T56 into a classic

[dan468]

Here's some info and pics for anyone wanting to use a T56 and original clutch. The trans is from a 96 LT1 Camero. A LS1 input shaft is to go into the T56 because this conversion require a longer input. All part thur far have been purchased from thegearbox.org

[oldblue1968chevy]

what is the t56 5spd or 6 spd? Whats the cost on these bad boys?...how does the shifter fit in the cab close to bench seat just perfect?..

[dan468]

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

what is the t56 5spd or 6 spd? Whats the cost on these bad boys?...how does the shifter fit in the cab close to bench seat just perfect?..

6-speed : ) the shifter is too far back but thegearbox sells the hardware to put the shifter in the middle of the transmission. I paid 800 for the trans and a touch over 400 for the kit, input shaft, and longer pilot bearing.

[oldblue1968chevy]

How hard is the swap? what do you do about the clutch...me likey this

[dan468]

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

How hard is the swap? what do you do about the clutch...me likey this

Well so far so good, I'm in the middle of it. Apparently the clutch stays the same with the exception of having to get a disc with 26 spline

[dznucks]

What set up did you have before the t-56?

I thougth these trannys required hydraulic clutch setup. keep this updated with pics of the install and any issues that you run into.

this swap is on my list. i just need to locate a T-56

[oldblue1968chevy]

Hmmm so its a FAIRLY easy swap, when your done if ya done mind put a parts list and how much it $ with pics lol thanks keep going good luck and yeah wat'd ya start with 3ott auto 4sp

[dznucks]

^^^

I am interested seeing this too.

Also, what was your solution for the tranny crossmember?

[dan468]

Originally Posted by oldblue1968chevy

Hmmm so its a FAIRLY easy swap, when your done if ya done mind put a parts list and how much it $ with pics lol thanks keep going good luck and yeah wat'd ya start with 3ott auto 4sp

I didn't start with anything because I bought this frame bare. It didn't have the provision for the Z bar mount so I'm guessing it was an auto. My "original" hardware came from my old long bed frame which was a 3ott, then a Muncie. I was head down the route of a 700r4 until my friend called with this trans offer. My trans member is the crossmember from Nathan Porter.

[68jewel]

Sweet swap. I see you have an adapter plate there. So, you must be running it behind a 1st gen block. Guys, this is an easy swap. A list of thing you have to do is as follows. Nothing that a fab guy or some of you with welding skills can't do.

1. Tranny tunnel modification (raising it up with a high hump)
2. Tranny crossmember modification ( moving it back a few inches)
3. Driveshaft shortening
4. Clutch pedal setup
5. Hydraulic set up (for LS Gen 3's or adapter plates for SB/BB)

[dan468]

Originally Posted by 68jewel

Sweet swap. I see you have an adapter plate there. So, you must be running it behind a 1st gen block. Guys, this is an easy swap. A list of thing you have to do is as follows. Nothing that a fab guy or some of you with welding skills can't do.

1. Tranny tunnel modification (raising it up with a high hump)
2. Tranny crossmember modification ( moving it back a few inches)
3. Driveshaft shortening
4. Clutch pedal setup
5. Hydraulic set up (for LS Gen 3's or adapter plates for SB/BB)

Yes this is gong behind a BBC.

4. Don't need a new clutch set up
5. Keep the original Z bar

[Jim_PA]

Been wondering how this was done while keeping the stock clutch linkages. Thanks for the info, I got a new bookmark

Where did you find your tranny?

[dan468]

Originally Posted by Jim_PA

Been wondering how this was done while keeping the stock clutch linkages. Thanks for the info, I got a new bookmark

Where did you find your tranny?

My buddy is putting a built auto into his 1996 Camero and called me to see if I knew anyone that wanted his 6-speed. Of course I knew someone, hard to pass up

[dan468]

Cut off the front nose today to allow room for the adapter plate...

