Tremec’s New 6-Speed Manual Bolts Right In
The C8 Corvette was a game-changer when it arrived in 2020. America finally had a genuine mid-engine supercar for under $60,000, delivering performance that embarrassed six-figure exotics. But there was one glaring flaw that left enthusiasts feeling cheated. No manual transmission. For the first time in Corvette history, you couldn’t get three pedals. The C8 arrived with only a dual-clutch automatic, and GM made it clear they had no plans to change that.
Now, Tremec has finally fixed that, with a proper 6-speed manual engineered specifically for the C8. The transmission uses the same mounting points as the factory TR-9080 DCT dual clutch, developed by Tremec itself. There’s no cutting, no custom fabrication, no surprises. Tremec designed this unit to handle the power and torque of even modified C8s while fitting into the stock location like it was meant to be there.
Tremec
America’s Supercar Got Everything Right Except One Thing
There’s something fundamentally “right” about driving with a clutch pedal and shifter. You become part of the car, rather than just a passenger managing the throttle and brakes. Modern automatics are faster than shifting manually, sure, but speed isn’t everything. The act of driving becomes involving, rewarding, even on a simple cruise. That connection is exactly what makes sports cars special, and it’s disappearing from showrooms at an alarming rate.
Previous Corvettes always offered that choice to buyers. The aftermarket shouldn’t have to fix what the factory got wrong, but here we are. Manufacturers claim nobody wants manuals anymore, with only 20 percent of C7 Corvette buyers opting for the manual, but the reality is simpler. They simply don’t want the expense of certifying multiple transmission options, or developing an expensive bespoke manual gearbox for the few takers out there. Fortunately, that’s changing, with more enthusiasts seeking the thrills of a stick shift once again.
GM
The Cost of Manual-Swapping a C8 Corvette
While Tremec hasn’t released pricing, a complete C8 manual swap will likely run somewhere between $15,000 and $20,000 installed. While that’s serious money, it’s comparable to a supercharger kit. While a supercharger will undoubtedly make your car faster, the manual swap will make it more enjoyable, and for some, that’s more valuable. Tremec says the 6-speed manual is rated for 1,000 horsepower and 800 lb-ft torque, which means it can handle all but the most extreme builds.
For drivers seeking pure enjoyment rather than quarter-mile times or lap times, this might be the single best modification available. The best performance upgrade isn’t always about going faster; it’s about having more fun getting there.
