Is it worth it?

[72Z/28]

Hi guys

I have been thinking of doing a T56 conversion on my 72 camaro.It currently has a 4 speed saginaw, so I found a T56 tanny that came off of a 93 Z28. The guy is asking around $900 for it. I wonder if it is worth spending that much on it or not?

Also, what mods do i need to make besides fabricating another tranny crossmember?

Your ideas are appreciated..

[DarkoNova]

You'd need a new crossmember, shorter driveshaft, cut the floor (probably, I'm not sure on 2nd gen Camaros, never owned/been in one), and a new bellhousing. So far, Keisler is the only one that makes a bellhousing to mate a T56 to an SBC. Not sure on the clutch setup, though. I believe you can use a standard flywheel and clutch with an extended throwout bearing. Hopefully someone else will chime in on that, though.

I'd say go for it, though, definitely. Overdrive is awesome, and even though I love my TKO-600, I'd love to have a 6 speed. I've got 3.42's in my rear end, and I cruise at 70 at around 2000-2100. It's nice and all, but I always wanted 4.10 gears. If I had a 6 speed I could get the gears and just cruise in 6th. I may end up selling the 5 speed and getting a T56, but we'll see.

Plus for $900, you can't go wrong.

Matt

[72Z/28]

Thanks DarkoNova.

The problem is I don't know exactly what gear ratio i have got in the rearend. The RPM stays around 1700 at 50 MPH or so, therefore; I am sort of concerned how it is going to drive like when doing the T56 conversion. It does scream on the 1st, 2nd and sometimes 3rd though LOL

Hoping to hear more ideas..

[TitoJones]

You'd need a new crossmember, shorter driveshaft, cut the floor (probably, I'm not sure on 2nd gen Camaros, never owned/been in one), and a new bellhousing. So far, Keisler is the only one that makes a bellhousing to mate a T56 to an SBC.

Not accurate. You shouldn't have to cut the floor unless you have a 1/2" drop subframe body bushing. You do NOT need a new bellhousing with an LT1 style T56 it will bolt up as is to your SBC. Keisler is also not the only one that makes a bellhousing, McLeod makes an SFI one vs Keislers cast alum one. Weir is another option.

Not sure on the clutch setup, though. I believe you can use a standard flywheel and clutch with an extended throwout bearing. Hopefully someone else will chime in on that, though.

You cannot use your 4spd clutch setup with the T56. you will need a special flywheel if you have a 2pc rear main seal, and you must use a LT1 style pull off clutch and pressure plate.

Plus for $900, you can't go wrong.

Make sure that the trans is in good shape. The 93 model is the least desirable model since it has a different gear ratio and is rated at a lower torque than the 94+ models.

We have all the items on the shelf to make that swap a 100% bolt in, so if you decide to go that route, we can make it a no-hassle install.

Tyler

[EFI69Cam]

You'd need a new crossmember, shorter driveshaft, cut the floor (probably, I'm not sure on 2nd gen Camaros, never owned/been in one), and a new bellhousing. So far, Keisler is the only one that makes a bellhousing to mate a T56 to an SBC. Not sure on the clutch setup, though. I believe you can use a standard flywheel and clutch with an extended throwout bearing. Hopefully someone else will chime in on that, though.

I'd say go for it, though, definitely. Overdrive is awesome, and even though I love my TKO-600, I'd love to have a 6 speed. I've got 3.42's in my rear end, and I cruise at 70 at around 2000-2100. It's nice and all, but I always wanted 4.10 gears. If I had a 6 speed I could get the gears and just cruise in 6th. I may end up selling the 5 speed and getting a T56, but we'll see.

Plus for $900, you can't go wrong.

Matt

My keisler kit came with the lt1 t56 bell. They don't make a chevy t56 bell.

[72Z/28]

Not accurate. You shouldn't have to cut the floor unless you have a 1/2" drop subframe body bushing. You do NOT need a new bellhousing with an LT1 style T56 it will bolt up as is to your SBC. Keisler is also not the only one that makes a bellhousing, McLeod makes an SFI one vs Keislers cast alum one. Weir is another option.






You cannot use your 4spd clutch setup with the T56. you will need a special flywheel if you have a 2pc rear main seal, and you must use a LT1 style pull off clutch and pressure plate.




Make sure that the trans is in good shape. The 93 model is the least desirable model since it has a different gear ratio and is rated at a lower torque than the 94+ models.

We have all the items on the shelf to make that swap a 100% bolt in, so if you decide to go that route, we can make it a no-hassle install.

Tyler

Thanks Tyler, what you wrote is very informative. The car mechanic said the same thing that there was no need to change the bellhousing.

I will see what I can do, if I need anything, I will definitely contact you regarding parts and stuff.

thanks a lot.

[DarkoNova]

Like I said, I've never been in nor owned a 2nd gen, so I wasn't sure on the floor mods. And I meant a stock type bellhousing, not SFI approved or anything (also assumed it was an LS1 T56). You know what they say about assuming, though.

Matt