LS vs LT T56?

[vince72]

Hey guys,
im kicking the idea of going from my ST10 to T56 for my SBC, is the difference in price between LS T56 worth it?
I’ve ready the LT is more reliable?
i don’t plan on going LS engine but I am considering Holley sniper in the near future.

thoughts, experiences and opinions much appreciated



vince

[SSLance]

Do you mean LT1 T56?

The LT1 style T56 can be a direct bolt in to your SBC while the LS style T56 will take some work. Both are similar strength and endurance wise.

Is your SBC a one piece rear main seal style or two piece? That will determine a lot in what you need for the swap.

[vince72]

I have a 2 piece rear main seal.
I noticed that the LT1 6 speeds are not as expensive I’ve seen them going for about $1500

[SSLance]

So with a 2 piece rear main seal, you'll need a special flywheel to make the LT1 style T56 work. This has been done a lot and works well but the flywheel can be a bit pricey.

The LT1 style uses a pull type throwout bearing which is a bit of a ******* setup but also works well. You are a bit limited in clutch selection though. I run a Mcleod Street Extreme clutch with my LT1 style T56.

To convert a LS style T56 to work with your SBC, you'll have to change the input shaft which means taking the trans apart as well as a few other things. Others with more experience can chime in on this if needed, it can be done though...just know it's not a bolt together project by any means.

[vince72]

So in your experience the LT T56 is the easier option

Vince

[Chad-1stGen]

The LT T56 was designed to work with a SBC. Obviously the LS T56 wasn't. The transmissions are nearly identical. The main difference as already pointed out is the input shaft and throwout bearing.

I ran an LS1 T56 on my 1 piece rear seal SBC using a Weir hotrod products bellhousing which didn't require changing the input shaft.

[SSLance]

So in your experience the LT T56 is the easier option

Vince

The answer is... "It depends"...

Every user is different, "easier" depends on what parts you have on hand already and how easily you can get the rest needed to complete your swap. Best thing you can do is get completely familiar with what parts play nice with others and what parts won't work at all with others then go from there.

Assuming you don't want to change your engine, you need to search out what parts you'll need to adapt a T56 to your 2 piece rear main seal crank. I know you can buy an approx $300 flywheel and the rest of the OEM LT1 style T56 parts will bolt right up.

As Chad shows above, there may be aftermarket adapter bell housings and flywheels that will allow an LS Style T56 to bolt right up as well. Just be sure they are for 2 piece rear main seal crank is all.

I would review those two choices first for cost and availability, then compare the cost and availability of a LT1 vs LS style T56...then decide.