T56 Swap Questions

[mattgw86]

I'm currently gathering parts/ making a list of things to get for the trans swap on my 1995 Z28. If I get an LS1 trans (I seem to be finding more of them locally on CL for decent prices), can I use the LS1 clutch and hydraulics and use that for my swap or will I be better off getting an LT1 trans and having it shipped? I'm not looking to build anything crazy, just a bolt on/ mostly stock car.

Also, does anyone have for sale or know where I might be able to find the center console shifter plate? Those things are tough to find, and all the cars in the local junk yards are v6 autos.

[mattgw86]

After doing some more research on another site, I found my answer. Apparently I'll need to put a spacer on the bellhousing due to the longer input shaft on the LS1 trans. I think I might just stick with the LT1 trans. I don't think the extra expense, effort, and potential headaches will really be worth it for my purposes.

[96LT1355Z28]

For a bolt on car I'd stick with an LT1 T56. If your looking at needing a wider variety of clutches then the LS conversion would be worth considering. Not sure what info you found but it's much more than a spacer to convert.

[mattgw86]

Yeah, definitely not gonna be worth it. There were just a couple transmissions from LS1 cars locally on craigslist. I'll just go back to my original plan of finding one online and having it shipped.

[Fastbird]

If you send Formula383 a PM he did the LS1 trans/hydraulics swap. He could tell you everything involved, but it's not a light undertaking. You're better off doing as you've said, look for a good LT1 trans.

[JPack]

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y77/jpack24/20141219_181935_zpse9bjysdd.jpg (http://s3.photobucket.com/user/jpack24/media/20141219_181935_zpse9bjysdd.jpg.html)

Not perfect but I would call it 8.5 out of 10. Needs a shift boot and ashtray. Metal ring to mount boot can be bought in ebay and better than the plastic stock one. $35 shipped plus paypal fee?

[mattgw86]

Thanks, I'll take it! PM me your PayPal info and I'll get the money to you today.

[Formula218]

i'm currently converting my LT1 t56 into a LS1 T56. i'll sell you my LT stuff that comes off so you can convert your LS T56 into a LT one. only thing you'd probably need new is the race (i'm assuming they're not reusable, but maybe i'm wrong) . i should have a front plate, input shaft, and LT1 bell housing for sale and i'd make ya a good deal.

[95albinobird]

i'm going to study this thread.it may change my way of thinking.
i come from the school of thought that if you want a manual you buy a car that came that way......kinda like if you want a black car you don't buy a white car and paint it ya buy a black car.
but wrenching is fun and you get you share doing this swap lol

[mattgw86]

I very well may be interested in that. Even if I end up getting an LT1 trans, it seems like lots of them don't come with the bell housing. How about the clutch fork and the inspection cover? Also any miscellaneous bolts or pieces that you won't be using. Send me a PM with what you want for all of it.

[mattgw86]

The T56 swap is not very uncommon. Search around a bit on the web and you'll find several write ups.

[Formula218]

once i get it all back i'll get a list of it all and be in contact.

[mattgw86]

Awesome thanks.

[JPack]

I will get the plate out monday. Thanks!

[BALLSS]

OP

the path of least resistance is to use a LT1, preferably 94-97 T56. Swapping in a F-body since they were made as sticks also should be very doable and several write ups have been done

Finding a "good" T56 may be a challenge and a used one may need "rebuilding" but even with that cost you will be $ ahead staying with a LT1 T56

The T56 should come with bellhousing and fork. Dust covers are not made anymore for GM but F2B makes a clone which is fine

FW, clutches and hydraulics are available from just about any auto part store or even cheaper at rockauto.com.

[mattgw86]

Well it looks like I have a line on an LT1 setup for a good price through another forum. I should be getting everything I still need. I plan on using rock auto for a stock replacement clutch (Luk) and hydraulics (ac Delco).

[popo8]

Just saw a 1500 formula on cl that lost oil pressure... but its a t56 car...

[mattgw86]

That's not bad. Where at? There was a camaro just like that a few months ago about an hour from me. But like most great deals, it showed up when I wasn't in a position to buy. Lately I've been watching a couple forums and craigslist and saw someone parting a 97 z28. He's giving me a good deal on all the rest of the parts I need.

[popo8]

TubbyFormy do u still have that ad that u posted of the white formy from ur fb???? T56 that "lost oil pressure?"

[SSlowBoat]

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/4820897680.html

[popo8]

Thanku man.

[BALLSS]

Well it looks like I have a line on an LT1 setup for a good price through another forum. I should be getting everything I still need. I plan on using rock auto for a stock replacement clutch (Luk) and hydraulics (ac Delco).

good you found a donor car to get all the stuff from. 19+ year old tranny in a car typically not driven to church by your grandmother may be in need of some service. You may get a good unit but don't be surprised if a refresh is needed. Common upgrades are 3-4 steel shift fork vs aluminum stock and billet syncro keys if you do need to open up tranny

If you can get the donor car connectors like VSS and reverse lock out great. They are available as pigtails but if you can get them from donor car you won't have to buy them.

