Tremec is taking no chances with this TR-9080 electing to tear down this eight-speed themselves.

This brand new 2020 Chevrolet C8 Corvette presumably hasn’t even been sold yet and, according to a Master GM technician on Reddit earlier yesterday, with only 32 miles on the odometer, the eight-speed DCT has developed a small fluid leak. After exhausting all levels of technical help, Tremec elected to take a closer look themselves and allowed this tech to “rip out” the defective unit for a brand new one.

Look at two galleries of photos showing what’s probably the first DCT swap, for a new unit, in C8 history.

Remember to scroll right and left.

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Update pictures for C8 Transmission Removal
C8 Update #2

According to /user/midshipmen89,

The transmission has developed a small fluid leak and is setting a DTC for the limited slip differential fluid pressure.

In the series of photos, we get to see what entails a full transmission removal for these new Corvettes. New C8 owners and C8 window shoppers are probably curious what it takes to drop a transmission on these MR cars.

Taking out the DCT requires proper bracing from above and the removal of a subframe with a similar procedure comparable to the C7. That’s noteworthy because an external transmission filter that needs to be changed every 7,500 miles, is only accessible up to this point.

Coincidentally, this looks to be C8 #13, an early batch.

Removal is straightforward with the trickiest part being supporting the transmission once it’s out of the engine bay. A specially modified bracing platform from a Cadillac XT4 is used for this purpose, something home mechanics probably don’t have. Resting the heavy DCT on its pan “will damage the valve body – not exactly a 4L60.”

Dual-clutch transmissions use forced lubrication throughout the entire housing unit. The right fluids at the proper level with the correct pressures is important for transmission longevity and performance. A small fluid leak, unchecked, can spell disaster later on down the road.

For example, according to an SAE paper highlighting this DCT, there’s a whopping 11-liters of synthetic fluid in that small DCT unit. Compare that to just seven quarts of ATF in a C7 automatic. These DCTs need lots of Synthetic DCT fluids.

This latest transmission snafu is just one in a handful of small, but slightly worrying issues, new C8 owners have to learn about.

Hopefully, this is an isolated issue as this would not only trigger a recall for all C8s already made but would further put off C8 shoppers from pulling the trigger on this first batch.

4 COMMENTS

  1. It seems what have here is a lack of full communication between the design and engineering departments of General
    Motors!! Just get it out, we don’t care!! How about Microsoft Windows same thing, can you imagine how many software bugs are in their operating system!!

  2. I have a c8 with 525 miles on it. I have experienced a fluid leak from my transmission as well as limited slip rear axle warning lights when shifting from 5 to 6 gear.
    Dealer has reported to Gm tech and a new transmission has been ordered and will be replaced at no charge to me.
    Cause was identified as porous transmission outer case.

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