http://media.gm.com/division/2004_prodinfo...tary_manual.pdf

Weird?

I hope they arrage the gates so that its hard to shift to reverse or "park" by accident...

Interesting. I wonder what the purpose of a dedicated "Park" position on a manual transmission is. I've been using first for the last 20 years without issue.

Jason

Forgive the stupid question, but what's the benefit over a T-56 or similar unit?

finally! i've been wanting a parking gear on my manual tranny for SOOOO LONg!! i'm glad somebody finally enginerd'it

I think lenco drag racing transmissions are planetary. Maybe it's stronger than the typical 2 or 3 row setup?

It should be stronger, cheaper, and heavier. I'm geussing that GM is tired of giving profits away to suppliers, when they can make tranmissions too. Designing a transmission case that will not flex and is not too heavy is hard. They are probably using the auto case becuase they have already done the R&D on it and it will fit in everything that the auto fits into.

Why do you think it'd be heavier necessarily? If planetary gearsets are stronger, then shouldnt it be lighter for the same torque rating?

I think it will be heaver because if they have a park position then they I "geuss" they are keeping everything for the parking claw, so that is all extra weight. Plus automatic cases usually thicker then manual ones, so the auto case will probably be heavier then true manual case. Of course wait til it comes out and weight it to be sure.

Someone on a different list postulated that the "P" position would be to facilitate remote engine start on manual transmission vehicles. Poopoo if you wish but I think it makes a lot of sense.

I remember reading the C6 Corvette's won't let you open the push button doors unless the manual trans is in reverse, and I think even the car off.. Never sat in one yet to confirm this though.. Put a "p" position in this case, kinda makes sense.

Although IMO, I just wish the C6 would just have normal door handles.

It will be interesting how this turns out. If the manuals and automatics share the same case then GM should be able to offer a manual trans in anything that can take the automatic. I still think this is a great move from a cost cutting stand point if GM can pull it off. I like it from a trans swap stand point for older cars too.