How Bulletproof should the SS 6-Speed Drivetrain Be?
 

I'm a noob, contemplating a Camaro. Have been looking at Challengers, and, I've heard good things about the Camaro SS, so, I'm checking it out.

I know about the Holden Platform that it's built on, and how well regarded it is. My question is regarding the entire Drivetrain. I'm not the type that wails on my Cars, but, I do put them thru the paces.

How tough is the 6-Speed, and the Independent Rear Axle, and all associated hardware? The Engine I'm assuming is pretty much bulletproof, what with Chevrolet's reputation for small block V8's.

What's routine maintinence on the 6-speed and the rear diff?

Thanks;

LJB

Not to be captain obvious but it is essentially the same drivetrain as the Corvette. They are pretty rugged as the Corvette guys hammer on them pretty hard. Chevy trucks with small blocks go and go and go so I assume if you wanted to 250K is a pretty reasonable mileage goal for a Camaro. That would be my expectation.

The powertrain is pretty much right out of the Corvette; engine and transmission both...And the rear-end has been said to be good to 650hp.

I think "bulletproof" would be an understatement. ;)

EDIT -- they did drive the test cars to 200,000+ miles...and they were still willing to go more. :chevy:

What do you think Routine Maintinence on the 6-Speed Manual Trans & the Rear Diff is?

LJB

Personally I would service the trans fluid at 60K ish although I can't tell you what GM recommends, might be lifetime fluid but I wouldn't buy that unless you are not keeping it more than a couple years.

I would expect the clutch to go 60-90K though I have heard much less and much more.

None. Admittedly, I don't have much experience with rear-ends...but as for the transmission -- this is straight from General Motors:

Does the Trans have a Dipstick & a Drain in the Pan?

LJB

I would say the drivetrain is as close to bulletproof as a stock drivetrain gets.



Below is for the modders:

You guys are forgetting a MAJOR issue......WEIGHT.

The C6 weighs in around 3,200 lbs.
The Camaro SS is over 3,900lbs.
So, maybe the Corvette is "bulletproof". BUT, the Camaro SS is still unproven.

Case in point, look at how the "Corvette" drivetrain is holding up in the Trailblazer SS. The auto trans (sprag) has been a issue in the STOCK TBSS.

4 Speed in the Trailblazer, new 6 speed in the Camaro.

I know, bro.:)
But, you should know that was the Corvette trans until 2006.
I only used it as an example for Corvette drivetrain in a heavier vehicle.

***Fill for life translates to 100,000 miles...FYI

Transmission fluid in a manual transmission? Really?

The transmission is rated to 650 ftlbs of torque, so I think its good for awhile, the IRS still needs to be proven but like stated will probably be good till 600ish hp

Sounds like they're pretty overbuilt.

Good. I Like Overkill. Hence, I'm looking at a Camaro SS...

LJB