57ChevyLS1

Hello everybody, I've been reading this forum for awhile and I finally decided to join. I'm looking forward to learning a ton from you guys.

So, I am installing an LS-1 and T-56 from a 2000 Pontiac into a 57 Corvette. I want to keep the original 57 Corvette mechanical speedometer - how do I interface this original speedo with the T-56?

Any help you can offer is appreciated. Thank you.

99ssleeper

iTrader: (98)

I have no idea, but you might want to look into a 93-96 T56 (I dont know if thats compatible with the LS1 flywheel). Those cars still had the roller type odometer instead of digital, so I'm guessing there is a cable somewhere.

You may also want to do a search for the guys that put the LS1/T56 combo in the 82-92 FBodys. Those have cable driven speedometers and they may have some gadgets to get them working. Hope this helps, wish I had better answers for you. Good luck with the project!

-Mike

99ssleeper

iTrader: (98)

I just read that the input shaft on the older T56 is longer than the 98+. I suppose you'll have to look into a little deeper than I thought...

2002_Z28_Six_Speed

iTrader: (19)

Maybe a custom electronic project?

You could have some kind of circuit that would take the counts of the electronic senor and use that to control a stepper motor which is attacted to the cable.

billg

iTrader: (3)

Abbott Enterprises makes what they call a "Cable Driver". Its a little black box that picks up the VSS signal and drives a little motor to run the mechanical speedo. Its almost infinitly adjustable for different VSS signals and comes with instructions included. It runs right at $300 and the motor in it has a life expectancy of 200K miles. Ive used about 5 of them so far in LT1 swaps and they work fine. The only "problem" with them is that on initial acceleration, it will take the speedo about 2 or 3 seconds to catch up to the car. Abbotts phone # is 800-643-5973 or 870-535-4970 They are in Arkansas somewhere. HTHs.............. Bill

Schitzo

iTrader: (6)

I am also looking to use my manual speedo with the t56 in my 71 camaro. You can either get the abbott box or get a modified trans tail housing from S&P. It will allow you to plug the speedo cable right into the trans. I am will be going the box route

tippmann243

check out www.jagsthatrun.com they make a kit to do this and i want to say its in the 150 range

and to clear some stuff up the input shaft on an lt1 trans (93-97) is shorter then an ls1 trans (98 and up)

billg

iTrader: (3)

Jags That Run was charging around $350 just for the manual cable conversion and about $450 with the VSS relocation which would be required for the LS1. As of about a year ago, they werent doing the T56 conversions any more, that may have changed so dont take it as gospel! Bill

tippmann243

i was thinking of the speedometer sleve kit, my bad

but the other kits ahve a core charge, so i dont know if thats means its 350+ 250 which would be 600 then you get 250 back or if its 350 and you get 250 back

billg

iTrader: (3)

Its $350 plus a $250 core charge until they get your old T56 tailhousing back so the basic cost is $350 but its another $100 or so to relocate the VSS which would be required for the LS1 on "top" of the $350. That not only makes the Cable Driver cheaper but then you dont have a modded part on the trans that may possibly leave you "stranded" some day while youre waiting for another one to show up. Bill