t56 swap update, it IS possible!!
06-16-2005, 05:30 AM
#1
Racer
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t56 swap update, it IS possible!!
Hi, for the sake of making things simple, here's the other LONG thread, go read it if you need to catch up on everything:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...56&forum_id=48
That said, I would like to update everyone on the t56 swap I am wanting to do, I would like to make the newer information I have learned public for those wanting to do a t56 swap in the future.
There really are 3 ways to do this, as far as which t56 to choose. The first, and most expensive way is to buy an aftermarket tremec t56 with a scatter shield and put that on. I would do a keisler or a zf swap before I'd do this swap, it's just as expensive, with fabrication involved. My whole point here is to do this swap much cheaper than anybody else can do it.
The next way is to get an lt1 t56 out of a 93-97 f-body, swap the input shaft with a viper input shaft (it's longer - runs about $200.00), and run a scatter shield, m22, or t5 bellhousing with an adapter plate (another $200.00 unless you want to fabricate one).
The final, and Clearly the cheapest, simplest way is to purchase an ls1 t56 from a 98 up f-body, along with a spacer plate that goes in between the bellhousing and block. This is necessary because the ls1 input shaft is longer, but the bellhousing is a push style hydraulic TO bearing. These go for $60-100.00. You'll also need some longer "dowell pins" to go through the spacer plate.
If you go the third route (which I am doing), you'll be able to run an older style flywheel if you need to, as well as a 168 tooth flywheel if you want to run an 11" clutch. WOW!
So, not including all the swap b.s. I'll have to do anyway (pedals, MC, fabrication of the c-beam to the tranny, shorten driveshaft) I'll only be in the hole:
$700-1000.00 - LS1 Trans (deals are out there, shop around on forums and such)
$60-100 - Spacer Plate for the bellhousing
So worst case scenario: $1100.00 not including the pedals, MC, and stick upper console plate. I'll do the fabrication of the c-beam myself, and shortening the driveshaft runs about $50.00 around here.
I'd say if you have $1500.00 and are not afraid of a little fabrication (it really isn't that bad), you can do this!
I wish I knew how to post pics. I'd show that spacer plate for the ls1 tranny. I'm bidding on one on ebay right now, and if that falls through, there's a fella on thirdgen.org that will sell me his for $60.00 shipped.
Rest assured, I WILL create a web page that shows how to do this swap when I have it completed. I hope this helps those people who want to run a 6 speed, but don't have 3k for a keisler or tremec!!
Whatcha think?
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...56&forum_id=48
That said, I would like to update everyone on the t56 swap I am wanting to do, I would like to make the newer information I have learned public for those wanting to do a t56 swap in the future.
There really are 3 ways to do this, as far as which t56 to choose. The first, and most expensive way is to buy an aftermarket tremec t56 with a scatter shield and put that on. I would do a keisler or a zf swap before I'd do this swap, it's just as expensive, with fabrication involved. My whole point here is to do this swap much cheaper than anybody else can do it.
The next way is to get an lt1 t56 out of a 93-97 f-body, swap the input shaft with a viper input shaft (it's longer - runs about $200.00), and run a scatter shield, m22, or t5 bellhousing with an adapter plate (another $200.00 unless you want to fabricate one).
The final, and Clearly the cheapest, simplest way is to purchase an ls1 t56 from a 98 up f-body, along with a spacer plate that goes in between the bellhousing and block. This is necessary because the ls1 input shaft is longer, but the bellhousing is a push style hydraulic TO bearing. These go for $60-100.00. You'll also need some longer "dowell pins" to go through the spacer plate.
If you go the third route (which I am doing), you'll be able to run an older style flywheel if you need to, as well as a 168 tooth flywheel if you want to run an 11" clutch. WOW!
So, not including all the swap b.s. I'll have to do anyway (pedals, MC, fabrication of the c-beam to the tranny, shorten driveshaft) I'll only be in the hole:
$700-1000.00 - LS1 Trans (deals are out there, shop around on forums and such)
$60-100 - Spacer Plate for the bellhousing
So worst case scenario: $1100.00 not including the pedals, MC, and stick upper console plate. I'll do the fabrication of the c-beam myself, and shortening the driveshaft runs about $50.00 around here.
