The TREMEC TR-3160 6-speed manual transmission is purpose-built for today’s modern muscle cars, delivering the strength, shift quality and precise gear ratios that modern factory ultra-performance vehicles demand. While many enthusiasts associate TREMEC with the legendary T-56, the TR-3160 is not simply a carryover design. It is a thoroughly updated, OEM-engineered manual transmission developed specifically for platforms like the Ford Mustang Dark Horse, Dark Horse R and other late-model performance applications. With optimized ratios, advanced synchronizers and track-ready durability, the TR-3160 represents the next generation of TREMEC manual transmission technology.
The TR-3160 Uses Close-Ratio, Single-Overdrive Gearing
Unlike the dual-overdrive gearing found in the TR-6060 and Magnum transmissions, the TR-3160 uses tighter spacing between gears and a single overdrive. The result is quicker acceleration through the power band and decreased RPM drops between shifts — ideal for modern muscle cars like the Mustang Dark Horse that prioritize track performance. This chart shows the gear ratios for the 3160 compared to the TREMEC Magnum 6-speed ratios.
| Gear | TR-3160 (Ford Mustang Dark Horse / Dark Horse R) | TR-3160 (GM – Cadillac ATS / Chevrolet Camaro) | Magnum 6-speed (close ratio) | Magnum 6-speed (wide ratio) |
| 1st | 3.25 | 4.40 | 2.66 | 2.97 |
| 2nd | 2.23 | 2.59 | 1.78 | 2.10 |
| 3rd | 1.24 | 1.80 | 1.30 | 1.46 |
| 4th | 1.24 | 1.34 | 1.00 | 1.00 |
| 5th | 1.00 | 1.00 | 0.80 | 0.74 |
| 6th | 0.63 | 0.75 | 0.63 | 0.50 |
ABOVE: The TREMEC TR-3160 is available in the Ford Mustang Dark Horse, and it is also the exclusive manual transmission for the Dark Horse R factory-built race car used in the Ford Mustang Challenge series. Pictured is the Dark Horse R of TREMEC Elite Distributor Dederichs Motorsports, driven by Joe Dederichs.
Factory Applications: Mustang Dark Horse, Dark Horse R and More
The TREMEC TR-3160 6-speed transmission debuted in the 2013 model Cadillac ATS, and it was the only manual-transmission available in that model through the 2019 model year. It was also the manual transmission offered in the 2016-2024 Chevrolet Camaro.
Before the Ford Mustang Dark Horse, the TREMEC TR-3160 entered the Ford lineup as the manual transmission option for the 2016-2020 Ford Mustang Shelby GT350 and the Mustang Mach 1. For the Ford Mustang Dark Horse and Dark Horse R, the same TR-3160 is used, including the remote shifter setup. The cars also feature rev matching capability for quick shifts, keeping the engine in its power band while negotiating curves on the road or on the track.
ABOVE: The TREMEC TR-3160 first debuted in the 2013 Cadillac ATS and would go on to be used in the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang Shelby GT350, Mustang Mach 1 before becoming available in the Mustang Dark Horse and Dark Horse R. It is a single overdrive 6-speed manual transmission with two optional shift patterns.
We talked to Joe Dederichs of Dederichs Motorsports for what it’s like shifting gears of the TR-3160 in his Mustang Challenge Series Dark Horse R race car.
“The TR-3160 is a bullet-proof manual transmission for the applications it’s installed in, including on the track in the Dark Horse R,” explains Joe. “Rev matching with the 3160 works extremely well, which is especially noteworthy on the track in the Dark Horse R during Mustang Challenge races.”
Synchronizers, Shift Feel and Durability
The TR-3160 uses the same dual- and triple-cone synchronizers that the TR-6060 and Magnum 6-speed transmissions use, giving it has the same smooth high-RPM shifting capability. The TR-3160 features two optional shift patterns both different from the TR-6060/Magnum 6-speed. Reverse gear on the TR-6060 and Magnum is found at the far right and up in the shift pattern and there is a vehicle speed enabled lockout. The TR-3160 shift pattern places Reverse either in the far left and up or far right and down position in the shift pattern. Vehicle speed lockout is not necessary with these shift patterns.
ABOVE: The TR-3160 uses the same dual- and triple-cone synchronizers that the TR-6060 and Magnum 6-speeds use so it has the same smooth high-RPM shifting capability.
Still the Manual Transmission of Choice for 2026
For the 2026 model year the TR-3160 is still the manual transmission option for the Ford Mustang Dark Horse and the manual transmission used in the Dark Horse R for the Mustang Challenge series. That ongoing use reinforces what the specs and drivers already show: the TR-3160 isn’t a legacy carryover. It’s a modern 6-speed manual transmission engineered specifically for today’s muscle cars and the way enthusiasts actually drive them — on the street and on the track.