[twillie2460]

I would like to talk with the people that has done the t 56 into the truck thing as I am really thinking about doing this. Please mail me at twilliams@midconcables.com
Thanks

[dan468]

sorry about the delay, the shop can't polish it with all the guts still in, too heavy.
I guess now's a good time to put in the mid shift kit.

[twillie2460]

I am also interested in moving my shifter forward on the trans also. So I will keep watching this thread as it will be something I intend on doing very soon.

[dan468]

Originally Posted by twillie2460

I am also interested in moving my shifter forward on the trans also. So I will keep watching this thread as it will be something I intend on doing very soon.

Here's a good start:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=300892

[twillie2460]

Thanks Dan I have already found this thread and have a printed me a copy out for a reference for the future. I have no idea at this point when I will convert mine as I have decided to do all the upgrades at onece. Which will include but may not be limited to the T-56 from a turbo 350, drop spindles with disk brakes on the front, Vintage ac package, 18 circuit Painless wiring harness, insulate and sound proofing the cab, replace a major seal in the front of the cab. it leaks when driving in the rain. I have not done this type of work in a very long time so I am sure it will take me a lot of time to complete this one.

[dan468]

Getting closer...

[twillie2460]

Dan that sure is a pretty t-56 I still have not started mine yet but I am rounding up parts for the conversion though. It never seems to go as planned though and if it did I think it would scare me. I did find out the any 27 spline turbo 350 yoke, powerglide and most manual yokes will work on the T-56 though.

[1971ls1longbed]

im doing the same swap but with an ls1 and bucket seats and i had to buy the mid plate for the ls t56 to convert my lt series t56 to work along with the longer input shaft. also u can buy alot of the same parts from ddtransmissions.com . its still a sweet swap let me know how the hydraulic setup works out

[Boyd]

Awesome! Subscribed!

[capev86]

nice thing about this trans is there are 2 pair of overdrive ratios available (and corresponding first gear ratios). you can have hot rod performance, big rig power AND drive smooth on the highway and get awesome (for a truck) gas mileage with a proper 6 speed. i want to put one of these behind a hot rodded 292 in an early 50's chevy 1 ton panel truck done up to look completely stock right down to the wheels (but with a modern chevy 8 lug chassis with IFS, sway bars and 4 wheel disc....some day)

.8 (5th) / .62 (6th) that would be great behind a 3.42, 3.73, 4.10, 4.11, etc

4.10 x .62 = 2.54 overall

.7 (5th) / .52 (6th) that would be awesome behind a 4.56, 4.57, 5.13, etc

4.57 x .52 = 2.38
5.13 x .52 = 2.67
6.13 x .52 = 3.19 (think rock crawler or stump puller with highway ability)

in comparison, a stock 700r4 in OD

3.07 x .7 = 2.15
3.73 x .7 = 2.61

obviously somewhere between 2.50 and 3.00 is good for mild highway driving (60-70mph). you can see why the 3.07 is a terrible choice in a truck.....it has to work too hard to make overdrive worthwile and so gas mileage is no better than with a more aggressive gear even if the rpms are lower. with OD and a 3.73 you get the best of both worlds! you obviously want to stay well above 2.00 unless you have a turbo diesel truck with a banks kit or other serious mods (tons of torque). tire height and chassis tonnage/primary use and driving pattern will also determine what you want to run. i love my funky 3 on the tree in my 72 burb 3/4 ton 2wd, but if it had been a floor shifter, i'd rip it out and put one of these bad boys in when i get my 406sbc in my truck!

[dan468]

Originally Posted by 1971ls1longbed

im doing the same swap but with an ls1 and bucket seats and i had to buy the mid plate for the ls t56 to convert my lt series t56 to work along with the longer input shaft. also u can buy alot of the same parts from ddtransmissions.com . its still a sweet swap let me know how the hydraulic setup works out

I finished the Mid shift mod last night, it's pretty easy. As far as they hydraulic setup goes...I'm using my factory clutch stuff.