Bowtie70SS

iTrader: (10)

Is it possible to just convert my CTSV T-56 to the forward shifter location with one of those shifter relocation kits? Like this http://www.thegearbox.org/catalog/it...17/7086456.htm If not I guess I need to convert it to the F-body style. I am swapping a LS2 6 speed into my 70 SS Chevelle so I have a little flexibility. I was already told I can't just remove the bolt on flange because it is not designed for a slip yoke. I do not think running the carrier bearing setup would be a good idea either. Am I correct to think that I will need a F-body output shaft, tail shaft, shift rail, and shifter? If not would someone please point me in the right direction and to a good spot to buy T56 parts. I have rebuilt several Muncie transmissions so I am not too worried about diving into a T56. Thanks

Dave

85MikeTPI

iTrader: (9)

It's possible.. The stock CTS-v shifter is offset towards the rear of the opening a bit, I'm not positive that kit will offset back enough?



My converted CTSv build pics are here:

http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~davis/z28...GTO-fbody_web/

New GTO mainshaft, Fbody tailhousing, fbody shift rail, offset lever, modified bellhousing, misc fbody parts. (detent lever, VSS reluctor, etc.)

Bowtie70SS

iTrader: (10)

The thing is it almost looks like a shifter will go right in there. I don't need the rear mount position like a F body or GTO guy. Of course I need to come up with a shifter to try it out. I am expecting my engine/trans towards the end of the week and when it gets here I was going to look and see if a bushing could be installed in the tail housing so a conventional slip yoke can be used. If I have to change the extension housing then I might as well buy one for a mechanical speedometer drive.

Bowtie70SS

iTrader: (10)

Will this work to drive the speedometer?

A speedometer drive from a cop car...I really don't need the speed sensor output do I? I was thinking I could remove and plug the skip shift solenoid. VSS235 $68 at NAPA

Bowtie70SS

iTrader: (10)

I guess what you can't see in the pic is that the gear presses on http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/91-Co...=p4506.c0.m245

85MikeTPI

iTrader: (9)

I test fit a T5/viper shifter, and it didn't quite line up with all 4 bolt holes. You may be able to drill out one to fit. The Rectanular Fbody shifter will need more mods to shorten and redrill, and then may be offset incorrectly.







I doubt you'll have much luck getting a slip yoke to adapt to the output splines, but anything is possible with time and money.



There's a guy on thirdgen.org that has being doing the Fbody tailhousing mod for a mechanical speedo. It involves drilling a mounting hole through the housing and using a 3rdgen camaro driven gear setup. The other option (slightly more $) is to get a dakota box to spin a speedo cable from the VSS signal of the T56.

calhoon

iTrader: (6)

You are going to tie up alot of $$ in conversion and end up with cobbled stuff. I would suggest selling the unit you have and getting one closer to what you need. There is a T56 aftermarket model that may get you closer to the forward cover check out the Tremec site. The pattern of that front cover is NOT the same as the Viper / S10 pattern.There are kits to place a shifter in this spot but the ones I have seen really lack quality parts.

Bowtie70SS

iTrader: (10)

I would not say cobbled since I am installing it into a car that never came with that trans. I am not trying to convert it to use in a F body or GTO. I think that I am going the route that Mike went. I need to find a new GTO mainshaft, Fbody tailhousing, fbody shift rail, offset lever, modified bellhousing, misc parts. I would say it would be easy to use the Viper shifter in the front position.

85MikeTPI

iTrader: (9)

If you're going to convert the tail housing to a fbody unit, you should also get the full shifter relocation kit also.. The CTS-v offset lever is just supported in the rear by a thinner, short rail with a paddle for the reverse lockup. So you'll still need the split offset-lever in the kit. (unless you can buy it separate.)

Bowtie70SS

iTrader: (10)

If I use the forward shifter location and the F-body tail housing then I wouldn't need the split offset lever? I can't wait to start getting my hands on some parts. I guess my next question will be where to source them. Where did you get the GTO mainshaft? The f-body tail ought to be easy enough. It would be nice to buy a couple of exploded transmissions.

calhoon

iTrader: (6)

As I tried to point out, the conversion is not simple. The CTS-V has completely different synchros( shorter thow AND tri-cone) , Just throwing them on an Fcar mainshaft is not all it takes. The rail is split but the rear rail is a smaller diameter. You would have to fabricate that rear rail . If you choose to go with the aftermarket kits Ive seen, you cut the std Fcar rail and use a kit offset lever. That lever does not work in the CTS-V. That shifter in the picture is NOT a Viper shifter. It is an SRT-10 Truck shifter. It can be modified to work but you may not care for the throw. I still suggest getting a box closer to what you want.

Bowtie70SS

iTrader: (10)

Thanks a bunch I appreciate the input. I was thinking that the CTS trans has better rations, synchros, and overall design. At least one person has successfully done it so there is hope. I am used to working on the old Muncies where basically everything interchanged and there weren't so many variations. I want to try my hand, maybe I will decide it's too much to tackle but we'll see.