Manual Transmission - Whats needed: LS1 T-56 behind BBC??

I know, I've used the search button, but can't find very specific answers as to what is actually needed. I've got a 402 BBC that I'll be dropping in my '68 Malibu, and I also have the stock T-56 that came out of Dad's Firehawk several years ago and got to wondering. What all is needed to get the t-56 to work? I read that a different bellhousing is needed. The stock bellhousing is with the tranny as well as the throw out bearing assembly. If I got the hydraulics off of a wrecked 6-speed car is there a way to use this, or would it be better to get a different bellhousing that uses the old fork kind of style? The car is NOT an original manual car, so a pedal will be added too...lol. I know this sounds like alot of work, but the 6 speed sure would be fun and allow for better fuel mileage also. Thanks.

Chris

I'd go with one of those steel adapter plates on Ebay and use an old school 4 spd car bellhousing .

http://images.chevyhiperformance.com/techarticles/148_0305_t56_4a_s.jpg

Cool, thanks for the info. But now what clutch and flywheel do I use? Buy one for a BBC or for the T-56? Sorry for the newb questions...

Chris

You'd use just a regular GM 26 spline clutch kit from a 1969 Camaro with a 4 spd Muncie in it . Its a lot simplier than screwing with the hydraulic system on the newer F body cars . As you can see , more people have issues with the crap than success with it .

I did a conversion set up a while back using this adapter on a 69 Camaro with a 396 and it kicked ass ........

IMO it might be easier to just sell the '56 you have, and pick up one from an LT1, then use a regular manual flywheel for the BBC. i dont see why that wouldnt work.

or just get a 3/4" spacer/adapter that fits between the bellhousing and the block.

then you use the lsx hydraulics, fly and clutch kit

The conversion we do use a LS1 trans with LS1 bellhousing and adapter from Mcleod. We average about 3 of these per week and everyone likes the hydraulic method better than the fork. We have seen dozens of the forks break over the last few years as well as the slaves so it will just about the same.

Call me if you need specific help on the conversion. I have a whole list of the items you will need as well as the cross member information.

Amber

WOW!!! Thanks for the info!! Six speeds inc. I'll be giving you a call here real soon. I figured there had to be several people that's done this before. Awesome, I'm glad this is doable, should be lots of fun!!

Chris