85MikeTPI

iTrader: (9)

UPDATE: to get to the write-up directly, it's linked out of post 24 here. https://ls1tech.com/forums/13121283-post24.html


I'll be trying to detail as much on this project as possible, as an alternative to the Viper upgrade for GTO or vette/CTSv-hybrid Fbody units.

The SSR mainshaft accommodates the double/triple cone synchros of the modern GTO/vette/CTS-v transmissions, while offering a larger output shaft than the viper shaft. I believe someone mentioned a vendor is already selling such a trans for close to $3000.

I'm taking my first attempt even further, by using the C6-Z06 MM6 unit as a donor. This trans was available behind the LS7 motor and has the stronger MM6 gearset, 1pc countershaft, and most other upgrades added as the T56 transitioned to the T6060 for production. I can see this hybrid safely handling as much, if not more, than the viper units with the normal aftermarket upgrades applied, with all the benefits of the upgraded synchros.
Some machining is required, but not any/much more than what is required for the viper upgrade depending on the donor.

While I'm collecting parts, I grabbed the pic below of all the mainshafts I had laying around the shop for comparison:


From bottom to top: SSR, C6-Z06, C5, CTS-v, GTO, LS1/LT1 fbody

http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~davis/z28...100201_LS7T56/
Dissassembly of the C6-Z06 donor

Rick (LS123) is helping me with alot of the vette specific items as he's a vette-guru.

thesource

iTrader: (60)

Looks like a cool build. Keep us posted on it.

LS123

iTrader: (11)

Mike, you are the KING of building hybrids! I'm sure alot of F body members here are really interested in this build. I should have the parts figured out by early next week.

On a side note, I'll send out my gears for faceplating next week. This build that I'm doing will have the 30 splined main shaft.

85MikeTPI

iTrader: (9)

The massive SSR 32-spline output shaft (1.375" major diameter) uses a bushing with a 1.875" ID / 2.055" OD.

http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~davis/z28...ge/98_9930.jpg

The Viper output bushing is dwarfed in comparison and easily fits inside the SSR bushing with room to spare (viper bushing is 1.680" ID / 1.810" OD)

http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~davis/z28...ge/98_9932.jpg

I'm researching the SSR tailhousing with Rick's help. I'm expecting it won't turn out to be much more expensive than a new LS1 tailhousing, but is required when using a 1 piece Countershaft.

mike

thesource

iTrader: (60)

I wouldn't be so sure about that.Tremec is all over the place on pricing when it comes to hard parts like the tailhousing. The F body is around $200 while some of the Ford housings are close to $500.

85MikeTPI

iTrader: (9)

SSR tailhousing arrived, works perfectly.

http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~davis/z28...945_large.html

Waiting to find a broken Fbody tailhousing to test boring out bushing/seal for SSR setup. I've found one instance where it appears it has been done. SSR tailhousing is setup for 1pc Countershaft (which I have from LS7/Z06 donor), but the Fbody tail would be better suited for 99% of conversions.

Machine work on the 1st gear was successful, and the mainshaft rebuild has begun.

http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~davis/z28...978_large.html

LilJayV10

iTrader: (39)

This **** is over my head but I'm still in!

thesource

iTrader: (60)

Mike I probably have a busted up tailhousing in our aluminum pile behind the shop. I'll look tomorrow.

85MikeTPI

iTrader: (9)

Thanks Mike, I appreciate it... Send me a PM and LMK..

Apparently I've re-invented the "Son of Tranzilla" without knowing it:

http://www.camaroperformers.com/cama...ion/index.html

Although my LS7/Z06 internals will be stronger/better than the standard offering they have, it's still a nice piece.. (I like how their claim to fame is NOT to use bronze fork pads.. LOL. I could pull out a 100+ destroyed stock fork pads that make that bronze pad look brand new... :-/ )

But the conversion is definitely possible.. The Viper-shaft upgrade isn't the only game in town and the more modern GTO/CTSv/C5 transmissions can be made as strong or stronger while shifting better.

