Early Camaro SS manual transmission failures reported, factory hold issued
07-14-2009 | 01:57 AM
#1
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Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,505
From: Charleston, WV
Early Camaro SS manual transmission failures reported, factory hold issued
http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/13/b...ures-reported/
Sporadic reports have begun popping up in the Camaro5 forums about issues with V8-powered SS models equipped with the manual transmission. It seems that doing a hard launch or using the launch control system occasionally results in a broken output shaft, a serious failure that will most likely leave the car immobile and in need of repair. We spoke with General Motors spokesman Adam Dennison about the problem and, as this is being written, a factory hold has been put on deliveries of manual transmission V8 Camaros while Chevrolet engineering teams investigate the problem.
Based on the reports, the transmission issues may not be related to the launch control system as the failures seem to happen whether or not launch control is engaged. The Camaro SS uses the Tremec 6060 six-speed gearbox – the same transmission fitted to the Dodge Viper, Mustang GT500, Corvette Z06 and other performance cars – so this is likely a manufacturing issue with a batch of gearboxes.
Dennison told Autoblog that an engineering meeting is being held this evening to identify the cause and establish a timing for the fix – and a recall seems likely. In the meantime, if you have a manual model Camaro SS, you might want to go easy on the launches for now – and if you have one ordered, you'll have to wait a bit longer. Thanks to Bailey and Derrick for the tips!
Based on the reports, the transmission issues may not be related to the launch control system as the failures seem to happen whether or not launch control is engaged. The Camaro SS uses the Tremec 6060 six-speed gearbox – the same transmission fitted to the Dodge Viper, Mustang GT500, Corvette Z06 and other performance cars – so this is likely a manufacturing issue with a batch of gearboxes.
Dennison told Autoblog that an engineering meeting is being held this evening to identify the cause and establish a timing for the fix – and a recall seems likely. In the meantime, if you have a manual model Camaro SS, you might want to go easy on the launches for now – and if you have one ordered, you'll have to wait a bit longer. Thanks to Bailey and Derrick for the tips!
07-14-2009 | 02:33 AM
#2
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Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,123
From: Melbourne, Australia
Wow, that's not exactly great news. 
I hope it's just a faulty part as the HSV Commodores (which use the TR6060) don't have that issue here despite being heavier cars than Camaro. No traction control option on M6 HSVs either.
I hope it's just a faulty part as the HSV Commodores (which use the TR6060) don't have that issue here despite being heavier cars than Camaro. No traction control option on M6 HSVs either.
... in two years they will have all the bugs worked out ...
NOW THAT'S SOME GEAR!
07-14-2009 | 02:04 PM
#13
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From: SoCal
Although the Camaro SS uses the same kind of Tremec TR6060 as the Viper/GT500/Z06/ZR1/CTS-V it's certainly not built to the same spec internally as the higher hp and more expensive vehicles.
I hope it's just a bad batch of defective parts because if it's something else then it's going to be costly to GM and Tremec.
I hope it's just a bad batch of defective parts because if it's something else then it's going to be costly to GM and Tremec.
07-14-2009 | 03:02 PM
#15
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Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,049
From: Confederate States of America
Now seriously how often do you see people on the boards write out the whole gear? 4.10 gears or 4.10.1 gears? I'd say never. 4.10 would be awesome as an option but we'll be lucky to even get 3.73's. Ok, I see what I did now and edited it.