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LS1 conversion .. which trans to use?

Old 02-27-2010, 11:46 PM
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Default LS1 conversion .. which trans to use?

79 z28 getting an LS1 383. Options are the th350 it comes with, a 1970 Camaro Saginaw 4 speed, t56 or a 700r4.

The th350 and 700r4 I already have, the Saginaw is $100, the t56 will be a hunt for a deal.

What would be the better option and why? All would need to be rebuilt anyway to handle the 383.

I would need the pedal assmeblies as well for any standard trans that gets stuck in.

Street/strip application
Old 02-28-2010, 02:45 AM
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Originally Posted by 99blancoSS
79 z28 getting an LS1 383. Options are the th350 it comes with, a 1970 Camaro Saginaw 4 speed, t56 or a 700r4.

The th350 and 700r4 I already have, the Saginaw is $100, the t56 will be a hunt for a deal.

What would be the better option and why? All would need to be rebuilt anyway to handle the 383.

I would need the pedal assmeblies as well for any standard trans that gets stuck in.

Street/strip application
Personally, I say have the th350 built, given the choices you listed. Saginaws shift like crap IMHO, the 700r4 will grenade pretty quickly unless built with $$$, The t-56 is $$$ + the clutch kit would be spendy...but I guess it depends on what ya want. Some would say I'm crazy for spending $5k on a trans and converter....but I guess it's all about what you're willing to justify.

As always, just my $.02
Old 02-28-2010, 04:32 AM
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Transmission selection depends on what the plans are for the car. I would rule out the Saginaw first. They are the weakest 4 speed gm ever used. If the car will be mostly street driven, with occasional track time, go with something with overdrive.
Old 02-28-2010, 04:43 AM
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TH350 would prob be the easiest.
Old 02-28-2010, 12:33 PM
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T56 would be the most fun. Thats what I did with my 79Z28, LS1 383 T56. No regrets!
Old 02-28-2010, 01:41 PM
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i'm using a 200r-4 in my swap as i already had it and was free.i don't plan on overly abusing this car a whole lot anyway.
Old 02-28-2010, 02:18 PM
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Its a street car that will see the strip, basically a daily driver and bad weather car, grocery getter. Saves the 99 SS from being beaten up by the kids and stuff.
Old 02-28-2010, 02:27 PM
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Originally Posted by LS1MCSS
Transmission selection depends on what the plans are for the car. I would rule out the Saginaw first. They are the weakest 4 speed gm ever used. If the car will be mostly street driven, with occasional track time, go with something with overdrive.
Going to cost some $$$ to build a 700r4/4l60e to live behind a LS1 383. Not that I'm against it. Personally, I'd be looking for a 4l80e....but some people don't like the gearing difference when compared to a 4l60e.
Old 02-28-2010, 02:34 PM
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T56 all day long..yes its worth the money to get one and have it built ..you would have 6th gear for that really nice overdrive for long hauls..get better MPG..and can flog it if you want to..that and i hate having a computer tell me when to shift..
Old 02-28-2010, 03:18 PM
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If MPGs matter to you at all, go with the 700. There are people that know how to build them right...one example...http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/cata...SUBCAT&CATID=B
Old 02-28-2010, 04:20 PM
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Originally Posted by nobreaks254
T56 would be the most fun. Thats what I did with my 79Z28, LS1 383 T56. No regrets!
Any build pics/links? This could get interesting
Old 03-01-2010, 01:38 PM
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i vote for stalled th350. if need mpg. ls 60e prolley best choice
Old 03-01-2010, 02:47 PM
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Cost, 700r4 built well
Fun t56.....


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