T56 into 86 Vette
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Re: T56 into 86 Vette (SFU666)
I think it can be done... some have worked on it... the issues surround the c-beam and linkage fitments.
your better bet is to get a ZF6... that's the manual used in 89-96 vettes.
It's a much easier swap. You do need to modify the transmission tunnel, tho.
your better bet is to get a ZF6... that's the manual used in 89-96 vettes.
It's a much easier swap. You do need to modify the transmission tunnel, tho.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 83,383
Likes: 87
From: Boston, MA
Re: T56 into 86 Vette (bogus)
It has been done and is relatively simple in the scheme of things. I looked into doing it and am still considering it. You'll need to get a T-56 from an LT1 f-body as the LS1 has a different length input shaft. You can though get a special bellhousing from Mcleod that will adapt and LS1 T-56 to your block. You'll also need to make custom tailshaft adapter to mount the c-beam to the tailshaft. It doesn't look all that hard to make.
1. T-56 from LT1
2. Custom Driveshaft
3. Bellhousing
4. New clutch slave cylinder & line (can reuse the master)
5. Tailshaft adapter.
The tranny tunnel will have to be modified with ANY toploading transmission you put in. Its easy, just cut a square out and slap some sheetmetal over the hole you made.
The ZF6 is expensive to begin with and even more expensive to rebuild compared to a T-56. There are some seriously nasty C5s, Vipers, F-Bodies out there using T-56s in the 9 second range.
1. T-56 from LT1
2. Custom Driveshaft
3. Bellhousing
4. New clutch slave cylinder & line (can reuse the master)
5. Tailshaft adapter.
The tranny tunnel will have to be modified with ANY toploading transmission you put in. Its easy, just cut a square out and slap some sheetmetal over the hole you made.
The ZF6 is expensive to begin with and even more expensive to rebuild compared to a T-56. There are some seriously nasty C5s, Vipers, F-Bodies out there using T-56s in the 9 second range.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 172
Likes: 0
Re: T56 into 86 Vette (SFU666)
Just a note that the Richmond 6 speed is a BOLT IN. Pricey at around $3,000 but avoids the fabrication and might be only slightly more expensive when the T-56 "bits and pieces" are added up. Suggest a detailed cost comparison.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 2,068
Likes: 1
From: Gig Harbor WA
Re: T56 into 86 Vette (bigjack)
The third optionis a Tremec TKO 5 speed from Fortes Parts Connection in Burlington, MA.
But you still need a custom bracket mount the C beam to the tailshaft as there is no cross member in C4s.
I just did this swap. The Tremec is at least 20 lbs lighter and handles about twice as much torque, but feels a little notchier shifting then the T56, (also a Tremec trans).
Alan Blaine, (Blaine Race Fabrication) custom fabricated my bracket, at 408 781 0717, and could probably do another for either tranny.
Email me for pics, I have about 10.
Evan
But you still need a custom bracket mount the C beam to the tailshaft as there is no cross member in C4s.
I just did this swap. The Tremec is at least 20 lbs lighter and handles about twice as much torque, but feels a little notchier shifting then the T56, (also a Tremec trans).
Alan Blaine, (Blaine Race Fabrication) custom fabricated my bracket, at 408 781 0717, and could probably do another for either tranny.
Email me for pics, I have about 10.
Evan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 3,159
Likes: 0
Re: T56 into 86 Vette (Evan Ginsberg)
hey dude,
i have a T-56 with 50k miles and a BRAND NEW (never installed) Spec STG III clutch with the improved 6 puck design. I'm going home to long island over Xmas break, if you intrested :cheers:
i have a T-56 with 50k miles and a BRAND NEW (never installed) Spec STG III clutch with the improved 6 puck design. I'm going home to long island over Xmas break, if you intrested :cheers:
