LS1 conversion .. which trans to use?

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Feb 27, 2010 | 11:46 PM

99blancoSS

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From: ST Helens, OR

LS1 conversion .. which trans to use?

79 z28 getting an LS1 383. Options are the th350 it comes with, a 1970 Camaro Saginaw 4 speed, t56 or a 700r4.

The th350 and 700r4 I already have, the Saginaw is $100, the t56 will be a hunt for a deal.

What would be the better option and why? All would need to be rebuilt anyway to handle the 383.

I would need the pedal assmeblies as well for any standard trans that gets stuck in.

Street/strip application

Feb 28, 2010 | 02:45 AM

salemetro

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From: Salem/Keizer

Quote:

Originally Posted by 99blancoSS

Personally, I say have the th350 built, given the choices you listed. Saginaws shift like crap IMHO, the 700r4 will grenade pretty quickly unless built with $$$, The t-56 is $$$ + the clutch kit would be spendy...but I guess it depends on what ya want. Some would say I'm crazy for spending $5k on a trans and converter....but I guess it's all about what you're willing to justify.

As always, just my $.02

Feb 28, 2010 | 04:32 AM

LS1MCSS

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From: Dover, Arkansas

Transmission selection depends on what the plans are for the car. I would rule out the Saginaw first. They are the weakest 4 speed gm ever used. If the car will be mostly street driven, with occasional track time, go with something with overdrive.

Feb 28, 2010 | 04:43 AM

the_merv

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From: The Beach...

TH350 would prob be the easiest.

Feb 28, 2010 | 12:33 PM

nobreaks254

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T56 would be the most fun. Thats what I did with my 79Z28, LS1 383 T56. No regrets!

Feb 28, 2010 | 01:41 PM

ratrapp

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i'm using a 200r-4 in my swap as i already had it and was free.i don't plan on overly abusing this car a whole lot anyway.

Feb 28, 2010 | 02:18 PM

99blancoSS

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From: ST Helens, OR

Its a street car that will see the strip, basically a daily driver and bad weather car, grocery getter. Saves the 99 SS from being beaten up by the kids and stuff.

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Feb 28, 2010 | 02:34 PM

Black FormulaLs1

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From: cape vincent NY

T56 all day long..yes its worth the money to get one and have it built ..you would have 6th gear for that really nice overdrive for long hauls..get better MPG..and can flog it if you want to..that and i hate having a computer tell me when to shift..

Feb 28, 2010 | 03:18 PM

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Paul57

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From: Frozen Tundra, WI

If MPGs matter to you at all, go with the 700. There are people that know how to build them right...one example...http://www.bowtieoverdrives.com/cata...SUBCAT&CATID=B