better 6 speed option
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Joined: Aug 2020
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From: Wisconsin
better 6 speed option
Is there a better 6 speed option for 1990 to 1996 corvettes? I've thought of a LS swap with a manual car. From what I've read, its not a straight forward deal to get the LS to mate to the original manual. So is there a aftermarket 6 speed that you can mount the C channel tq brace to?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
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Is there a better 6 speed option for 1990 to 1996 corvettes? I've thought of a LS swap with a manual car. From what I've read, its not a straight forward deal to get the LS to mate to the original manual. So is there a aftermarket 6 speed that you can mount the C channel tq brace to?
But there is a 5 speed if you don't want to track down a ZF...
https://shiftsst.com/blog/post/1984-1988-corvette.html
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2013
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From: near the thumb in the mitten
No matter what non original transmission you pick you are going to be dealing with c beam. You will need a fabricator to make either an adapter for c beam or bracket to support nose of differential and a crossmember for transmission. 93-95 f body lt1 T56 and everything from flywheel to driveshaft yoke would leave you to deal with hose for slave cylinder and c beam adapter. IDK for sure about c beam and drive shaft lengths,
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Leland , North Carolina
http://www.brphotrods.com/mm5/mercha...ory_Code=CNV31
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
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From: St. Charles MO
For an LS swap, this route requires the purchase of a T-56 plus this $479 kit. Or you can use the stock ZF6 transmission by adapting/replacing the bellhousing. For example, for $765 there is the Quick Time RM-6039, which has the added advantage of being SFI rated. There may be other off-the-shelf options, too. The ZF6 is capable of handling a good bit of power, so this seems like a lot cheaper and easier route if you still have a good stock 6-speed.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2020
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From: Wisconsin
currently working on getting a car, I had a 1990 with a 6 speed. currently after a 1995. Can't find much, not a good year to buy. So I get to sit and plan. Still not sure if I'll just do heads and cam on the LT1 or go with a LS. Depends on what I find.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
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From: St. Charles MO
It really will depend on your budget. Heads and cam on the LT1 will be an order of magnitude cheaper and simpler than the LS swap. Even if you built an entire 396 stroker LT1 it would still be way cheaper and easier.
Last edited by MatthewMiller; May 10, 2021 at 11:52 PM.
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Drifting
Joined: Apr 2020
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From: Orange, CA
Is there a better 6 speed option for 1990 to 1996 corvettes? I've thought of a LS swap with a manual car. From what I've read, its not a straight forward deal to get the LS to mate to the original manual. So is there a aftermarket 6 speed that you can mount the C channel tq brace to?
Thread Starter
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From: Wisconsin
I just don't like the way it shifts, I had a 98 mustang GT that just shifted wonderfully, (my 82 year old mom still owns) that is what I'm chasing. Now it could be that the GM shift is what I don't like and the trans is good. But everyone that I've owned, or test drove all felt the same. even the late model GTO's that I've owned weren't great.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: NEwhere Ohio
I just don't like the way it shifts, I had a 98 mustang GT that just shifted wonderfully, (my 82 year old mom still owns) that is what I'm chasing. Now it could be that the GM shift is what I don't like and the trans is good. But everyone that I've owned, or test drove all felt the same. even the late model GTO's that I've owned weren't great.
its basically a diesel truck transmission, not smooth like a honda
Last edited by dizwiz24; May 11, 2021 at 10:23 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2015
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From: St. Charles MO
I just don't like the way it shifts, I had a 98 mustang GT that just shifted wonderfully, (my 82 year old mom still owns) that is what I'm chasing. Now it could be that the GM shift is what I don't like and the trans is good. But everyone that I've owned, or test drove all felt the same. even the late model GTO's that I've owned weren't great.
Oil Producer
Joined: Apr 2014
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Very strange. I have a 91 zr1 and a 90 both with zf6. I also have a c5 with a t56.
Never in a million years would I swap to a t56 from a zf6. I wonder if your zf is operating properly?
I am not trashing the t56, its just that my zf shifts much smoother and "eats" the shift better than the t56. I find the comment interesting and I wonder if its a matter of condition of either my t56 or your zf6 or a bit of both.
Never in a million years would I swap to a t56 from a zf6. I wonder if your zf is operating properly?
I am not trashing the t56, its just that my zf shifts much smoother and "eats" the shift better than the t56. I find the comment interesting and I wonder if its a matter of condition of either my t56 or your zf6 or a bit of both.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2020
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From: Wisconsin
I'm hoping to get it Iola swap meet this summer, I the past there has been trans guys there, (techs) I will definitely be going after them with lots of questions. I would prefer to run the stock trans and mod the LT1 (heads/cam/exhaust). I've read that there is a old aftermarket shifter for the zf 6 speed. does help at all?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Leland , North Carolina
I have no complaints about any of my T56's I have owned.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
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Smoother shifting but parts are getting scarce from what I read and local trans shops get a glazed look when you ask if they can rebuild a ZF. A T56 is doable by a DIY person who has mechanical skills or a local shop can do it.
I have no complaints about any of my T56's I have owned.
I have no complaints about any of my T56's I have owned.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Park City Utah
Then you ain't gonna like a T56...that's for sure.
....aaand there is the proof. The GTO has a T56. I've had 4 of them. I have had pretty terrible results with them; both with liking the "way it shifts" and durability.
....aaand there is the proof. The GTO has a T56. I've had 4 of them. I have had pretty terrible results with them; both with liking the "way it shifts" and durability.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
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From: Park City Utah
Guess how I know that?