What T56 did you go with?

69-Z10 · May 10, 2010

I Have been doing a lot of research on the 6 speed conversion but was wondering what others have done so far. After reading it sounded like the LS1 T56 is a simpler swap? With the McCloud adapter you used factory clutch and bell housing. Is this better than using the full T56 with bell housing and hydraulic clutch? Is there any advantages over the LT1 and the LS1 version? My guess is the LS1 T56 would cost more but not sure. Also what vehicles did you get yours out of? So far I have only been looking at the 98 to 02 F bodies but suspect there are more options out there. So far the cheapest used trans has been just over a grand, any advice?

Also what gear ratio did you go with out back? I have heard 4.11 or 4.56 so that you can use all six gears with out going to the salt flats. I have a 383 stroker in the car with a M20 and open 3.31 gears. I do not like this set up, going slow is a bitch but it goes down the highway better than the M21 I took out. I want it all!

BPOS · May 10, 2010

Did you read this? http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=98387

69-Z10 · May 11, 2010

Yes I read that thread several times plus 50 more. Still unsure. Thats where I found out about the McCloud adapter that uses the factory bell housing and clutch. I was told by a member here at TC that he loves his hydraulic clutch system, just checking all my options. On that article it says the LT1 style is more complicated and more costly because it uses a "pull" system requiring a special flywheel and clutch. The dollars are adding up. I know members here have done the LT1 conversion and I was wondering if they did it this way. So far it looks like the LS1 style T56 with the $250 McCloud adapter. Any other ways?

400bird · May 12, 2010

Ok, the LT1 t56 needs a special flywheel and pull clutch. And you must use the hydraulic linkage and the LT1 bellhousing.
This hydraulic system still uses a clutch fork, with a slave cylinder outside the bellhousing.
Lots of guys with SB go this way, you can use more take out parts and its not too complex.

If you are swaping from an auto, you will need a flywheel anyways so one for a pull clutch is only a little more.

If you do an LS1 t56 you have options.
You can use a bellhousing from a muncie, just the standard old bellhousing. With the adapter plate. Then you can use a standard flywheel and clutch (with 26 spline disc) and mechanical linkage
Or you can use the LS1 bell with the hydraulic linkage.
This uses the hydraulic throwout bearing/slave cylinder thing...

I believe you can get a blowproof scattershield in place of any of these bellhousing. But, I am not sure.

The stock mechanical linkage is good. I am going with it for my t56 swap.

Hope this helps, let me know if you have any questions.

For me the cheapest option is to go with an LS1 and mechanical clutch.

pro tc · May 12, 2010

97 t56 67 ss396 bb. go hydraulic its so simple its almost stupid you dont have to deal with all the mech linkage all you need is a flywheel for a pull style clutch mcloud has them bb or sbc but you can find them cheeper. ats sells the bracket for the clutch master and a tab to weld on your clutch pedal . you will need a crossmember ats or bmr http://www.bmrfabrication.com/F1_all.htm and have your drive shaft shortened im running 4.11 rear gears.
Barry

69-Z10 · May 12, 2010

So you took the trans, bell housing, master, clutch, throw out bearing and shifter from a 97 camaro and with those parts its a fairly easy swap?

pro tc · May 12, 2010

yes and you can use the flywheel if your motor has a one peice rear main seal. i used a b&m ripper shifter.
Barry

What T56 did you go with?

69-Z10

BPOS

69-Z10

400bird

pro tc

69-Z10

pro tc

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