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T56 swap Starter Questions

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Old Aug 30, 2016 | 03:39 PM
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Default T56 swap Starter Questions

First time posting...
I have a 1980 L82 that I have swapped in a t56. I am having issues with the starter not kicking over when I turn the key. So I have temporarily installed a push button switch to basically hot wire my starter. So I know the starter works. Seems like there is something interrupting the circuit. The brake switch is disengaged, so that is not it. Any ideas on what could be the problem?

I have searched through the forums and google and can not seem to find a solution.

Thanks!!!
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Old Aug 30, 2016 | 03:50 PM
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Forgot to mention the specifics of the swap. It was an automatic car. So not sure if there is something in the automatic wiring circuit preventing the starter from turning over.

Last edited by Fredl; Aug 30, 2016 at 03:51 PM.
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Old Aug 30, 2016 | 07:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Fredl
Forgot to mention the specifics of the swap. It was an automatic car. So not sure if there is something in the automatic wiring circuit preventing the starter from turning over.
So what did you do with the previous lockout wiring to prevent the engine starter unless the auto is in park or natural. I connected mine the to clutch lockout switch.

I am guessing you just disconnected the connector from the auto shifter when it is best to now connect to the clutch petal switch.
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Old Aug 30, 2016 | 08:37 PM
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Originally Posted by cagotzmann
So what did you do with the previous lockout wiring to prevent the engine starter unless the auto is in park or natural. I connected mine the to clutch lockout switch.

I am guessing you just disconnected the connector from the auto shifter when it is best to now connect to the clutch petal switch.
This. Extend the 2 wires that originally went to the nutral safety switch in the automatic shifter, to reach the clutch safety switch. You can just connect the 2 wires to test, but dont leave it like that, you'll eventually forget to push the clutch
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Old Aug 30, 2016 | 09:01 PM
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Originally Posted by Fredl
First time posting...
I have a 1980 L82 that I have swapped in a t56. I am having issues with the starter not kicking over when I turn the key. So I have temporarily installed a push button switch to basically hot wire my starter. So I know the starter works. Seems like there is something interrupting the circuit. The brake switch is disengaged, so that is not it. Any ideas on what could be the problem?

I have searched through the forums and google and can not seem to find a solution.

Thanks!!!
There will be 3 electrical circuits you will need to connect. 1 which you will need to create your own solution or buy a module that provides the feature.

1. Neutral safety switch ( auto trans is connected to the shifter )
2. Reverse light switch ( auto trans is connected to the shifter )
3. Reverse lockout solenoid on the T56 Transmission.

#3 you will need to do something or you wont get the transmission into reverse without a 2 arm push or remove / modify the lockout. This is a bad idea as it will then easily shift into reverse if you miss 5th gear.

You can purchase a module that energizes the solenoid when the car speed is below ~ 5 MPH ( this requires a connection to digital speedo circuit ) or use a toggle switch that you can turn off or on when you need reverse gear.

Here is my install notes when I installed a T56 Magnum in my 78 which started as a auto car.

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html
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Old Aug 31, 2016 | 02:35 AM
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Does the starter click, or is it no sound at all, as if you're not even turning the key?

I'm having a similar issue following my T56 installation where my Tuff Stuff starter doesn't like to trigger when warm, but it does click.
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Old Aug 31, 2016 | 08:53 AM
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Thanks for all of your replies. It is so awesome to be able to come to a community who has been there and done that and is willing to help. You guys rock!!!

So last night when I got home I got the trusty Ohm meter out and realized that it was the old neutral switch which was keeping me starting. I placed the gear selector in neutral (after installing the auto gear shift) and, magic!, I was able to start. So my clutch assembly has an exosting clutch switch on it. From what I understand all I need to do now is connect the two large gauge wires of the existing wiring assembly to the clutch switch. From cagotzman's write up looks like I need to pay close attention to the ratio. Would have lost even more hair over that one if I had not read his post.

Thanks cagotzman for the info on the other circuits needing to be hooked up. That is a great write up on your conversion! Wealth of info there. Got that link saved for additional reference to complete my conversion.

Thanks again everyone!
Fred

Last edited by Fredl; Aug 31, 2016 at 08:53 AM.
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Old Aug 31, 2016 | 08:57 AM
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To AboveTheLogic:
Your issue sounds like the solenoid on the starter to me. I am no expert though. Mine was simply not getting juice (no clicking sound), so I was having a different issue all together.
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Old Aug 31, 2016 | 12:57 PM
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My starter is an aftermarket gear reduction unit that is only a few months old and they sell a "hot start" kit that relocates the solenoid to combat the heat issues that can cause it not to start. Whenever mine just clicks from the key, I can use a screw driver to arc the leads at the starter and it fires right up. Was wondering if you had similar symptoms.
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