If you’re a late model performance enthusiast, chances are you know about Tremec.
Along with Borg-Warner, Tremec has manufactured some of the most well known 5-speed and 6-speed transmissions ever to be used as factory equipment in modern Mustangs, Camaros, Vipers, and other performance vehicles. Tremec manual transmissions have since become solid retrofit choices for just about any rear-wheel drive car in the high performance world.
Since Tremec and Borg-Warner essentially merged in the 1990s, most of the most popular 5- and 6-speed transmissions are now under the Tremec umbrella. Tremec offers a variety of aftermarket and motorsports-focused transmissions through companies like American Powertrain. These transmissions are based on legendary originals like the T-5 and T-56, but include new and better features.
To help make your Tremec aftermarket options more clear, we’ve put together a quick guide to Tremec transmissions and Tremec shifters. We’ve included an American Powertrain cross-reference name, an overview of each transmission, a breakdown of the specs and fitment guide (courtesy of Tremec), and some popular Tremec shifter options.
Stick cars are making a comeback.
Tremec never left.
Here are your aftermarket options.
Tremec T-5 5-Speed Transmission
American Powertrain: Tremec T-5 Manual Transmission
Originally a product of Borg-Warner, the Tremec T-5 was introduced in the early 1980s and is still an original equipment transmission in overseas markets. Capable of easily handling up to 300 ft.-lbs. of torque, the T-5 offers smooth shifting and a deep overdrive.
Specifications
(click to enlarge chart).
Dimensions
Tremec T-5 Shifter Options
- Ford Racing Mustang Hurst T5/T45 Shifter
- Steeda Ford Mustang Tremec T5/T45 Tri-Ax Shifter
- American Powertrain White Lightning Shifters
Tremec TKO 5-Speed Transmission
American Powertrain: TKO 500 and TKO 600 Transmissions
For higher-horsepower vehicles, step up to the latest iteration of the legendary Tremec TKO 5-speed. American Powertrain sells the TKO 500 to handle as much as 500 ft.-lbs. of torque; the TKO 600 can take on as much as 600 ft.-lbs. of tire-shredding torque. Tremec recommends the TKO line for high-powered street machines and sportsman racers because of its combination of brute strength and street manners.
Specifications
(click to enlarge chart)
Dimensions
Tremec TKO Shifter Options
Tremec Magnum 6-Speed Transmission
American Powertrain: Tremec T-56 Magnum Transmission
Known as the TR-6060 in its factory form, the Magnum 6 is the aftermarket descendant of the T-56, which originated in the 1992 Dodge Viper. The T-56 eventually ended up in cars like the Mustang Cobra R, Chevrolet Corvette, and Chevrolet Camaro to name a few.
The Tremec Magnum 6-speed takes the best of the T-56 and incorporates features like a bolstered one-piece countershaft, stronger input shaft, redesigned shift forks, and highly modified transmission case. The Magnum 6-speed is built to deliver short, crisp shifts and handle up to 700 ft-.lbs. of torque.
Specifications
(all charts courtesy of Tremec — click to enlarge chart)
Tremec Magnum XL 6-Speed Transmission
American Powertrain: Tremec T-56 Magnum XL
The Tremec Magnum XL is based on the regular Magnum 6-speed, but adds an extended length tail section to eliminate the clumsy “semi-remote” shifter found in many popular late model applications. This shifter is currently only available for 2005-up S197 and S550 Mustangs and includes an SFI-approved bellhousing with enclosure plate, swap-specific crossmember, and an OE-quality transmission mount. Like the Magnum, the Magnum XL can handle up to 700 ft.-lbs. of torque.
Specifications
(click to enlarge chart)
Dimensions
Tremec Magnum/Magnum XL 6-Speed Shifter Options
- American Powertrain White Lightning Shifter
- Hurst Competition/Plus Shifters
- Steeda Tremec T-56 Tri-Ax Shifters
SOURCE: TREMEC
Tremec Tko shift rail oring design is prone to leaks from factory. Mine brand new tko 600 leaked from day one. Tremec denies a problem with design but back to back orings with no separate spacer is wrong.
good info,now tell me how to pick a clutch(affordable)
Sounds like a future story idea…stay tuned!!!
What? No MoPar applications?
Have a 68 F-100, 429 motor (from 70’sMercury Montego), T18 4 speed granny first gear trans, motor recently rebuilt, every thing new including turned flywheel, pilot bushing, throw out bearing, clutch, pressure plate, z bar bushings; would like to upgrade to TKO 500 4615; would need to know if will work and if any of the new components could be re-used. Would need if straight bolt in or need new bell housing adapter and ??? Currently motor 3000 rpm @ 65 mph and 7 mpg. Would consider other options, Appreciate any and all help, Thanks. Bob
Bob, The TKO transmissions are designed to bolt to an original Ford bolt pattern and use a 31 spline Ford output yoke. This is where the similarities run out though! Input shaft spline may be different depending on the first and overdrive gear ratios you choose and that of course will depend upon the rear gear ratio and tire size you have. Mount location, driveshaft length and shifter placement on the floor are also things that will have to be considered. Give the Summit tech line a call at 330-630-0240 and they will be able to walk you through the modifications and help you choose what is right for you!
Not complete data without the cross sectional data on those transmissions. It’s a shame that tremec hasn’t thought to put that data on their website
David,
Can you help me out identifying 2 Tremec transmissions I have.
#1 has a tag number of E6ZR 7003-FB REP AT 1; 13-52-169 17695. It also has U 1663 on the tag
#2 has a tag number of E6ZR 7003-FB REP AT 1; 13-52-169; 158017 F 1082.
I would like to install one of them into a Cobra Kit car I am assembling. It will be powered by a 351 Cleveland. Which transmission would be the best for this application.
I know the numbers and letters, “E6ZR -7003 FB relate to Late 86-mid 89 5.0 World class T-5”; and the 13-52-169 = Ford 86.5 Mustang/Capri 5.3 L , V 8 World Class
Any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Bruce Simon
looking for a neutral safety switch or sensor option for the t56 installed in a 69 gto.
Hey Anthony, it’s a good idea to contact the Summit Racing tech department here. They’ll ask you some questions about the rest of the drivetrain in your Goat and then recommend a good option or two.