I have an M29 (the lower geared 1993 model T56). I'm converting it from LT to LSx style. It has the lower gear set (2.97, 2.07, 1.43, 1.00, .80, .62) compared to stock (2.66, 1.78, 1.31, 1.00, .74, .50). If your T56 needs a rebuild and you are planning on sending it in for a Stage 2 build, then I can replace it with these lower gears for NO ADDITIONAL CHARGE!
Just pay the amount that it takes to rebuild your T56 ($680+additional parts + shipping). Check the website in my sig for all the details about the rebuilds we offer.
Before anyone asks, this gear set is exactly the same as the stock LSx T56, but the tooth count is different. They are not weaker or inferior in any way. I warranty my builds for one year regardless of mileage.

This is just something that I ran across, and I really like building unique setups like this

Jason

 

Actually the 2.97 ratio gear kit is weaker than the 2.66 ratio kit. Its better suited for stock or near stock F bodies though as they lack the torque to really use the 2.66 ratio without going to deeper gears in the rear. Even with the higher final od ratio, when you consider a 3.42 gear is going to run like a 4.10 with a 2.66 geared box, all things are pretty well equal and you don't have to worry about cheap after market 4.10 gears whining in your 10 bolt.

 

... and the actual M29 has a shorter (LT1 length) inputshaft. You can use the GM Aftermarket input, but then it's 1/2" longer than the LS1 input.

The M29 input gear and countershaft gears are thinner (gear length) than any of the other '94-'07 GM T56 gearsets, and the height was made up by a different bearing race depth in the specialize '93 front plates..

You'd really be better off converting over to a GTO setup unless you're putting this behind a stock 5.3l motor...

As Mike (thesource) said, it really is a weaker setup...

 

isn't the m29 the same as the z06 trans gear ratio? It would be better than installing rear end gears.

 

I'm not using any of the above mentioned inputs & but trust me, I've got this figured out...

 

Yeah, but I don't see it being much more than maybe 10% weaker. Its really rare that gear breakage occurs, unless you're pushing a ton of power. So it would really not be an issue, unless you're making serious power with the car. It would be great for the right combo, IMO.
This gear box would be like having 3.85s in the rear when compared to a 2.66 T56.
Anyway, just throwing this out there for someone who might benefit from this setup. I stand behind the parts/labor 100%. I'll even warranty this for 2yrs instead of the normal 1 year

 

How much are you asking for the M29 trans? I would want it setup for the LT1 though.

 

Sorry it's already sold. Actually went in an LT1 application.

 

Need to keep in mind too that it does multiply torque through the mainshaft that much more than the 2.66:1 first gear...which is a large part of the reason for the lower torque rating of that model of the 93 T56.

 

It's still a rather minimal difference. The common (stronger) 1994-2002 F-body T56s rarely ever break gears, even with 700rwhp/tq, so gear breakage is almost non-existent. Even though the 1993 "M29" T56 has 11.6% more torque multiplication in first, and the gears (countershaft and speed) are roughly 5-10% thinner, gear breakage is the last thing I'd worry about.
My only point is the "weakness" of these parts in the M29 tends to get blown way out of proportion.

 

I wasn't intending to mean anything with the gears at all...that much more torque multiplication is harder on the mainshaft itself...and yes, 27 spline T56's DO break mainshafts

 

how much to convert mine to ls1? pm please?

 

I'd want the 2.97 / 1.94 / 1.35 from the retrofit version, intended for '83-'92 Camaros, combined with the 0.74:1 / 0.50:1 from the Viper, for the stronger tailshaft. Surely that 1.94:1 second will survive pointless powershifts better than the 2.07:1, while not being as stupid as the Cobra GT500s stupid 2.97 / 1.78 combo. Drive one, you'll hate it. But drive a T5 with 2.95 / 1.94, that's fine.
But I'm not willing to spend more than $125 on any trans, since that's what my local salvage yard charges for whatever I can find. Including 4L80Es.

 

The maindrive & countershaft gear relationship prevents the .74 / .50 ratios from resulting when using a 2.97 first trans. But, the MN12 .84 / .57 5th/6th are achieveable easily enough in a '93 box w/ the 30 spline Chrysler mainshaft.

2nd in the aftermarket box is 2.07 and doesn't differ from the '93 M29 box.

Enjoy that salvage yard.

 

It is possible to get a .74/.50 OD combo with a 2.97LGR if you use Magnum gearing.

 

Anyone notice this thread was brought back from the dead? lol