T-56 install

[lil Scriv]

Well after alot of thinking I have pretty much set My mind on the fact that I want a Manual Transmission in My Car. The Transmission I want to go with is a t-56. Now what I was woundering is how cheap can this be done? What all do I need? Can I pull a used one out of a Car from a Salvage yard? I already have a lead for some Break/Clutch Peddles & Linkage. It would have to be a Regular Clutch not a Hydralic one. The Car that its going in is a 1976 Nova with a 383 Stroker. 2 piece rear main seal. The car is a Factory Auto Car so it's going to Need everything. I'm just looking at a Ball Park idea of what the price would be. I have all the Tools and the skill to fab up Parts like Modifying My Crossmember to work with the Transmission, so I'm just trying to figure out what all I need at this point.

~Robert

[TnBlkC230WZ]

You can certainly pull one from the salvage yard if you can find one. There are options on how to install depending on which one you get. The LS tranmsission is the most popular and can be installed with a hydrolic or mechanical TO bearing. If you are on the cheap, get an LS trans, adapter plate and TO bearing housing with mechanical TO bearing. Cost will depend on the condition on the trans and your negotiating skills. A stock flywheel and clutch will work with a 26 spline disk. You will need a special pilot bearing available from our site sponsors and you will need to shorten the driveshaft.

[lil Scriv]

Ok what would be the Best car to pull one out of? A Firebird? A list of Year/Make/Model that would work best would be great! I was hopeing to get one with like a 0.62 6th gear ratio.

What about a Bellhousing like this?

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=70475

I know it's a new Product but would it be better to go after something like that?

~Robert

[senor_camaro]

Best way to do your swap is to run a Lt1 T56 transmission and use a conversion flywheel either centerforce part#700107 or Ram flywheel part#798-2555. I also have a 2 piece sbc 350.

If your able to find a deal on craigslist or at a local salvage you can find one for as little as 600-1200.

All in all

T56 - 600-1200$
Flywheel - 400
Clutck Kit - 160 or more depending on HP of engine
T56 Clutch Slave Hydraulics - around 250 brand new or less used.


I got my T56 for 650, and had to piece together parts cause it didnt come complete which still came out to a total of 750. look online it should cost more than 2000 if your patient and look for a deal. Oh and not to mention the stock TH350 driveshaft will work on the T56 so if you have one you would just need to measure and see if you need to shorten.

[lil Scriv]

Will i be able to use a Mechanical Clutch? I can't run a hydrolic Clutch on my Car. What all did the Lt1 Come in? I'm pretty sure the 86-96 Corvettes but what else? Thanks in advance for the Help.

-Robert

[senor_camaro]

From my experience, the Lt1 is the easier swap cause most everything is bolt on except for thew special flywheel you would need to buy, but its up to you. the most fab work on an LT1 t56 swap would be hooking up the Clutch Master Cylinder to work with the stock pedals and some light to heavy fabrication to make a crossmember. Make sure to measure how much clearance you have in your tunnel incase you might need to modify the trans tunnel to make it fit.

In order to use the mechanical linkage you would need to run the LS1 T56 which is has a longer input shaft and buy the special bellhousing adapter plate to use a muncie or SBC T5 bellhousing. You would be able to use the old style flywheel and clutch kit.

[senor_camaro]

LS1T56 Trans - $1100-1500 used

T56 to muncie Adapter Plate - Around $190.00 new


Muncie Bellhousing - around $275.00 new

Flywheel - $60-100 new

use this website for reference

http://www.sallee-chevrolet.com/Borg.../bwt56pics.cfm

[PhillipM]

Dude we just got done doing this swap. It was a lot of parts. More than I would have ever expected.

[86Cutlass383SR]

Robert, sounds like you need a Tremec Aftermarket T56 tranny. Uses stock mechanical linkage, bellhousing, flywheel, and clutch/pressure plate for a regular 4 speed (clutch needs 26 spline 1 1/8"). Requires a modified crossmember and shortened driveshaft but other than that, it's a bolt in. Even has the .62 6th gear like you are wanting. Includes the above adapter plate. Uses the stock mech speedo gears. Good luck finding a used one but they can be bought new. You want a used (and abused) trans that will probably need a rebuild after you buy it or a new one? Then you'll still need that adapter plate (another $250 http://www.summitracing.com/parts/MCL-8-207/ ).

I'm running one behind my 383 and was told by Tremec it was rated at 450 ft/lbs. As long as you don't run slicks or do any 5000 rpm clutch drops, no upgrades are needed for street use. These can also be had in an upgraded versions.

