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T56 kits?

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Old Dec 19, 2014 | 11:08 PM
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Default T56 kits?

Im ready to go on a T56 install on a 72 vert.
I spoke with a vendor today who said the T56 doesnt make any sense for me and that the TKO600 is the one to do(even though their website has a T56 kit for C1-3). haha
He says the T56 kit they offer is more for high horsepower cars because it has a 1000 Hp rating.
(Personally, if I want 6 speeds in my car I dont see what power has to do with it. I would think 400+ would be plenty)

Im wanting to do a 383 from Blueprint at the same time as the transmission. The guy was saying you have to cut the tunnel to get the T56 to fit, as well as add a bellhousing and hydraulic clutch so the price of the kit is not all inclusive and its all more work.
I am going to have it done at a shop, so I really dont care too much.
Anyone installed one of these kits from American Powertrain or Silver Sport Transmission?

The local shop wants to pull a tranny from one of the wrecked cars they get from the insurance company locally, but Im not a fan of putting a T56 with a crapload of miles and ify condition (perhaps worn out synchros) in my car.

Thoughts, experience? Anyone heard of having to cut the tunnel?
Mating a 383 with a T56 possible in a C3?
(I basically want this thing to have the tranny and versitility I have in my 04 Z06)

Thanks in advance

Last edited by dave1234; Dec 20, 2014 at 04:01 AM.
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Old Dec 19, 2014 | 11:25 PM
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Originally Posted by dave1234
Im ready to go on a T56 install on a 72 vert. I spoke with a vendor today who said the T56 doesnt make any sense for me and a TKO600 is a no brainer and the T56 kit they offer for C3's from their website is more for high horsepower cars. Im wanting to do a 383 from Blueprint at the same time. He was saying you have to cut the tunnel to get this tranny to fit, and add a bellhousing and hydraulic clutch so the price of the kit is not all inclusive. It sounds like the kits offered dont ready include everything you would need then.
Anyone installed one of these kits from American Powertrain or Silver Sport Transmission? I am going to have it done at a shop.

The local shop wants to pull a tranny from one of the wrecked cars they get from the insurance company locally, but Im not a fan of putting a T56 with a crapload of miles and ify condition (worn out synchros) in my car.

Thoughts, experience?
(I basically want this thing to have the tranny and veritility I have in my 04 Z06)

Thanks in advance
I have a 1978 and looking at doing the same. I already have a GM ZZ383 with a TH350. I also have not found a complete kit. But If you have ever driven both tranny's, most like the much better shifting of a T56. I will be checking this thread also. The T56 may be a much harder install but may be worth it. I am not sure on what shifter location is required for the C3's and if a 68-82 is the same shifter location.
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Old Dec 19, 2014 | 11:50 PM
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I belive they make retrofit kits so you can use the mech linkage with the T56
I have the pull type with the F body hydraulics it wasnt the best design but back when I did my conversion(99-2000) there were no options except to fabricate and make stuff fit. .
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Old Dec 20, 2014 | 02:13 AM
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What ratio do you have in the rear end? ...may have played into the vendors recommendation.
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Old Dec 20, 2014 | 05:15 AM
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Originally Posted by Ibanez540r
What ratio do you have in the rear end? ...may have played into the vendors recommendation.
I'm assuming the original 3.35. The car is numbers matching. I hit about 2800 rpms at 60. The guy I spoke to on the phone about the tranny says its likely been changed because the was what everyone did before changing transmissions became and option to get more acceleration
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Old Dec 20, 2014 | 05:46 AM
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I have a T56 from an 06 GTO in mine. The shifter comes up in a different location. The crossmember has to be modified and if it is a 4 speed car you will need to make it removeable. Does it fit yes without cutting the tunnel. I use the LS style Hyd throwout bearing so I run a Hyd clutch. If you are using a Gen 1 SB you should be able to use the existing clutch linkage. I ran a TKO for about 5 years then switched to the T56. I like it a lot better. Better gear ratio spread and much smoother shifting.
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Old Dec 20, 2014 | 06:16 PM
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I swapped in a LT1 T56. The 6th (.5 overdrive) gear is not completely useless with my 3.55 gears but I need to be doing at least 75mph to avoid lugging the motor. The LS T56 is geared different, but you will still probably have little use for 6th with 3.35 gears. I didn't need to cut the tunnel besides the hole for the shifter.
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