Has anyone done a conversion like this to there eariler C4. i have a 91 with the 700R4 tranny and was told that the stock bell housing could be used. also does anyone have a T-56 for sale. any info would be appreciated.

 

it can be done... but it requires fabrication.

The c-beam bracing is on the opposite side of the tranny, compared to the 700R4 or the ZF6.

You will have to make an extension that will make a C-beam fit to the tranny.

if it was me? I would look for a ZF6.

 

A T-56 out of an LT-1 will bolt right up, however you have the C-beam issue, fabricating the slave cylinder bracket, if it will even fit,and possible clearance problems on your tunnel. Youll also need a custom flywheel/clutch ***'y through Canterforce. In short, its gonna cost big time. Use the ZF trans and you'll be ahead of the game! Good luck In case you get the itch, here's what I went through-Tranny-$1000(got lucky-was a 3000 mi.unit)Clutch & D.F.Flywheel $980, Fabbing slave bracket to use T-56 slave -$1500;it took a few tries to get the geometry right.Went through a few slaves@$125 each, Ripper shifter-$200, Whatever your C-beam fab costs, Speedo wiring, etc. In the end I spent betwenn 4-5k-its in a 67 Elky. Yeah, its sweet, but you have a cheaper option...take it(Sorry for the long post)

 

Just for my own information, why was it required to fab a slave cylinder bracket? Was it space constraints? What would stop a guy from using the entire hydralic system from a T56/LT1 based vehicle so all OEM parts can be used?

Also, be careful which year T56 you pick. Apparently the early ones are stronger.

 

I've done it. While it was no walk in the park, I didn't have the trouble cuisanartvette had in the Elky. If you get everything from an LT1 Camaro it will all bolt up to your 91 and you don't have to fabricate anything other than the C-channel mount and hooking a corvette master cylinder to a camaro slave cylinder. From what I understand, the only T56s to avoid are the 1993 models and the 98 and up LS1 models because they are a bit different. Mine is from a 96 Trans Am and he included everything with it. Most people here don't think the conversion is worth it, but I don't regret it for a second. You have an option with a 91 that I didn't have with my 84, you could bolt in a ZF6 because I think it was available in 91, but they're alot more expensive than the T56. They are a better transmission, most agree, but the torque ratings on both of them are about the same and the repair costs are much cheaper on the T56, should something go wrong. Somebody out there sells a bolt in killer 5 speed too, so that's another alternative. Once you put in any of the manual transmissions, you're going to need to regear the rear axle or you really won't enjoy the transmission. I put 3.73s in mine at the same time as the 6 speed. Knock on wood....the Dana 36 is still with us and quiet as a mouse, despite the abuse from a supercharged LT1. Hopefully it will live until I can get the pennies saved for a 44.

I wouldn't discourage somebody that wanted to try the T56 conversion if they had the facilities and skills to do it, but I wouldn't blow any sunshine up their skirt and tell them that it's a piece of cake, either. If you have time, patience, and fabrication skills, it can be done.

 

While not a T56, perhaps this is an option for you.

http://www.keislerauto.com/gm/transm...ette_84-88.asp

Ron

 

I used a slave cyl off a 97 Z28 'cause I wanted a hydraulic clutch. Trans is also a "97-450LBS tq. rated. Problem is the slave only requires very little throw verus throw on the petal. Moving the pivot point up solved that. Problem is if you look at the mount on the slave itself, it has some crazy angles to it.I believe you can get these brackets aftermarket now for around 100 bucks. This was done back when the 6spd rage started.Saw Mark Stielow in CC mag do one, And I had to have it. I used a 4:10 gear which was fun with my old motor (435chp)
Getting ready to drop 6 in. rod solid roller 358in and finish paint. I can't wait.

 

thanks alot for you guys input, this is something thats going to take some thinking. i never thought about putting the ZF in, i'll take that into consideration.



once again thanks

 

one more question, what about a TKO 5 or 600?

 

I have no experience with those, but I do know that they make these trannies with all different configuations (shifter location and so on).
Some research with keisler or such may be able to point you in the right direction and answer a lot of what if type stuff.

 

still Tremic's... I would assume they are good units. and Keisler has made install easy... just not cheap! About $3k complete... but that is the upside, fitment and all parts are there...

 

You can not use the stock Bell Housing. Your current bell housing has a push in style throw out bearing. When you go to a T-56 Trans, you need a bell housing off a Camaro or trans am. The T-56 uses a puller type throw out setup. I know a guy the has done it. Email me at Quick96vette@yahoo.com Ill forward your email to him.

 

I'd go straight with a salvage yard ZF. At least that way everything would bolt right up. From what I've heard, 6-spd conversions are bad enough using factory parts, let alone trying to make something different fit.

You could always sell your car and get a 6-spd

 

i'm not selling this car, this was my high school car and i love this car more than anything. i probally go with the ZF6 tranny and get it over with.

 

There's a ZF6 on the C4 parts for sale section for a VERY good price right now.

Here's your chance to start the conversion process! Good luck!