LT1 T56 - Convert or sell?
06-09-2016, 05:39 PM
#1
LT1 T56 - Convert or sell? I wanted to swap an LT1 into my 240SX, but decided to go LS1 instead. Now, I'm stuck with an LT1 T56 that is not compatible with the LS1. I know I can convert. But this requires a new input shaft, front cover, and bellhousing. It also requires taking the transmission to a shop and spending a couple of hundred dollars to swap that stuff over and shim the shafts. With this in mind, is it generally more cost effective to convert my T56? Or should I just sell it and get an LS1 T56 instead?
06-09-2016, 06:49 PM
#3
Not really. I picked this one up off Craigslist about six years ago, and it has just sat. So I really DON'T know what kind of condition it is in. The only thing I DO know is that it hasn't had the living crap beaten out of it the last six years. I would also figure a T56 wouldn't get as beat up with a (less powerful) LT1 in front of it.
06-09-2016, 07:03 PM
#4
Used to be that those models were worth some bucks because they fit behind a first gen SBC. Guess that isn't the case so much anymore. But it is still sorta rare and might be worth some bucks to the right person. That would lead me to try and sell it as is. I would scope out replacement prices than list the old one and see what sorta interest you get.
I probably don't have to tell you that T56 rebuilds are not cheap and the older models all need a rebuild. The newer ones are vastly improved so a rebuild isn't necessarily a sure thing anymore.
I probably don't have to tell you that T56 rebuilds are not cheap and the older models all need a rebuild. The newer ones are vastly improved so a rebuild isn't necessarily a sure thing anymore.
06-09-2016, 07:11 PM
#5
By 'newer', do you mean newer than F-body transmissions? Or does this include the F-body LS1 T56?
06-12-2016, 08:16 PM
#7
If you like to gamble then convert it over $700-900 in parts/labor, put it in the car and hope it works fine.
If it doesn't work properly then it will need a rebuild which will be an easy $1500+ depending upon what parts are needed aside from the rebuild kit (gears, synchronizers etc). That would mean you are into it for about $2400 minimum at this point. Most likely more as 90% of rebuilds need more parts than just the basic rebuild kit. The past few years there has also been difficulty in getting some gears/parts due to simply Tremec not having any more on hand to sell until they produce a new batch.
If you sold the LT1 trans in its current state for around $1K..... you are about $2400 away from a brand new T56 Magnum (bellhousing included) which shifts 10x better than the older T56 transmission designed in the early 90's that shares absolutely no parts with the newer Magnum. They shift sooooo nice when broken in and can handle 1000rwhp if you want to go crazy. Any T56 prior to 2008 will not shift the same as a newer style TR6060/Magnum. The internals are made from a superior grade steel and the output shaft is 31 spline vs. 27 of the older T56. Even the case weighs more due to thicker casting/ribbing.
If it doesn't work properly then it will need a rebuild which will be an easy $1500+ depending upon what parts are needed aside from the rebuild kit (gears, synchronizers etc). That would mean you are into it for about $2400 minimum at this point. Most likely more as 90% of rebuilds need more parts than just the basic rebuild kit. The past few years there has also been difficulty in getting some gears/parts due to simply Tremec not having any more on hand to sell until they produce a new batch.
If you sold the LT1 trans in its current state for around $1K..... you are about $2400 away from a brand new T56 Magnum (bellhousing included) which shifts 10x better than the older T56 transmission designed in the early 90's that shares absolutely no parts with the newer Magnum. They shift sooooo nice when broken in and can handle 1000rwhp if you want to go crazy. Any T56 prior to 2008 will not shift the same as a newer style TR6060/Magnum. The internals are made from a superior grade steel and the output shaft is 31 spline vs. 27 of the older T56. Even the case weighs more due to thicker casting/ribbing.
Last edited by gnx7; 06-12-2016 at 08:27 PM.
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06-12-2016, 09:33 PM
#8
You can get a new Tremec from Hurst driveline conversions with a variety of other bits thrown in for as little as $2850 shipped. Figure $150 for a bellhousing and you're at $3k for a new trans with 30 months of warranty. I just bought a rebuilt T56 a few weeks ago but I'm thinking of selling it and going with the Hurst.
06-12-2016, 10:26 PM
#9
06-12-2016, 10:28 PM
#10
You can get a new Tremec from Hurst driveline conversions with a variety of other bits thrown in for as little as $2850 shipped. Figure $150 for a bellhousing and you're at $3k for a new trans with 30 months of warranty. I just bought a rebuilt T56 a few weeks ago but I'm thinking of selling it and going with the Hurst.
06-13-2016, 04:00 PM
#12
