Nova T-56 Questions

[rchaskin]

After looking at everyones 5-6 speed swaps.

I have about concluded that the LT-1 T-56 with the ATS kit is the easiest swap.
My nova is a 71 with great floor pans. I would hate to cut a giant hole in them.

My questions are this: (I plan on using a stock or D&D LT-1 T-56)



1. How did the people using this type of trans get back to a mechanical type speedo? Jags that run kit? D&D Viper tailhousing on a LT-1 trans?

2. Did you have to cut thru the cross member under the seats for the shifter hole?

3. How do the stock transmissions hold up to abuse? (400ft/lb Gen 1 SB)


I would really like to hear from markm66, this is about the same setup he has.

[rchaskin]

TTT

Does anyone besides MarkM66 (I have already talked to him) have a LT1 style T-56 in a 68-72 Nova?????

I would like to do this swap, but would like to hear from a few more people who have already tried it.

Thanks.

[Samckitt]

I can't give you much advise for a Nova, but for my Monte I made a bracket to fit between the brake booster & firewall to hold the hydraulic master cylinder. It looks like this: http://mysite.verizon.net/res722js/ug_brkt.jpg

I had to make my own crossmember. And am currently still looking for options for a speedo. Probably will end up with an electronic one.

[Mkelcy]

After looking at everyones 5-6 speed swaps.

I have about concluded that the LT-1 T-56 with the ATS kit is the easiest swap.
My nova is a 71 with great floor pans. I would hate to cut a giant hole in them.

My questions are this: (I plan on using a stock or D&D LT-1 T-56)

1. How did the people using this type of trans get back to a mechanical type speedo? Jags that run kit? D&D Viper tailhousing on a LT-1 trans?

2. Did you have to cut thru the cross member under the seats for the shifter hole?

3. How do the stock transmissions hold up to abuse? (400ft/lb Gen 1 SB)


I would really like to hear from markm66, this is about the same setup he has.

Unless you have severe transmission tunnel room issues (I don't know Nova's) the easiest swap is an LS1 T56, the McLeod adapter kit, a standard Chevy bellhousing/clutch/flywheel and the factory mechanical clutch linkage assuming this is all going behind a SBC/BBC. The LS1 T56's are rated for 450 Ft-Lbs.

You will have to cut a hole for shifter access and there are electronic to mecahnical speedo adapters available for about $300.

You could also go with the Aftermarket T56, which comes with an adapter like the Mcleod kit and a mechanical speedo drive. The Aftermarket T56's are rated for 400 Ft-Lbs.

Both the torque ratings appear to be extremely conservative.

[jasonsnova]

i just got done doing the ls1/mcleod adapter swap...= floor surgery. i actually just finished notching the bench seat frame last night. the shifter comes directly through wear the crossmember is and floor tunnel has to widened. the absolute min floor mods would be as follows, viper style trans with lt1 style input shaft.lt1 bell houseing, hydrolic clutch set up. the viper trans has a more forward shifter, and a lt1 bell is slightly less deep, now saying this you may still have to cut into the crossmember, i did tons of research before i did mine, i weighed all things cost , install...etc and ended up with a d&d ls1 style trans and the mcleod adapter and stock style clutch linkage. if you want absolutely no floor mods go with a tko 600 and stock clutch linkage

[Mkelcy]

i just got done doing the ls1/mcleod adapter swap...= floor surgery. i actually just finished notching the bench seat frame last night. the shifter comes directly through wear the crossmember is and floor tunnel has to widened. the absolute min floor mods would be as follows, viper style trans with lt1 style input shaft.lt1 bell houseing, hydrolic clutch set up. the viper trans has a more forward shifter, and a lt1 bell is slightly less deep, now saying this you may still have to cut into the crossmember, i did tons of research before i did mine, i weighed all things cost , install...etc and ended up with a d&d ls1 style trans and the mcleod adapter and stock style clutch linkage. if you want absolutely no floor mods go with a tko 600 and stock clutch linkage

Ding, ding, ding - we have a winner. Any T56 swap is going to involve cutting for shifter access.

[jasonsnova]

Ding, ding, ding - we have a winner. Any T56 swap is going to involve cutting for shifter access.

correct!!!!!! but with 4:11's out back 6 gears are nice!!! mine should be road worthy in a few weeks! trans is in though...just little stuff now ....like bench seat is at upolster's because i had to notch it for the t56 shifter location

[dhardison]

i just got done doing the ls1/mcleod adapter swap...= floor surgery. i actually just finished notching the bench seat frame last night. the shifter comes directly through wear the crossmember is and floor tunnel has to widened. the absolute min floor mods would be as follows, viper style trans with lt1 style input shaft.lt1 bell houseing, hydrolic clutch set up. the viper trans has a more forward shifter, and a lt1 bell is slightly less deep, now saying this you may still have to cut into the crossmember, i did tons of research before i did mine, i weighed all things cost , install...etc and ended up with a d&d ls1 style trans and the mcleod adapter and stock style clutch linkage. if you want absolutely no floor mods go with a tko 600 and stock clutch linkage

The TKO transmissions in 3rd-gen Novas require floor surgery as well. The tailshaft can be lowered to keep from cutting the floor, but your driveline angles will be AJU.

[malihoochie]

I second the vote for the TKO600. I think it would be the easiest & most adjustable option. I did very minor "convincing" to the floor pans in my '79 Malibu to put mine in, and many companies had told me that I would have to perform major surgery; not so!

Best of luck whichever way you go.

[TnBlkC230WZ]

I third the TKO600. on a 3rd gen Nova, it will require minor cutting of the tunel in front of the stock shifter hole. you can bring the shifter up in the stock location, or centered near the stock location or about 3 inches back from the stock location. It cost less, is stronger, designed for abuse, and your 400 ft/lbs should have no problem with the .64 overdrive