The transmission is a vital component in any automobile. It is the component that plays the role of controlling the gears and thus allows your car to shift properly based on the speed and the RPM of the engine. The two main transmissions we have in the market are the T56 and TKO600.
The TKO600 and T56 transmissions are more or less similar especially when it comes to the handling power. So, when it comes to choosing between the TKO600 and T56 transmissions, it becomes a challenge. Both these transmissions are 6-speed and have some variation in the amount of power they can handle. The TKO600 is more powerful compared to its counterpart but on the expensive side.
This article gives a comparative review of the two to help you make an educated decision.
TKO600
The TKO600 has a 6-speed kind of transmission that is described to have an early top-loader style. This transmission is rated up to 600lbft worth of torque capacity, with a maximum of 800lb-ft. You can reliably shift it at engine speeds of up to 6200rpm.
This 6-speed transmission is designed to handle up to 600 horsepower. It comes with a gear ratio range of 2.65:1 to 1:1. This range allows faster acceleration. Moreover, thanks to its functionality, it is the go-to transmission for high-powered vehicles such as Tesla.
TKO600 is ideal for most performance engines with a power band that starts at 2000rpm. This power continues to max out the performance of the engine to 6000rpm. You can count on this transmission to handle the demanding needs of a diesel truck, marine applications, cars, and heavy-duty industrial equipment.
Advantages of TKO600
- It is designed to withstand high-performance engines that exceed 400hp.
- It is a powerful transmission with high torque ratings
- It is ideal for sport utility vehicles, trucks, and off-road vehicles with high-power engines
- It is tough enough to handle any terrain
- It is easy to shift between gears
Disadvantages of TKO600
- It has a single-cone brass
- It is more expensive
T56
The T56 can be said to be superior to the TKO. It features a single-rail shift, as opposed to TKO’s multi-rail shift, as well as multiple-cone synchronizers.
Moreover, it has a larger center distance which translates to larger diameter gears. The T56 can easily handle more torque and engine rpm. Even with all these benefits, this does not compromise the shift quality.
The T56 has a 6-speed manual transmission, compared to its predecessor T5 which had three forward gears. Originally, this transmission was designed for high-performance cars.
This transmission made its debut in the market in 1988 and has since been used by car manufacturers such as Ford and Chevrolet. Over the years, this transmission has been upgraded with innovations.
This transmission is the most preferred among racing car enthusiasts. It still remains to be an important and iconic part of the high-end market. Furthermore, this transmission boasts of a wide range of gear ratios.
These gear ratios make it well-suited for high-performance driving. It allows drivers to shift from the first to the sixth gear in less than a second. It is well suited for different types of driving so you can conveniently shift into a lower gear for increased safety and traction.
Advantages of T56
- It is cheaper
- It has a lower first gear making it ideal for city driving
- It is best suited for racing cars
- It comes with a range of gear ratios ideal for high-performance driving
- This transmission can easily handle more torque and engine rpm
Disadvantages of T56
- It is not well suited for all terrains
What is the TREMEC Corporation?
The TREMEC Corporation is a renowned company founded in 1983. This international company has thrived in the manufacture and design of transmissions for sports cars, racing cars, performance cars, and other vehicles. Moreover, this well-regarded company provides gearboxes for some of the fastest and most elite cars on the market today.
What Cars Use a T56 Transmission?
The T56 transmission is mainly used in cars. It was initially a 5-speed manual transmission that was introduced in the 1960s. It is installed in many cars including Chevrolet Corvette, Aston Martin DB7 Vantage, Dodge Viper, and Ford Mustang Cobra.
Are All T56 Transmissions the Same?
The T56 transmission has remained high in the ranks of engineering over the past 50 years. It first made its debut in the 1968’s Pontiac GTO model. From then, it was installed in various vehicles including Hummer H2, Corvette C6, Nissan GTR, and Cadillac STS-V.
The T56 is basically an upgrade from the T5 and comes with higher torque ratings and more ratios. It also boasts of being stronger, taller, and lighter than its predecessor.
Are Manual Cars Faster?
With the evolution of the automobile industry, some people feel that manual transmissions are becoming more obsolete by the day. This is seen to happen as they pave way for the automatic transmissions.
However, manual transmissions still have a strong following and some drivers will go for them over their automatic counterparts. Arguably, manual transmissions offer more control, better performance, and increased fuel economy compared to automatic transmissions.
What Is the Strongest Manual Transmission?
The TKO600 is the current reigning most powerful manual transmission in the market. It delivers 600 hp with a top speed of 160mph. Moreover, it is tough enough to handle all types of terrain and you can easily shift between the gears.
Is the Ford Racing Tremec TKO600 a Good Transmission?
For man, the TKO is a must-use and the most reliable manual transmission of all time. It features larger input and output shafts making it capable of handling 400lb-ft of torque. In the Ford drag racing today, TREMEC’s TKO600 is built to withstand its rigors and any type of terrain.
FAQs
Conclusion
When torn between the two transmissions, it will come down to your preferences and your budget. The T56 is cheaper and comes with a lower first gear suitable for city driving. On the other hand, the TKO600, though expensive, is the go-to for high-performance engines with its high power ratings.
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