[mattgw86]

If it was my grandmother driving it, it would certainly be in need of service, haha.

I thought the vss connectors were the same, it just needs the wires extended. I've also been reading up on the typical mods and downloaded the service manual. I'm really looking forward to rowing gears in the near future.

[BALLSS]

IIRC the 96 VSS connector is the same for both 4L60E and T56 but I could be wrong but different for earlier years. Swapping connector if needed should be no big deal.

I converted my 96 Impala SS to T56 about 10 years ago so I had a few more challenges vs F-body. You will have major "grin" factor rowing gears IMHO

There should be several step by step write ups on the swap to follow and forum help when needed.

Stock type organic clutch like a LUK will be fine for a stock or mild bolt on car and drive like butter in traffic.

FWIW I use a pilot "bearing" vs bushing but like many think, that is a debate on what is best. OEM used the bearing

if you can't get the tranny in the last 1/2" do not draw it in with bolts. The likely reason it won't go in is mis-aligned clutch disc. pull tranny back out and re-align disc. PIA but not worth killing the pilot beating by drawing tranny in with bolts. It may take a "wiggle/push" and a few four letter words to get it in but if aligned right it will.

Mail order tune can re-program for the T56

[Formula218]

Got my transmission and parts back today, thought I'd check with you even though you got one and see if you're interested before I start whoring it out. Everything you need to make a LS1 t56, a LT1 t56.


31241
LT1 front plate

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LT1 bell housing

31243
LT1 input shaft and race

[mattgw86]

Whore away, Formula... :jest:


BALLSS- If connectors have to be changed, no big deal. It's just running into annoyances like that in the middle of a swap that make you want to throw wrenches into trees. Good info on the clutch alignment and yes, right now I'm going for an all stock setup. My plan is to get the car presentable and somewhat comfortable, then start with building the suspension.

[mattgw86]

Trans is officially ordered, paid for, and will be on its way later this week. I'm hoping to be able do this install sometime in February or March.

[95albinobird]

http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/cto/4820897680.html
:omfg::headbang::deal::goodluck:

[Spartan7]

IIRC the 96 VSS connector is the same for both 4L60E and T56 but I could be wrong but different for earlier years.

Correct, 96-97 A4 VSS connectors are the same as the T56 ones. I also did not need to extend my wires.

[mattgw86]

Ok, so I will need to order the connector since I have a 95. I'll put it on the ever shrinking list.

[mattgw86]

Got everything I need ordered now. One more question though... just how high do I need to raise the car? Right now I have it on rhino ramps on all 4 corners. I could raise it more in either the front or back with some "pads" made with 6x6's.

[Wilburbeest]

Got everything I need ordered now. One more question though... just how high do I need to raise the car? Right now I have it on rhino ramps on all 4 corners. I could raise it more in either the front or back with some "pads" made with 6x6's.

Pretty damn high. I put my rears on ramps, then jack it up with my low-pro jack as far as I can get it, adding in a pair of 6 ton jack stands (big ones like what you would use for a truck), extending them as able for safety. then once I've gone as far as I can with the low-pro jack, I put a regular jack under it with two pressure treated 4x4s and make sure I keep extending the jack stands because the angles start to get a little sketchy toward the top for the jack. this pic is OLD and the car isn't secured yet in it, but I still do the same thing. Once it's up as far as I'm going to put it, I take the jack out and lay a couple of steel truck wheels with old tires under each front wheel just for extra safety.

31442

[mattgw86]

Ok, so you just had the rear on ramps and the front jacked way up? I'll raise the front of mine another 6" for a total of about a foot up front and the 6" ramps in the back.

[Wilburbeest]

Yup. If you have a secure way to put the back a little higher I'd suggest it though. Truth be told the angle makes it a little scary during the last stages of jacking it up the way I do it. It's stable once it's got stands on the front subframe though.

[SSlowBoat]

You guys should make some cribs like I have. http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/12/31e8c11a7efd9f6043c638a28051357c.jpg

Also made frame stands for 2 of them so the car sits level with the k or rear out.

[mattgw86]

I thought about building some cribbing like that, but now I have it on the 4 ramps. I can just lift them higher and put lumber under the ramps. I have a big floor jack from my old F250 so lifting it higher isn't an issue, just wanted to know if it was necessary.

Side note- transmission arrived today! Unfortunately I'm not home and had to get my brother to sign for it and send me pics.

[Wilburbeest]

You guys should make some cribs like I have. http://tapatalk.imageshack.com/v2/15/01/12/31e8c11a7efd9f6043c638a28051357c.jpg

Also made frame stands for 2 of them so the car sits level with the k or rear out.

Now that's a nice setup.