Here's the part number and ratio break down:

Tremec T56 (1386-000-011) 2.97 2.07 1.43 1.00 0.80 0.62 450 lb-ft

I got mine years ago from Liberty Gears(http://www.libertysgears.com/ttc.htm) but others will have it. Part number is (1386-000-011). Cost now-a-days seems to be around $2300 new and ready to bolt in. The Llberty plate that came with mine was drilled for both a T5 (canted 17*) and a regular Muncie style pattern.

Just another option you might want to know about.

[lil Scriv]

Well thanks alot for all the Input guys. Here's the deal the Main Reason I was going with a T-56 was because I Thought I could get one offof CL/Ebay Cheap and I could make it work. well seeing as how it seem that would be more work then it's worth would I be better off going to something like this?

http://www.keislerauto.com/ford/unmo...page_tabs.html

I know it's Rated at 425LB-FT so it should be OK for My Motor that putting out 413LB-FT right now. the main think I would go with that over a New T-56 or TKO 500-600 is because there should be alot less floor Cutting then there would be with another kind of Transmission. I know that for the T-56 you almost have to build a new Transmission Tunnel for it.

Like I said I'm just trying to find the Best/Easy/Cheapest Route to get a OD Standard Transmission in the Car. I think the Gear Ratio would be pretty good for My Car. with the 0.67 OD and My 3.42's with a 26.5 inch tall tire at 2000RPM I should be 67MPH. and that's fine with Me.

-Robert

[rchaskin]

In a 68-72 Nova, you do NOT have to cut the tunnel (other than the shifter hole) with a LT1 style T-56 using the stock LT1 bellhousing and hydraulics.

I just completed the swap. I used a 1996 Camaro box. It is pretty close in some areas, but it does fit.

This is not a cheap swap.

I have $800 in the trans, $700 in swap parts from ATS/Speedtech, $459 for McLeod Flywheel, $712 for McLeod street pro clutch, $140 for the hydraulics, $100 for the pedals and $75 for getting the driveshaft shortened. Thats $2986 for parts.

(I have all of the part numbers that I used if anyone is interested)

You can get some stuff cheaper, but I am hard on stuff and like to buy the best when I can.

Plus I also had to upgrade to an electric distibutor ($250) and use a mini starter ($150 used).

I still need and dont have the $300 Abbot speedo box.
I still need to switch from 3.42 gears to 3.90.

I also had to add some seats, and that was another $1200.
(I bought Corbeau GTS-2 if anyone is interested, see my PT garage)

I also had to have stuff like the shifter boot and knob, and the penzoil fluid.

Like I said, this is not a cheap swap.

It sure is fun to row six gears though, and I cannot count the number of times at cruise-ins, when people ask "Man, does that thing have a Six Speed in it?"

It does get peoples attention.

Do what you will have the most fun out of.
I love driving the car now.
My windshield, grill and hood are full of bugs!!

Randy

[Mr. Anderson]

I'm in the middle of one of these myself and will be able to report back after the weekend whether or not it worked...

LT1 style T56 which came with stock F-body master and slave cylinder and clutch fork - $700
Stock LT1 bellhousing off of ebay - $250
Ram clutch - $310
Fidenza Flywheel (only one I could find for an internally balanced engine) - $400
Hurst Billet Plus Shifter - $190
Corvette clutch master cylinder for firewall mounting - $35
Manual pedals - from my parts stash
Pilot bearing and ARP flywheel bolts - $34
Slave cylinder adapter/spacer (factory part that my bellhousing was missing) - $12
Different "laid back" shifter stick for better location in car - $80
My trans came with an Energy Suspension mount already on it but that would have been another $22

All said and done should be around $2000 in parts, not counting any driveshaft work.

[TnBlkC230WZ]

If you are willing to put a hydrolic clutch in, an LT1 trans is a good option. I personally ruled it out because I didn't want a hydrolic clutch.

An LS based transmission with the new Quicktime bellhousing I read about in another post should eliminate most cutting on a 3rd or 4th gen Nova. The cost of the bellhousing would be easily offset by the cost of the custom flywheel the LT1 transmission requires.

The T45RS is a good option for someone on a budget, especially if your have a lower ratio axle. It offers OEM reliability and shift quality in a smaller package.

[Mr. Anderson]

I just updated my list, which should be 99% of what is needed. I got everything assembled this weekend and in the car, no problems. I did my own modification to make my stock crossmember work, so you might have to factor in some additional cost there. Check out my El Camino build thread for pictures.

[John Wright]

How about this?....

https://www.pro-touring.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=70475

[BonzoHansen]

that is the way to go.

[TnBlkC230WZ]

that is the way to go.

Ya, I wish that was available when I put mine in.

[Henshman]

I'd really appreciate the parts list!!
I need to remove my 700r4 for a 6speed...for my 69 Nova, 3.89 gears
Thanks for the advice and input.

[rchaskin]

If you are referring to me, PM me your email and I will send you what I have.

Randy