After Tremec introduced its TR9060 manual transaxle at the 2025 SEMA Show, the automotive community finally saw a fully operational manual swap become available for the C8 Corvette.
Peitz Performance Offers First Running Manual Conversion
Peitz Performance, a specialist shop located in Tomball, Texas, earned the distinction of being the first to place a drivable C8 Corvette with the new gearbox on public display. The prototype was unveiled during the 2026 SEMA Show, where it attracted considerable attention from enthusiasts and press alike.
The conversion package is priced at $74,528.99, and the firm has indicated that orders will begin to be accepted in July 2027. This timeline gives prospective buyers a clear window for planning and financing the project.
The Tremec unit employs cable-controlled shifting, with the shift lever affixed to the left side of the transaxle housing. A concentric slave cylinder is responsible for moving the clutch, providing a direct mechanical feel that many drivers prefer.
Installation of the shifter on the left side allows the driver to keep the right hand free for steering inputs, while the clutch actuation system integrates seamlessly with the existing pedal layout.
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To create the conversion, the team used detailed 3D scans of the entire C8 body and chassis. These scans enabled engineers to map every component’s location within the cramped mid-engine compartment, ensuring that clearance issues were addressed before any physical work began.
The shift lever itself was sourced from a Porsche six-speed unit, chosen for its compact size and proven reliability. A custom-fabricated bracket then links a modified CT4-V Blackwing clutch pedal to the brake pedal assembly, allowing the driver to operate both controls with a single foot motion.
Electronic control is handled by a Motec 182 Plug-and-Play controller that works in tandem with a Motec 150 module responsible for transmission logic. Together they enable features such as throttle blipping on downshifts and the display of real-time gear information on the dashboard.
The transaxle is rated to handle up to 1,000 pound-feet of torque and can sustain rotational speeds of 8,600 rpm. These specifications make the system compatible with the most powerful C8 variants, even though the conversion carries a premium price tag.
