C8 Corvette Stingray Transmission Gets Case Design Update
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The C8 Corvette Stingray made its big debut for the 2020 model year, ushering in a new mid-engine era for the iconic Chevy nameplate. Now, the C8 Corvette Stingray’s M1L transmission is getting an update, and critically, will no longer require two extra quarts of transmission fluid for track use.
The C8 Corvette Stingray transmission update was detailed in a recent post from GM TechLink.
C8 Corvette Stingray’s LT2 engine and M1L transmission
For those readers who may be unaware, all C8 Corvette Stingray models are equipped with the M1L eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, which was co-developed with Tremec. According to GM TechLink, the dual-clutch automatic is being updated toward the end of the 2023 model year, adopting a new Die 3 design. The new Die 3 design can be identified by the presence of four fasteners positioned along the front edge of the sump pan, while the previous Die 2 design incorporates six fasteners along the front edge of the sump pan. The Die 1 cases were originally produced with a stamped sump pan with rails, which were later replaced with the Die 2 cast pans.
Service transmissions will begin to migrate to the updated Die 3 design and will consequently require additional parts for use with older model-year vehicles.
Critically, Z51-equipped C8 Corvette Stingray models with the Die 3 transmission cases will no longer require an additional two quarts of transmission fluid when taking the vehicle to the race track. It was previously recommended that owners add two quarts of transmission fluid when participating in a track day. It should also be noted that GM does not condone tracking M1L-equipped vehicles without the Z51 package.
As a reminder, the C8 Corvette Stingray is equipped with the naturally aspirated 6.2L V8 LT2 gasoline engine, which is rated at 490 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The Y2 platform provides the underpinnings, while production takes place at the GM Bowling Green plant in Kentucky.
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Hopefully they’re smart enough to package a retrofit kit for anyone looking to upgrade…
I wish it was more clear. Will a 2021 Z51 Corvette be able to use this new oil pan ?
Part of the article says “will need extra parts” .
Service transmissions will begin to migrate to the updated Die 3 design and will consequently require additional parts for use with older model-year vehicles.
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I think that is only for transmission rebuilds. Why would you change if otherwise? current transmission works fine.
The new diecast pan has four fasteners on the front, older pans have six. Not sure if a retrofit for our older C8’s would work, maybe a gasket covers the extra two holes in casting?
I just found a longer answer… mid engine corvette forum dot com.
The Die 3 is technically a different transmission. Putting an entire Die 3 trans on an
earlier model Stingray Z51 will require additional parts.
This is not just a pan, pictures of the pan in Die 3 show it has a different shape.
My C8 is currently on its second transmission. Who knows… maybe it will get a third trans.
Wow 2nd transmission, is yours a Z51? I know the ZO6 has a different transmission, I assume to handle more torque
I have a 2022 with Z51 just over 10,000 miles
My C8 is a 2023 that was built August 1st or 2nd, 2023. Is there a way to know if I have the Die 3 or Die 2?
You have the updated transmission.
July 14, 2023 was the changeover point.
Joel, the whole bottom of the car is enclosed. You might be able to peek through the oil drain cut out. Look for 4 bolts is new trans on from of trans pan. Old is 6 bolts.
Or purchase a cheap camera like borescope to see
Correction front of pan, plus new pan is cast, not formed
Pulling the lower rear pan is a actually quite easy.
At least for a backyard mechanic, with two floor jacks
or the wood wheel supports made from 2×4’s.
A lot of T15 hold it on, when removed you can see
if trans pan is cast or stamped, and there is a date on the trans. Even count the fasteners/bolts.
But you spend a couple hours total.
I cannot remember why I was up there, maybe doing an inspection before doing trans filter.
Or when I removed rear bumper to see how hard it is to replace the wing.
I did all this with hand tools, in my garage.
Nothing special.
Happy Camper how do you know the changeover date for the new updated transmission was in July? Inquiring minds want to know please