85MikeTPI

iTrader: (9)

My hybrid's re-assembled 99% now. Still looking for a broken F-body tailhousing to check the shifter pad height. (The SSR shifter pad is about 1/2" higher and must be milled down.. Easy once I get the measurement) I'm also still trying to track down a TH400 yoke to test fit. (have a line on a local one, just can't seem to catch the guy)

http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~davis/z28...100201_LS7T56/

I added all the rebuild pics and misc parts/measurements/etc. to the end of the Z06 donor unit disassembly pics..

jmd

iTrader: (4)

I was looking forward to this thread.

98PurpleT/A

iTrader: (16)

Links not working for me

85MikeTPI

iTrader: (9)

Sorry, iPhoto started screwing up the picture filenames on me and I had to renumber the early ones.

http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~davis/z28...ge/98_9930.jpg

and

http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~davis/z28...ge/98_9932.jpg

were the ones referenced in that post.

I went back and fixed up the links in the posts also.

MUSTANGBRKR02

iTrader: (91)

Damn this is interesting.

85MikeTPI

iTrader: (9)

So for anyone to start one of these, a donor trans would be the place to start.

The donor that would incur the least amount of $$ to convert, would be the GTO (M12) unit, but they tend to cost more up front as they can be dropped in to most cars as is..

The donor most applicable would be the CTS-v (M12). Of those, the 2006-2007 models save a little $$ in the conversion, but any year will work. Since you need a new mainshaft and tailhousing to convert anyway, this SSR upgrade is a natural. CTS-v donors tend to be less expensive to purchase since they can't be dropped directly into anything but another CTS-v without modifications. The mid-plate/bell are already setup for the LS motors, so you don't have those costs in the conversion.

Finally, any C5 or pre-2008 C6 vette T56 can be a donor. They offer the greatest options in gear ratios (MM6/M12/MZ6), but require a new LS-fbody mid-plate which adds to the costs. The ultimate (IMHO) is the 2006-2007 Z06/LS7 version which I used in my conversion.

85MikeTPI

iTrader: (9)

Found an alternative ACDelco seal P/N that costs < $5 compared to the $33 that GM wants.

http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~davis/z28...033_large.html

Also worked with DTS to measure the shaft and seal as precise as possible and they concurred that the TH400 yoke should fit. I took a chance and ordered a 1350 TH400 spicer (3-3-2431X) yoke and it fit perfectly... The GM p/n slip-yoke was coming back as $170 and I didn't risk trying one when this TH400 kept looking promising for < $70.

http://www.eecis.udel.edu/~davis/z28...034_large.html

The SSR/TH400 yoke just dwarfs the stock yoke.



I should hopefully have a broken tailhousing this week thanks to Mike (thesource). I'll work on boring it out for the SSR bushing and seal, then sacrifice it to the band-saw-gods and check it closely for wall thickness.

LS123

iTrader: (11)

Nice Mike! I might have to tackle this build myself soon. Did you get the part # I emailed you?

85MikeTPI

iTrader: (9)

Yup, thanks.. I added it to the write-up and should have it all posted in a week or so after I get a chance to verify the tailhousing bore..

85MikeTPI

iTrader: (9)

I got bogged down with life, for a few days.

My 1000hp T56 build is complete now, after getting the SSR tailhousing shifter pad milled down. Total cost is $1800 including the brand new mid-plate, tailhousing, and mainshaft. (Compare that to a modified Magnum or son-of-godzilla and laugh). The modified F-body tailhousing is being finished up at the machine shop and I'll have pictures and the DIY write-up after the Holiday.

(For anyone in the Mid-Atlantic region, I'll probably bring the SSR Hybrid T56 to the RPM dyno-day scheduled for April 10 at the RPM shop in Claymont Delaware..)

VIPRETR2

iTrader: (63)

I will definitely make the trip in that case. Awesome work. I'm thinking that would be a nice little upgrade to the GTO spec trans in my TA.

Larry