Dead Hook

Hey all. Picking up a 98 Camaro SS for pennies from a buddy this weekend. This is going to be a daily driver, no weekend trips to the strip. The problem is 5th and 6th gear are gone. It will shift in each gear but it just revs like neutral. Shifts fine and quiet in 1-4 and reverse. So, I'm going to pull it out and crack it open here in a week or two. Never worked on a tranny before but how hard could it be?

1 Question: What's the problem & how much for the parts?

What's the cost of a good rebuild kit and "worst case" 5th & 6th are sheared off?

2 Question: How long did it take you DIY guys to do a rebuild?

Thanks!

85MikeTPI

iTrader: (9)

It's sheared off the 5/6 cluster on the mainshaft. You'll need a rebuild kit, mainshaft, and cluster gear just to get back to stock. Looking at about $800+ in parts, plus labor if you don't DIY. If you read the many rebuild threads, follow the Tremec manual, have all the correct tools, an all the parts in hand, you should be able to do a first rebuild in a weekend.

southernculture

iTrader: (1)

Look at tick performance The have some good prices on transmissions.

TDP

iTrader: (23)

You probably need a 5-6 synchro assembly, and 5-6 shift fork too. You might even need 5th or 6th on the countershaft ext. You'll have to inspect the engagement teeth to make sure they have good points.

Dead Hook

Cool thanks for the info.

Are you trying to tell me it's going to be cheaper to buy a trans than rebuild this one?

So what would the total cost involved be (estimated) for the rebuild kit and everything else you stated? Parts only. Thanks!

I drove this thing home today and the tranny felt smooth, no funny sounds or anything. I hope nothing else got damaged when 5 & 6 went out. Over 200,000 miles on the original drivetrain.

NVR_SPDS

iTrader: (39)

Tick does rebuilds, and sells parts if im not mistaken. I had the same issue before. I didnt know exactly what happened, but when i had the case opened, there was metal everywhere. I ended up buying a Level V T56 from RPM Transmissions, and never looked back.

TDP

iTrader: (23)

The parts inside the trans cost a lot, but I wouldn't recommend buying a new/reman one. If you think about it, the reman'ed unit is just a rebuilt T56 just like yours would be after the rebuild.


5th and 6th are $120-140ea if you have to buy em new. The synchro asm is $90-110, and the fork is 20-30bucks. I'd highly recommend taking the trans apart and inspecting before you order anything.

southernculture

iTrader: (1)

I am just saying for 1200 bucks you would have piece of mind that the trans has gotten a complete overhaul. If you have trans problems already why not freshen up the entire thing not just fix part of it?

Dead Hook

Ok, thanks for the info.

Yes, I plan on a master rebuild kit and inspecting & fixing anything that needs replacing.


Thanks for all the info guys.

southernculture

iTrader: (1)

a master kit is what 800 bucks or so? The rebuild is 1200 and you wont have to mess with it or buy any special tools. It is up to you of course and I dont work for a transmission shop or anything. Good luck which ever way you go.

Dead Hook

Thanks for the input and I'll post pictures in a few weeks when I tear this sucker down.

Ya, I'm one of those guys that would rather spend $1500 on a $1200 rebuild just to learn how to do it myself. I always have room for some more tools in the tool box. I know most would say let a pro work on it but that's just not me.

So thanks for all the info guys. I just picked this car up yesterday and i'm hooked.

wfritts911

iTrader: (2)

Couldn't agree more. Built not bought, thats the only way to go. If you google "t56 rebuild kit" the first link has some good prices on parts. Best of luck man, 5/6 are pretty nice gears lol...

-Will

southernculture

iTrader: (1)

I can respect that! Good luck with it. Keep us posted on all the details.

Dead Hook

Thanks guys. I will for sure do a Trans build thread on this with lots of pictures.

85MikeTPI

iTrader: (9)

For reference, there were a bunch of links to other DIY and magazine articles on T56 rebuilds..

https://ls1tech.com/forums/manual-tr...anual-pdf.html

Dead Hook

Hey thanks Mike! Good info.

Dead Hook

So, I've been thinking about this rebuild. The trans has almost 220,000 miles on it. Is this thing going to be so worn that it would be better for me to buy an already rebuilt trans?

jmd

iTrader: (4)

Thisapplies to this
If everything works but 5-6? No.

I've seen extremely clean (but broken) ~150,000 units that "needed" nothing but a synchro and a gear.

Yours probably has trashed (read: gone) fork pads or completely broken fork tines on 5-6.

The svc manual says bearings don't need serviced if they pass visual / no damage. With 220,000 you'll want to check endplay regardless and probably do bearings unless selling the car soon.

Dead Hook

Will do. I'll just tear it apart. It is smooth as can be in all gears with no noise that I can tell (only drove it once for about 5 miles to get it home) The PO never raced it.