Abbacabba

for a standard small block, besides the t56 what (if any) other options are out there for a swap?

I'm not building a monster engine, so a standard tranny that was in any passenger vehicle should hold up just fine.

BrewNinja

There is a Richmond 6 speed also. Are you looking for a bolt in kit?

Denpo

If you on the lookout for some cheap then there is nothing cheaper than an used T56 given it's in good shape and/or you do the overhault yourself.
Want even cheaper? Go 5 speeds with a T5.

Abbacabba

I'm not against a 5 speed either, I really want that ratio of .5 if possible.

Does such a thing exist?

SH-60B

T56. I got one from a '96 LT1 for $1200. Included bell housing and hydraulics, cheap shifter. I needed the adapter flywheel, not cheap so include everything in with your estimate. I have read that the T56 I have with the .5 second overdrive is good to 450 lb./ft.

MelWff

here are some T56 and T5 ratios
http://www.tacreationsusa.com/manual_trans.htm

Denpo

According to this site the later V6 T5 are just as strong as the V8 World Class ones, paint me surprised.