature lightweight but heavy duty aluminum cases. When a buyer opts for the Z06 or ZR1 performance model Corvette the only transmission available will be the manual 6-speed.

Automatic Transmissions:

Corvette Hydra-Matic 6L80 automatic transmission

Corvette Paddle Shift lever pictures - chevrolet.com

The 2008 Hydra-Matic 6L80 (MYC) six-speed paddle-shift automatic is only available in the standard Corvette coupe or convertible with the LS3 engine (no LS7 Z06 or LS9 ZR1 paddle shifts at this time). The 6L80 tranny is now also found in the Hummer H2. As mentioned the unit is compatible with advanced electronic controls. It was introduced for the 2006 Model Year Cadillac STS-V and  XLR-V, and of course the Vette. In 2007 it found its way into most of the full size GM sport utility vehicles. A very large number of all Corvettes sold are optioned with the automatic.

It is produced in Ypsilanti, Michigan.

"Driver Shift Control, on the automatic transmission available in the Corvette and Cadillac STS's and XLR's allows the driver to shift the transmission like a clutchless manual gearbox. Electronic safeguards prevent over-revving should the wrong gear position be accidentally selected."

"A 32-bit transmission control module (TCM) monitors transmission performance and compensates for normal wear in components such as clutch plates, so transmission performance remains consistent for the life of the transmission."

The automatic is claimed to trail the manual transmission by only a few tenths of a second in both 0-60 mph and the 1/4 mile.

Manual Transmissions:

Tremec TR6060 (MM6) manual - Base model and new Z06 all transmission transaxle pictures

All Tremec transmissions used in the Corvette evolved from the super sturdy Borg-Warner T-56 transmission. Earlier C6 models used the T56 as either the MN6 (GM RPO #) in the base Vette, and the T56 MZ6 which was the Z51 option.

The Tremec TR6060 (MM6) 6 speed manual is now found in the standard Corvette. It is also available with optional "higher ratio" gearing with the Z51 Performance Package (Gearing in the Z51 is nine to 14 percent shorter in the first four gears relative to the base manual). Also note that nearly the entire transmission has been strengthened for 2008.

Wider gears increase torque-handling capability

Stronger one-piece countershaft now standard on all versions

Housing strengthened to minimize flex and improve shifting

New synchronizer system reduces shift efforts

Integrated pump into front adaptor

Double-cone reverse gear synchronizer added for easier reverse selection

The transmission is claimed to be "filled for life" requiring no oil changes. The clutch also automatically compensates for wear and requires little or no adjustment for its lifespan.

Tremec TR6060 (MZ6) for the ZR1

"ZR1-specific gearing in the transmission provides a steep first-gear ratio that helps launch the car, and top speed is achieved in sixth gear – a change from the fifth-gear top-speed run-outs in the manual-transmission Corvette and Corvette Z06." [www.corvettemuseum.com]

Another shot of the ZR1 tranny

The MZ6 ZR1 tranny is the same as the base MM6 base and Z06 tranny on the exterior. This is good news for racers who want to swap out some of the internal super heavy duty parts from the MZ6 ZR1 tranny to MM6 Z06 type tranny.

The manual Corvette transmissions also feature the skip shift technology [Computer Aided Gear Shifting (CAGS)]. Often known as the 1-4 skip shift on the standard 6 speed manual. Basically this is a feature on the standard model C6, and also the Z06, that will force a 1-4 shift while leisurely motoring along. This is for fuel economy, and helps the Corvette avoid the "gas guzzler" tax.

A search for "Corvette Skip Shift Eliminator" or "CAGS eliminator" in your favorite search engine will reveal a wealth of inexpensive kits designed to eliminate this feature if you find it annoying, but check your warranty.

The ZR1 has a similar feature, but for the ZR1 it is programmed towards being in the top speed gears, and this might not be bothersome.

Older C5 Drivetrain (rear end) transaxle - transmission pictures thewarfields.com

The torque tube, rear axle and transaxle (transmission and differential) are pictured above. Engine output mounts to front visible end.  The clutch attaches to the engine normally. The drive shaft resides inside the torque tube.

Corvette Transaxle picture - gt40s.com

The transaxle pictured above is from an automatic Corvette, but for this article all C5 and C6 transaxles are very similar to the ones pictured above.

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GM Chevrolet Corvette Videos:

1000 Horsepower running through the C6 tranny on the dyno videos- at these levels it is easy to frag the stock transaxle

How not to treat the Vette transaxle! Corvette videos

[ref] corvetteactioncenter.com, corvettemuseum.com, motortrend.com, gmhightechperformance.com, wikipedia.org

 Visit the Corvette “American Metal Racing” modern muscle cars index for more information, images and videos.

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This series is dedicated to the Chevrolet Corvette C5 C6 C7 enthusiast. We include news and details on the base Chevy Vettes, the Z06, and new ZR1 SuperCar model. The LS2, LS3, LS7, LS9, a racing engine, crate motor, or hot rod tuning subject is always game for discussion. Factory stock General Motors Corvettes, the engines and options, performance and horsepower specialty tuners, and aftermarket parts to make a modified Vette the fastest or quickest are what we are all about. The main years of interest are 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010 and beyond for the GM future.

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