My dad and I are really wanting to go with a T56 on our Camaro.

We have a beefed up 327, and a muncie 4-spd now.

I've looked into what it takes, but still don't have it all down yet, I'd really like some direction on where to look, or if someone knows right off, it would be very helpful.

-I know we need a different bellhousing, but which one? One for the T56?

-People say to use an LS1 T56 instead of the LT1 T56.. why is that?

-I'm pretty sure you can buy a new flywheel, clutch and PP from somewhere like Centerforce thats made for this swap right?

-Can we use the stock crossmember for the transmission mount? And what about the output shaft/driveshaft?

Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks a lot.

 

If you want to keep the stock bellhousing/clutch/linkage/etc., you can get an adapter plate to mount to the bellhousing.. With that adapter, you'll want an LS1 T56 because you'll need the longer input shaft. The shifter location won't be ideal, and you'll have to cut the tunnel back and adapt the shifter handle back to the console boot. Tremec sold (still sells?) a retrofit T56 that has a better shifter location, but the unit itself is a little underrated (400lb-ft) from a stock LS1/LT1 unit. If you want to convert to hydraullic clutch, then the LT1 T56/Bell/clutch/hyd will fit right up, then you need a 2pc RMS to T56 conversion FW from centerforce or McLeod.

The stock crossmember and driveshaft will have to be modified with any of the above options..

 

Thanks, I did find a company that makes the adapter plates for like $350.

They say you do need a custom pilot bearing. I didn't see any mention of the flywheel though? I'm thinking I can use an OEM one for the 69 Camaro as long as I go with an LS1 T56?

Here's a link to the web site for anyone thats interested..
http://www.5speedtransmissions.com/t56_early_gm.html

 

Well, you can actually use teh stock bell with NO adapter....if you are ok with just using 5 bolts to hold tranny in place. Also, GM offers (check with Scroggin) all kinds of adapters/flywheels etc....for this swap. Car Craft mag did a HUGE write up on doing this swap @ 6-9 months ago. Can try and dig it up.....

 

WEll, teh swap was actually the other way around...putting 4 speed behind a LS1, but the theory remains teh same. On YOUR SBC, teh crank extends PAST the block by @ .400 inch (LS1 motor, crank is EVEN with block).
YOUR SBC uses the 153 tooth flywheel, LS1/tranny uses the 168 tooth fly.

Mcleod makes the whole kit that lets you bolt the early 4 speed to the late LS1. Pretty sure, they offer teh kit to do YOUR swap...SBC to T56. Since the crank extends past block by .400 on your SBC, you would think that you would want teh LT1 T56 with the shorter input shaft, BUT, since you are probaly gonna run the adapter (Unless you just run stock bell and use just the 5 bolts), then you would probaly want teh LS1 T56 with the LONGER input to make up difference in teh adapter. Gonna keep looking for ya, see what I come up with....

 

GM makes a LONGER pilot bushing to extend the area of support for teh input shaft into teh back of crank. SO, if your tranny comes up short, you can use the extended pilot bushing in teh crank to help with that problem...

 

October '08 Car Craft is the soruce of alot of this info I am getting...if you can somehow find that, it gives you ALL kinds of info, names/numbers, dimensions (SBC bell mounting depth is 6.290" for example and Kiesler unit is 6.490) And that Scroggin is HUGE source of the parts needed for your swap.

GL

 

If you can find a T56 dropout from a '94-97 Camaro/Firebird, the whole thing from bellhousing back will bolt right up. You'll end up with a hydraulic clutch, and plenty of aftermarket parts to pick from.

You'll need to switch to an electronic speedo, as the T56 uses a magnetic VSS instead of a gear drive.

You'll also need a crossmember so shop around.

 

Thanks a lot for the help, I'll try to find that magazine.

 

I have a BMR x-member for putting a T56 in a First Gen, I sold my '69 Camaro before I got around to doing a swap. If you're interested PM me and I'll dig it out and take some pics. Good luck,

Larry

 

http://www.americantouringspecialties.com/main.html