1980 C3 T56 conversion

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Jul 20, 2011 | 06:31 PM

liteace

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8th Gear

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1980 C3 T56 conversion

Hi all, we have here a C3 350ci with stock 3 speed auto, we also have here a t56 transmission, flywheel & clutch from a wrecked 99 Z28 that we want to install in the C3. I know this is not going to be an easy task, I have contacted several companies for conversion kit for the install but no one does anything off the shelf, they say the stock GM T56 fitted to the Z28 slightly different. What Im looking for to start with is a clutch master cylinder with flexi that will plug into the stock slave and also brake & clutch pedal, please please can someone point me somewhere where I can get these parts

Thanks

Jul 20, 2011 | 11:11 PM

72LS1Vette

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Joined: Aug 2001

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From: North Easton Mass

Quote:

Originally Posted by liteace

You can use a clutch master cylinder for a 1985 1-ton truck. You will have to shorten the rod and make it adjustable but the angle of the cylinder mounting plate is just right for the Vette. You can either have a hose made with the quick-disconnect end or there is someone who makes an AN adapter that takes the place of the quick-disconnect. Can't remember offhand who the manufacturer is.

I don't know if the flywheel is usable but I suspect it isn't because the 99 engine is a LS. There are others who have mated a T56 to a 350 so if you search you should find info.

There are a few other major things that need to be done. Modifying the trans crossmember, shortening the driveshaft or buying one from a Th400 (I think), fabricating an offset shifter or fabbing a custom console plate, deciding what you want to do about the speedometer since the T56 has no cable drive.

There are solutions to all of these problems already posted on the forum for the most part. If you search the LS swap thread there are many posts about T56s since a lot of us use the LS/T56 combo.

Rick B.

Last edited by 72LS1Vette; Jul 20, 2011 at 11:13 PM.

Jul 21, 2011 | 07:17 AM

liteace

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Thanks for the info, what make and model is this 1985 1-ton truck, sorry for being a dumb but Im in Europe

Thanks

Jul 21, 2011 | 07:59 AM

72LS1Vette

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From: North Easton Mass

1985 Chevy truck. Some people have used aftermarket master cylinders also. If you search on T56 transmission you will probably find lots of info on the swap.

Rick B.

Jul 21, 2011 | 08:14 AM

liteace

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Thanks again for the info, at this mo dont really need anymore info, as I have read pages and pages of it, I know its going to be a long turm project as the parts we need will have to come from the U.S, thats notr a problem, even if it takes 6-9-12 months to do as the car is not a daily driver. I did contact one company in the U.S that had pedal and a clutch master cylinder with flexi hose & connector for the T56 , they was going to send but the emails just stopped I dont know whats happend to them. All Im really looking for is someone I cant contact that will have the parts I need, I did Google it but 99% of what I found is stock replacement parts

Thanks Again

Jul 21, 2011 | 08:43 AM

Gordonm

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From: Forked River NJ

I have done this swap and the flywheel and clutch assembly form the 99 will not work. The crank flange is different on the LS motors. I used a Tilton master cylinder on mine. I did use the LS throwout bearing and used braided custom lines for the plumbing of the system.

Jul 21, 2011 | 10:11 AM

liteace

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Quote:

Originally Posted by Gordonm

Thanks for the info, what flywheel and clutch do we have to look for, what did you use ?

Thanks Again

Aug 20, 2011 | 07:47 AM

liteace

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Its all in hand now, the emails stopped because they are moving but they can supply everything i need, I'll keep you all posted on the progress

Thanks for all the info