Finding the right 6 speed manual transmission for 5. 7 hemi tasks can be the real headache in the event that you aren't sure which gearboxes actually bolt up to the block. Most of these engines left the particular factory mated to an automatic, specifically in the RAM trucks and the earlier LX system cars. But let's be honest, an automatic just doesn't give you that same raw connection to the sidewalk that a manual does. If you're looking to turn your Hemi in to a true driver's machine, you've got a few solid paths to get, whether you're creating a restomod or trying to convert a modern everyday driver.
The particular 5. 7 Hemi is an excellent engine, but it's often held back by the "slushbox" feel of the 5A580 or the 8HP70. Don't misunderstand me, those automatics are usually fast—faster than you'll ever be having a shifter—but they be short of soul. When you're rowing your own gears, you manage the ability band. A person decide exactly whenever that V8 growl turns into the scream.
The Industry Regular: Tremec TR-6060
If you're searching for a 6 speed manual transmission for 5. seven hemi applications that will feels like it is supposed to be there, the Tremec TR-6060 is the particular obvious choice. This particular is the gearbox Chrysler actually utilized in the manual Challengers. It's the beefy, well-built unit that can handle the torque the 5. 7 puts out without breaking the sweat. Actually, it's rated for very much more than the stock 5. seven can give it, which is great in the event that you plan on adding a supercharger or some unpleasant cams later about.
Something to keep in brain with the TR-6060 is that it's designed for a specific car design. If you're pulling one out of a wrecked Challenger to put into a different vehicle, you have to deal with the integrated bellhousing and the specific shifter location. It's not really a "one size fits all" offer. You'll also require the specific flywheel and clutch assembly designed for the 5. 7 crank, which has the different bolt pattern than the older LA small pads many people are used to.
The Aftermarket California king: T-56 Magnum
For the guys doing custom forms or older swaps, the T-56 Magnum is usually the better way to go. It's basically the particular aftermarket version associated with the TR-6060, but it's much even more flexible. It has multiple shifter jobs and a mechanised speedometer drive in the event that you're running old-school gauges.
When you purchase a T-56 Magnum as your 6 speed manual transmission for 5. 7 hemi swap, you're getting a brand-new unit with the warranty. That's the huge weight out of your shoulders compared to gambling on a high-mileage junkyard draw. You'll require a specific bellhousing—usually from the organization like QuickTime—to connection the gap between the Hemi block and the T-56. It's a bit more expensive in advance, but it saves you a huge quantity of fabrication period.
Why the particular RAM Guys Get it Tough
In the event that you're driving the RAM 1500 with a 5. 7 Hemi and you're dreaming of a manual, I use some bad information and some great news. The bad news is that MEMORY stopped putting guides in the 1500s a long time ago. The great news is it is usually feasible, but it's a "Frankenstein" project.
Some guys have successfully changed in the G56 transmission from the heavy-duty Cummins trucks, but that's a massive, heavy transmission that shifts just like a tractor. It's not exactly "sporty. " A better move for a road truck is usually trying to adjust the Challenger's TR-6060, but you'll end up being cutting a gap in your floorboards and figuring out there a custom length driveshaft. It's a lot of work, but a manual Hemi truck is such an unicorn that it's almost always worth the effort for the great factor alone.
The Electronic Headache (And How in order to Fix It)
Modern Hemis are usually smart—maybe too smart. The Engine Handle Module (ECM) expects approach the Transmission Control Module (TCM). When you rip away that automatic and put in the 6 speed manual transmission for 5. seven hemi power, the computer is heading to panic. It'll look for change signals that aren't there and most likely throw the car into a "limp mode" where it won't rev previous 3, 000 REVOLTION PER MINUTE.
You've obtained two real methods surrounding this. First, you can get your factory computer reflashed by an expert who knows how in order to delete the automatic transmission code. This makes the pc think it's a factory manual car. The second, plus often easier, path for project vehicles is going with an aftermarket standalone EFI system. Systems such as the Holley Terminator X are popular because they don't care regarding the transmission. They just run the engine and let you handle the shifting yourself.
Parts You Can't Forget
It's easy to focus on the gearbox by itself, but the "small" stuff will eliminate your budget if a person aren't careful. Whenever sourcing a 6 speed manual transmission for 5. seven hemi use, you need to budget for:
- The Pedal Assembly: If your car was an auto, you've only got 2 pedals. Finding a factory-style clutch your pedal that fits below the dash may be surprisingly challenging.
- Hydraulics: Most modern 6-speeds use the hydraulic throwout keeping. You'll need a master cylinder, the reservoir, and the lines to connect all of them.
- The particular Pilot Bearing: This small guy sits in the back of the crankshaft. You can not forget this, or even your input base will wobble by itself to death.
- Driveshaft: Your outdated automatic driveshaft almost certainly won't be the right length or have the proper yoke. Plan on spending a few hundred bucks at a local driveline shop to get one particular custom-made.
Could be the 5. 7 Hemi Good with the Manual?
Several people believe the particular 5. 7 isn't "big" enough in order to justify a 6-speed swap, suggesting a person should just obtain a 6. 4 (392) instead. I actually totally disagree. The 5. 7 Hemi is definitely an incredibly rev-happy engine once a person let it breathe. It has the broad torque curve that feels incredible when you're clicking on through the things.
Since the 5. 7 is a bit lighter than the bigger brothers, a manual-swapped 5. seven car feels even more nimble. It's balanced setup. You aren't constantly fighting for traction like you may be in the Hellcat, which really makes the five. 7 more enjoyable to push on turning backroads. You can actually use all of the gears without winding up in a dump or even a jail cellular.
The Cost Factor
Let's talk money, since this isn't a cheap hobby. If you go the used route and search for a 6 speed manual transmission for 5. 7 hemi setups upon eBay or from a pick-n-pull, you might get out the door for $3, 000 in order to $4, 000 once all the transformation parts are purchased. If you go the "all-new" path with a T-56 Magnum kit, you're looking at $6, 500 to $8, 500.
That sounds like a lot—and it is—but look at the particular resale value. Manual-swapped Mopars hold their value incredibly well because so few of them exist. Plus, you can't really put a cost on the very first time you hit a perfect rev-match downshift and listen to that Hemi start barking through the exhaust.
Last Thoughts
Setting up a 6 speed manual transmission for 5. seven hemi power is definitely a big task, no doubt about it. It's not a weekend job for a beginner. Yet it's one associated with the most gratifying actions you can take to the modern Mopar. It changes the entire personality of the vehicle. It stops being a commuter car and starts being a hot rod. Simply make sure you need to do your homework around the electronics and don't cheap out on the clutch—you'll thank yourself the very first time you're trapped in traffic or even launching it at the strip.