I have started the conversion that will take my M6 99Z to a TH400.

Transbrake, reverse manual valve body, 4400 stall (may be to old for that stall but hey, you only live once), Carbon fiber driveshaft, and more.

I'll post updates here every so often but the details will be on our Facebook page and eventually our web site. We are documenting as we go. The first four pages go up this week ready or not.

Console out, car is in the air. Stay tuned!

 

Console out. Driveshaft out.

Documentation to this point is up to date.

Read step by step here.

Torque arm is on the calendar for tomorrow.

 

A photo update.

 

Got the exhaust out of the way tonight and got diverted measuring pinion angle. Will be publishing an article soon on how to measure pinion angle and our view on how it should be set.

 

that spark plug is to block the o2 sensor hole. i did the same thing once i realized it fit

 

It is a spark plug. I welded on an iron bushing with spark plug threads so I could test back pressure behind each catalytic convertor. A digital pressure gauge and hose helped prove the back pressure. I can't find the story but I am still looking!

The spark plugs are just plugs for the hole when not testing.

I get the craziest looks when people see those!

 

Transmission is out. Bell housing up next on the list.

 

Bell housing, clutch, and flywheel are out.

 

I just did this swap myself. It is easy, the only thing I would caution you is to find out which way to put the flexplate on the crank. The TCI unit I purchased had no instructions and/or markings on which way to install it. I also used 30" of 1/2" Drive extensions to install the bell housing bolts when I installed the Turbo 400. It made the job 1000x easier.

Make sure you install the dipstick tube before you install the tranny. I forgot to the first time around, lol!

Joe

 

Mine was LT1 not LS1 by the way.

Joe

 

I have about 84" of extensions. I've been there and done that!

I will make a note about the dipstick tube. I could see myself pulling that one in a heart beat.

I'll have to check my SFI flex plate. I have yet to pull it out of the box and I have had it for at least a year now.

Thanks!

 

Those two issues cost me a bit of time, lol!

Joe

 

I will be follwing this thread. What do you plan for shifter?

 

B&M - Also going to get a custom boot made.

 

Which model b&m?
Im thinking a stock 3rd gen shifter will work, gonna try on my car.
Please continue with photo updates and steps.

 

i used a b&m pro ratchet and i love it.

 

Bingo! T-Handle with thumb button for transbrake.

 

Back in November I had the good fortune to pick up a clean 2000 Camaro SS in which the previous owner had already performed an M6 to Turbo 400 swap. Here's the Cheetah shifter he installed.



Transbrake controlled with a button on the shifter facing driver so not visible from this angle (right above the crossbar).

 

Dd you have a separate "arming" switch for the trans brake? Would hate to hit that button by accident in a parking lot.

 

It's a spring loaded button right there on the side of the shifter shaft. Like a "deadman switch" it's only active when purposely depressed. It would be difficult to accidently activate the transbrake. Since my Turbo 400 has a RMVB, it's also used to activate reverse. Put shifter in neutral and trans is in neutral, press button (and hold it) while in neutral and trans goes into reverse. Trans is only in reverse as long as the button is pushed. If you release the button, trans goes immediately back into neutral. Installer also cleverly adjusted the reverse light switch to make the backup lights come on even though shifter is in the neutral slot. Wish I had a picture from the driver's side handy.

EDIT: Search is my friend. Here's picture from a vendor showing the button: