How to Use the TREMEC Gear Ratio Calculator

When building a vehicle, selecting a TREMEC 5- or 6-speed transmission gives you the opportunity to change the vehicle’s axle gear ratio in order to maximize the driving experience. The TREMEC Gear Ratio Calculator makes it easy to experiment with the affect that various ratios will have on the engine rpm at various speeds, letting you choose the ratio that will be best for the way you want to use your vehicle. Read More “How to Use the TREMEC Gear Ratio Calculator”

TREMEC Transmission Maintenance

Love the great performance and smooth shifting of your TREMEC Magnum 6-speed, TKX 5-speed or T-5 5-speed transmission? We thought so. And regular maintenance will keep your transmission in top-performing condition.

Our transmissions are manufactured to strict original-equipment vehicle manufacturing standards, and they do not require much maintenance. The popular Magnum, TKX and T-5 transmissions are often installed in high-performance or race vehicles that require somewhat regular inspection.

In this article, we’ll provide a rundown of what to check, as well as how to perform an oil change on a TREMEC transmission built for aftermarket use. If you have a transmission that came as factory equipment in a vehicle, we recommend that you follow the vehicle-manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and procedures.

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For all of this work, the car will need to be elevated to give you access. Secure the car safely using appropriate jack stands. It’s important to check that all transmission and bellhousing bolts are tight, including the transmission mount fasteners. If these work loose, transmission damage can occur.
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Look for signs of oil leaks. Specific areas to check are where the transmission bolts to the bellhousing which could indicate an input-shaft seal leak, where the sections of the case come together and the rear-output shaft seal. Any leaks should be remedied; replacement parts and service are available through TREMEC distributors.
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Also check the driveshaft U-bolt fasteners. If these become loose, it can cause a driveline vibration, and can eventually cause a leak at the rear output seal.
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We recommend that the fluid in a TREMEC Magnum, TKX or T-5 transmission should be changed after its initial 500 miles. The fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles after that. You can use a high-quality Dexron III fluid, or TREMEC HP-MTF™ manual transmission fluid. We developed HP-MTF to provide rugged protection while maintaining responsive shifting. It takes the guesswork out of which oil is correct for my TREMEC aftermarket transmission.
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To drain the transmission oil, locate the drain plug. There are two plugs on the side of the transmission. The lower one is the drain and the upper one is for filling. Use a 3/8-inch square drive in the plug to remove it. Capture the drained fluid and dispose of it properly.
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Once the transmission is completely drained, clean the threads on the plug and apply a mild thread-locking liquid. Insert the plug and tighten until snug – do not overtighten! Then remove the upper plug.
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For most vehicles, you will need to use a pump and hose to get the new fluid into the transmission. Fill the transmission until fluid comes out of the fill hole. Let the excess fluid escape. Apply mild thread locker to the cleaned fill plug and install it in the same way that you did the drain plug. Wipe excess fluid from the outside of the transmission.

How to Prevent Manual Transmission Damage While Flat Towing

Let’s face some facts: Air travel is challenging right now, but you still want to go on vacation. AAA recently reported that it expects Americans to take 700 million trips this summer, and 97% of that travel will be road trips. Many of you will choose a motor home for your road trip to avoid hotel rooms. If your plans include flat-towing (also called dinghy towing) your favorite manual-transmission equipped vehicle, here are some tips to help you do without damaging the transmission.

Read More “How to Prevent Manual Transmission Damage While Flat Towing”

First H-Pattern Manual Transmission to Break Into the 6s in Drag Racing

Don’t let Joel Grannas hear you say automatics are faster than stick shifts. He won’t shout at you or pound a fist on a table, though. Joel has been drag racing his manual-transmission equipped Toyota Supra for years, and he will just pull out a small slip of paper for you to read.

While drag racing during an event at Bradenton Motorsports Park in Bradenton, Florida, in May 2020, Joel fired off the first-ever 6-second pass by an H-pattern–shifted car: 6.90 e.t. at 194.77 mph.

Read More “First H-Pattern Manual Transmission to Break Into the 6s in Drag Racing”

Fastest Stick Shift Vehicles of the Last 30 Years

What is the fastest stick shift car in the world? That’s a question often debated, as it can be answered in many different ways. First, are we talking about the fastest manual-transmission car built by the factory? Currently or ever? Or are we talking about the fastest one created by custom-fabrication shops and racers? Instead of choosing one, we decided to pull together a list that looks at the fastest in each of those categories.

Read More “Fastest Stick Shift Vehicles of the Last 30 Years”

Great Manual Transmission Used Cars

While new vehicles offered with an automatic-transmission outnumber those available with a manual transmission, there’s a plethora of used cars on the market that came with a manual transmission. And there are options to fit just about any budget.

Here are our picks for 10 best used manual-transmission cars. We strove for diversity in this list, so we’re willing to bet that one of these will appeal to your stick-shift, four-wheeled passion. And if we left your favorite off the list, post it in the comments! Read More “Great Manual Transmission Used Cars”

The Differences Between a DCT and a Traditional Automatic Transmission

Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) technology has been around for years. As auto manufacturers strive to further improve fuel economy and powertrain performance, the advantages that a DCT has over a traditional automatic transmission become more desirable. In this article, we’ll explain the differences between a DCT and a traditional automatic transmission. Read More “The Differences Between a DCT and a Traditional Automatic Transmission”

5 Things to Consider When Converting to a TREMEC

The time has come. You’re tired of cruising along with your engine screaming. Gas gauge falling. The clunky shifts of an ancient transmission. Or worse, an automatic shifting the gears for you. The old-school cool of a manual transmission with the modern capabilities of a TREMEC sounds great, but you’re not sure where to start.  Well you’re in luck, because we’ve compiled five key considerations for converting your car to a TREMEC transmission. Read More “5 Things to Consider When Converting to a TREMEC”

What it Takes to Win the TREMEC Stick Shift Shootout

Rafael Gonzalez rolled into Bradenton Motorsports Park in Florida for the 2020 Nitto Tire NMRA Spring Break Shootout with the hope of running well and qualifying for the TREMEC Stick Shift Shootout. This was his first time competing in the event, so his focus was on making clean passes and getting the most out of his mildly modified 2007 Ford Mustang Shelby GT500.

After completing the obligatory 30-mile True Street cruise and making a trio of passes, Rafael found himself with a 10.521-second average and, more importantly, secured a spot in the coveted TREMEC Stick Shift Shootout. Read More “What it Takes to Win the TREMEC Stick Shift Shootout”