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Help with transmission decision

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Old Mar 31, 2015 | 02:56 PM
  #1  
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Default Help with transmission decision

Hey guys I'm about to start my swap and keep going back and forth on what transmission I should use.

The car I'm swapping everything into is a 2001 BMW 330I Automatic. I am picking up a LQ4 next week and would love to end up with around 4-500rwhp.

The car will be used for fun cruses, twisty road runs, Maybe test n tune at the strip or autox and possibly some drifting. Basically I'm wanting to build a all around fun "play car".

I had originally decided the 4l80E because the car is already an automatic, that is the transmission that comes stock with that engine and i was thinking about going FI down the road.

However I have been thinking about going with a manual T56 because everyone I talk to says it will be a lot more "fun". But it will add more time and money to the project.


If I was building just a drag car or just a drift car the decision would be easy. I'm just not sure what the best option would be for an "all around" car. What transmission would you pick?
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Old Mar 31, 2015 | 03:42 PM
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I would prefer a manual for almost every application but drag. That being said, my conversion will be getting an auto due to cost of supporting mods on an older originally carbed car.
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Old Mar 31, 2015 | 04:31 PM
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easy 4L80E be easier & cheaper. Cost will probobly get away from you a bit do to little stuff.
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Old Mar 31, 2015 | 04:46 PM
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The T56 is so much fun. If you've got the funds to go manual then do it. Otherwise go with the auto.
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Old Mar 31, 2015 | 05:39 PM
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T56 all day no questions!!! As previously stated the only thing I would choose an auto for would be drag racing, and in that case the 4L80e wouldn't be my choice. IMO the 4L80e should stay in the trucks.
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