I'd say if you have $1500.00 and are not afraid of a little fabrication (it really isn't that bad), you can do this!
I wish I knew how to post pics. I'd show that spacer plate for the ls1 tranny. I'm bidding on one on ebay right now, and if that falls through, there's a fella on thirdgen.org that will sell me his for $60.00 shipped.
Rest assured, I WILL create a web page that shows how to do this swap when I have it completed. I hope this helps those people who want to run a 6 speed, but don't have 3k for a keisler or tremec!!
Whatcha think?
06-16-2005, 11:25 AM
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You are alot like me. I don't have a ton of money to throw around either.
You have proven that if you put some time and effort into something you can figure out a cheaper alternative. Great job!! I will follow your lead and I will await you webpage.
You have proven that if you put some time and effort into something you can figure out a cheaper alternative. Great job!! I will follow your lead and I will await you webpage.
06-16-2005, 12:48 PM
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Racer
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Thanks guys! And here's some more info:
If you have a one piece rear main seal block, you have a whole lot easier job, you can run the entire lt1 transmission, flywheel, and clutch, with the pull style slave cylinder. So you can just get the whole setup (tranny, bellhousing, clutch, flywheel, slave and master cylinder) out of an f-body and stick it right in behind your motor.
IF you have a two piece rear main seal block, things aren't so easy. You can still Run the LT1 style clutch setup, but you'll need an expensive flywheel to make it work.
In either case, you'll have to run a mini-starter, as your stock starter won't fit.
So, 200.00 for a mini starter
300.00 for a custom flywheel
I don't recommend you go this route if you have a 2 piece rear main seal. that's an extra 500.00 stuck on there so you can, find an Ls1 tranny.
If you have a one piece rear main seal block, you have a whole lot easier job, you can run the entire lt1 transmission, flywheel, and clutch, with the pull style slave cylinder. So you can just get the whole setup (tranny, bellhousing, clutch, flywheel, slave and master cylinder) out of an f-body and stick it right in behind your motor.
IF you have a two piece rear main seal block, things aren't so easy. You can still Run the LT1 style clutch setup, but you'll need an expensive flywheel to make it work.
In either case, you'll have to run a mini-starter, as your stock starter won't fit.
So, 200.00 for a mini starter
300.00 for a custom flywheel
I don't recommend you go this route if you have a 2 piece rear main seal. that's an extra 500.00 stuck on there so you can, find an Ls1 tranny.
06-28-2005, 07:16 AM
#6
Burning Brakes
So, not including all the swap b.s. I'll have to do anyway (pedals, MC, fabrication of the c-beam to the tranny, shorten driveshaft) I'll only be in the hole:
Whatcha think?[/QUOTE]
The issue has always been the c-beam support. You'll be in my prayers, as I hope you can do this
junkyard ZF6 (2500-3000) + clutch (850 ) + hydraulics (300) + pedal support (250)
kiesler 6-speed $5500
Richmond 6 speed $3200 + bellhousing, clutch, pedals, etc
Whatcha think?[/QUOTE]
The issue has always been the c-beam support. You'll be in my prayers, as I hope you can do this
junkyard ZF6 (2500-3000) + clutch (850 ) + hydraulics (300) + pedal support (250)
kiesler 6-speed $5500
Richmond 6 speed $3200 + bellhousing, clutch, pedals, etc
06-28-2005, 11:56 AM
#8
Burning Brakes
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Awesome news... The C-Beam should be simple, anyone with a welder could make it in an afternoon I would imagine; glad I finally bought one for myself! If you want to email me that picture of the spacer, I'd be happy to host it for you. When the day comes to replace my ZF6, the T56 would be a nice alternative simply for economic reasons. Do the ZF6 and T56 have the same spline count? It sure would be nice to be able to reuse some of that expensive Street Twin... 
06-28-2005, 07:18 PM
#11
Racer
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ya, I know about that kit man.... a rip off if you ask me. But it is a good unit.
Look at this thread:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...56&forum_id=48
Look at this thread:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...56&forum_id=48
