I went with the LT1 T56 because of it's .5 overdrive. I had to install a LS1 type input shaft which is a little longer. I plan on running 4.10's with this setup. I am also using the stock mechanical clutch linkage because I want my car to appear original.

The LS1 trans have a .62 OD so maybe the 3.73's would be a better choice for your car.

Quick Time is making a bellhousing that doesn't require an adapter plate and uses the stock mech linkage.

 

I have the T56 with the .5 overdrive and 3.73 gears, I'm kicking myself for not going with the 4.11's

 

Indeed, even with 4.11's you're well under 2,000 rpm at cruising speeds; with 3.73's I would expect that 6th gear is marginally useful. First gear in the T56 with 4.11's is almost perfect.

If anyone's interested, I have an Excel spreadsheet that's very useful for calculating engine rpm for a given transmission, rear end ratio and tire height. If you want it, PM me your email address, and I'll shoot it to you.

By the way, sixth gear in the 4th generation Camaro LS1 T56's was 0.5:1.

OP - In addition to the McLeod adapter kit (adapter plate with "bearing retainer" for the throwout bearing and the extended pilot bushing) and clutch disk and speedometer adapter, you'll need a modified crossmember and a new hole in your trans tunnel for shifter access. The Cable-X box can be pricey, I think.

Quick Time is now making a bellhousing that seems to do the same thing as the McLeod adapter all in one piece - adapts a T56 to a SBC/BBC with a standard mechanical clutch linkage without the need for the extended pilot bushing. It's twice as much as the McLeod adapter plate, but you end up with a somewhat cleaner install and, if you don't already have one, an SFI bellhousing. However, I'm not sure what they do about a sleeve for the throwout bearing to ride on.

 

So the LT1 version is better at highway speed? with the 6 speed is that a problem? After all my reading it sounds like the LS1 style is a simpler and cheaper way to go, am I missing anything? I have not heard of switching input shafts. Just looking at the simplest and cheapest way to hide a 6 speed under my car and enjoy going over 55mph!

 

I have an LT1 T-56. There are different gear ratios depending on which year LT1 T-56 you buy so be wary. There are also different HP ratings. I bought my T56 like 10 years ago and it's been sitting in my garage waiting to go in. I bought Bob Weir's conversion kit. I'm in the process of putting it in now and it's easy peasy. It was a little expensive though. It was a long time ago but I seem to remember it costing about $1000 for the bellhousing, concentric hydraulic bearing, crossmember, block plate, master cylinder, master bracket and all needed bolts and lines. It all bolts right up though and there is no "figuring" to do. I bought a Mcleod 26 spline 11" clutch, 168 tooth steel flywheel and pressure plate and that ran me a bout $1000. I bought the tranny for $750 so I'm about $2,750 into the tranmission. Ouch! I've talked to Bob Weir. He recommended 4.11 gears with my T56. Said my 6th gear would be effectively useless with 3.73. I'm running a fully rollerized small block 350 putting out about 450 HP. Hope this helps some.

 

BTW....I'm not sure why most people opt for the mechanical linkage and old style throwout bearing with the T56. The hydraulic clutch feels awesome and required zero adjusment. Zero. It was a much easier install than doing the same for my old rock crusher.

 

well I stumbled upon an 02 camaro LS1 T56 with super low miles, he also has the Quicktime adapter bellhousing new in the box but I am not sure if it is the one for hydraulic or if it has the clutch fork ball. Working a deal on the bellhousing and a set of richmond 4.11 gears like new. Now I just need a posi for my 12 bolt. I assume this set up uses my original flywheel and just need to get a 26 spline clutch disc. Thanks for all your help

 

I plan to use the mechanical system because I already have it and it looks original. Not sure how to convert my clutch peddle to use a master cylinder. I am open if its not complicated or expensive. My new trans has the original bellhousing and what looks like a hydraulic throw out bearing on it now.

 

adapting the stock hydraulic bearing set up might be a bit difficult. The system I got from Weir is engineered specifically for an LT1 T56 mating to an old style block. Weir gives you the master cylinder plate that bolts directly the frame using existing holes. It as easy as mounting the master cylinder to the given plate, running a hydraulic line to the throwout bearing and connecting your pedal to the given master cylinder using the included hardware. Way, way easy and I've never done it before. Like I said though, it wasn't cheap.

 

Well I am considering using the hydaulic system on my LS1 T56, seems everyone who has done it highly recommends it. To those of you who has done this what system did you go with? Master, throw out, clutch peddle, hoses, etc. Also, I can keep my old flywheel? I have an externally balanced flywheel on my 383 stroker. Pretty sure I am getting the Quicktime bell housing from the guy I bought the trans from.

 

LT1 style T56 here, from a 94' Camaro... I am running 4:11 gears and 335/30/18 rear tires. 65 mph is 1900 rpm Just FYI if it can help anyone's decision

 

Thread was posted 11 years ago.