The improvement is in the Beef
The kingpin ofTREMEC’shigh performance line-up, the all-newT-56 Magnum6-speed transmission takes the very best from current OEM technologies and pairs it with the most popular features of the all-business TKO 5-speed. Able to withstand a massive 700 lb-ft. of torque while providing unbelievably crisp shifts, no other manual transmission on the planet offers as much combined strength, versatility, and general ease of use as the T-56 Magnum.
Known in itsO.E.form as the ‘TR-6060’, the Magnum is an aftermarket version of the same transmission found in many of today’s most celebrated factory super cars–including the ZR1 Corvette and sinister ACR Viper. A world-class transmission in every respect, it’s the best transmission on the market for those who will accept nothing less.
Just what is it that makes the TREMEC T-56 Magnum better than its predecessors?Beefiness. Gears, shafts, bearings, synchros, the case, and forks were all dimension-ally increased for better torque handling capacity.
The Beef
With gear ratios being the only direct carry over from the original T-56, the Magnum is truly a brand new transmission from the ground up. Of the many substantial upgrades, those listed below will, in the long term, likely be those most pertinent and sought after features that will set the T-56 Magnum apart from the rest.
Gears
Helping greatly to achieve the T-56 Magnum’s remarkable 700 lb-ft. torque capacity rating are all new speed gears similar to those found in theTREMECTR-6060. These gears feature substantially increased face widths, which are easily noted when compared to a like speed gear from an original T-56 (as shown at bottom left). Also especially noteworthy is the fact that these new speed gears benefit from a significant advance in manufacturing techniques—two-piece laser beam welded construction.
Past units were one piece forgings which suffered machining limitations. These new two-piece units allow for much greater control of tooth angles, pitch, alignment and more, while also featuring built in positive stops (shown at top) to virtually eliminate the possibility of ‘over-thrown’ shifts.
Countershaft
Another critical aspect of the Magnum’s improved strength over the previous T-56 is the radically bolstered one-piece counter-shaft (shown at right, positioned on left). Strength benefits are obvious and abundant. This larger shaft not only resist distortion far better than previous designs, but also prompted the use of larger bearings in all critical support areas for extraordinary stability. The image at right also serves as another excellent representation of the increased face widths on the T-56 Magnum gears.
Input Shaft
The T-56 Magnum’s input shaft (positioned on right) represents another significant strength upgrade for the transmission’s first line of defense. Improvements include additional material throughout the length of the shaft, increased face width, a larger input bearing, and generously long splines to accommodate twin-disc clutch setups. As an additional strength consideration, all T-56 Magnums will come equipped with 26-spline input shafts. 10-spline ‘Ford-style’ units will not be available.
Synchronizers
Allowing the space for the Magnum’s wider gears is one of the cornerstones of it’s development—cutting edge compact synchronizer technology. These all-new synchronizers are considerably narrower (top image, left) than their T-56 counterparts (top image, right) and feature fine pitch tooth angles to effectively decrease the amount of travel necessary for engagement. Not only are shift throws shortened, but thanks to new spring-loaded ball-type inserts (bottom image, left), friction is greatly reduced; resulting in lower shift efforts and reduced ‘double-bump’ during shifts—also known as better shift feel.
Shift Forks
Yet another substantial part of the T-56 Magnum’s unparalleled performance are the redesigned shift forks (shown at left, rear position) featuring integrated ‘shift keys’ to virtually eliminate the possibility of bending shift forks. In such cases related to the original T-56, this action typically referred to as ‘bending’ is in most cases actually a ‘wallowing’ of the shift rail bore caused by aggressive or incorrect use in conjunction with the vulnerable keyway machined into the bore itself. Under high-stress conditions, the enlargement of the bore could cause deflection on the shift rail, sometimes resulting in serious engagement issues. The new design of the T-56 Magnum not only completely separates the links from the bores, but also casts them into the forks for greater precision and a more positive shift feel.
Other points of interest regarding the shift forks are added cross-sectional material for increased rigidity and larger shift pads to promote better wear characteristics.
Retainers
Retainers and fasteners were also re-visited in the design of the T-56 Magnum. Unlike the traditional, sometimes ill-fitting, snap rings used in the original T-56, Magnum transmissions use split ring designs that offer greater thrust load capacities and help maintain tighter tolerances.
Main Case
While it appears similar to the original T-56 in many respects, the main case and end plate of the T-56 Magnum have also undergone extensive modifications in order to safely handle extreme power loads from their intended applications.
Throughout the transmission, provisions have been made, and material has been strategically placed, to prevent leaks under high-stress conditions and increase overall power handling capabilities.
