t56 or zf
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: carbondale PA
t56 or zf
i have a 85 with 4+3, and looking to put something different in my car.
As for the t56 will a normal torque arm from a corvette work or is there something i would have to do?
As for the t56 will a normal torque arm from a corvette work or is there something i would have to do?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 531
While we're on the subject, I've always wondered about the T5. I know it's flimsy as is but is it possible to have it rebuilt to handle higher levels of hp? Just daydreaming about the possibilities of picking one up dirt cheap, then having it professionally rebuilt much stronger.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,713
Likes: 550
From: Seattle Washington
There are a Number of T56 types. Some are Weaker than the ZF and some are Stronger. The T56 has more Clutch Options and there are more of them out there. That being said a ZF is the nicest shifting Trans I have ever driven. 96 GS B&M Ripper Shifter.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: carbondale PA
thanks guys
i would love to put a zf in, but i dont think my bank account will let me. then again i only just started to look. so two more question
1) whats the est price of a zf?
i'm sorry to ask this guys
2) whats the mods to make the t56 to fit? if anyone can answer thats for me would be great.
thanks for your help
dave
i would love to put a zf in, but i dont think my bank account will let me. then again i only just started to look. so two more question
1) whats the est price of a zf?
i'm sorry to ask this guys
2) whats the mods to make the t56 to fit? if anyone can answer thats for me would be great.
thanks for your help
dave
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,107
Likes: 126
From: S.L.C. UT
A F body spec T56 has a 27 spline output shaft, the same as a T350. The viper spec T56 has a 30 spline output shaft. The ZF has a 32 spline output shaft, the same as a turbo 400, bigger than the viper spec T56. The ZF is a stonger trans than even the Viper spec T56. And the gears are near straight cut for ultimate strength. I am making close to 900ft/lbs tq on a stock ZF6 black tag, and never hurt anything with years of abuse.
Last edited by tpi 421 vette; Mar 18, 2011 at 01:24 AM.
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,551
Likes: 36
From: Jenks OK
By F-body I'm assuming you mean an LT-1 fbody and not an ls1, ls1 would require even more work.
I don't know everything you'd have to do to make a t56 work but I do know that you'll have to cut the tunnel (which you'll have to do for a zf as well) and get an adapter to hook up the T56 to the C-beam since you're an 85 and have a two piece rear main seal you'll need a different fly wheel as well.
You'll probably need a shifter that adjusts the handle position some but I've yet to see that confirmed.
I don't know everything you'd have to do to make a t56 work but I do know that you'll have to cut the tunnel (which you'll have to do for a zf as well) and get an adapter to hook up the T56 to the C-beam since you're an 85 and have a two piece rear main seal you'll need a different fly wheel as well.
You'll probably need a shifter that adjusts the handle position some but I've yet to see that confirmed.
Pro
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 678
Likes: 0
From: Oslo, Norway
Hi I am sure the T56 is good, but I have had some experience with the Keisler or Tremec . There are 2 versions one managing a standard torque and one with 650ftlbs of torque. They are direct bolt ons . the only thing you have to do is to cut a bit out of the console plate under the carpet and install a new plate . You will get eveything in a kit. Its 4 speed with mechanicl overdrive which feels as a 5 speed. If you want a 6 speed then you of course have the T56 and from Ecklers the Richmond 6 speed.
The Tremec transmission is very good and smooth shifting.
The Tremec transmission is very good and smooth shifting.
