T56 durability? How long do they last?
07-10-2013, 04:54 PM
#1
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T56 durability? How long do they last? How durable are t56 transmissions? I don't really want a manual trans but I think they are more durable and can withstand more hp. Am I wrong? Also if I buy one for an ls swap should I have it rebuilt with stronger internals or is the stock form even with some use good enough? Let me know what you guys think and know based on your past experiences. Thanks guys. Sorry if there are any typeos. I had to use my phone, the regular site was acting up.
Last edited by 69greyghost; 07-10-2013 at 08:46 PM.
07-11-2013, 07:18 PM
#3
Well, the 4L60E is stronger than a stock T56. This is a light duty transmission usually found in light sporting cars. A built automatic take your pick 4L60/80 will ultimately be cheaper than a T56. I do have a manual in my swap because they make more sense to me, and I like driving a manual, but it is the weak link in my drivetrain.
07-11-2013, 08:18 PM
#4
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A stock t56 is rated at 450lbs, the 4L60e is only rated at 360lbs.
Having said that dollar for dollar a 4L80e is just as strong both stock and built and would be the way to go if you don't want to drive stick and are concerned with durability.
07-12-2013, 11:07 AM
#5
HP, torque, weight of car and how sticky a tire you are going to run have more to do with the trans and CLUTCH life. If you are road racing/autocrossing it usually not an issue. My old ls6 clutch worked fine for that but when you move over to the 1/4 mile then you should just stick with an automatic, a lot less shock to the drivetrain.
07-12-2013, 07:02 PM
#6
I had a 160K miled T-56 on my 99 Trans Am and I never had a single issue with that babeh! Never been rebuild on my part and the previous owner said he never raced the car which is hard to believe now days 
and never had a single issue either other than getting in new clutches which were really cheap clutches. Then again it was a SLP lid only LS1 soo it was hard to break that T-56 unless you beat the crap out of it.
OP... What are your HP goals? Whats gonna be the usage and what car?
and never had a single issue either other than getting in new clutches which were really cheap clutches. Then again it was a SLP lid only LS1 soo it was hard to break that T-56 unless you beat the crap out of it.OP... What are your HP goals? Whats gonna be the usage and what car?
07-12-2013, 10:12 PM
#7
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...l80e-size.html
Read the specs on the transmission. I'll let you Google to get them. I agree with you on the 80. Great transmission. I want to know where folks are getting those weights from. Dry they are not that heavy, says my arms.
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07-13-2013, 10:34 AM
#8
I love Google but even on this site they rate the later model 4L60/65 at 600 lb.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...l80e-size.html
Read the specs on the transmission. I'll let you Google to get them. I agree with you on the 80. Great transmission. I want to know where folks are getting those weights from. Dry they are not that heavy, says my arms.
https://ls1tech.com/forums/conversio...l80e-size.html
Read the specs on the transmission. I'll let you Google to get them. I agree with you on the 80. Great transmission. I want to know where folks are getting those weights from. Dry they are not that heavy, says my arms.
07-13-2013, 11:40 PM
#9
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07-14-2013, 07:46 AM
#10
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I'll believe that the 4L60e's gearbox is rated for 600lb's but you'll smoke the clutch's that are in it. Hell, PerformaBuilt only rate's there level 1 4L60e at 500hp.
07-14-2013, 07:58 AM
#11
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600 lb ft rating is including torque mulitplication, i.e. torque converter.... meaning if you make 300 lb ft at stall speed and the torque converter goes 2:1 then you are maxed out. GM isn't in the habit of overbuilding their transmissions.
Last edited by SSellers; 07-14-2013 at 08:10 AM.
07-17-2013, 04:32 PM
#12
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All I can add is that I have about 250K miles on my stock T56. Motor is stock and I have only drag raced it a couple of times ("gently" at that). But it's still hanging there with no troubles at quarter million miles.
07-18-2013, 03:00 PM
#13
Launching!
T56 is used in the corvette and viper...perhaps that's not saying much but imo these don't strike me as weak cars...just saying.
I like many have a 4l80e in my pick and it's an absolute gem...as long as you don't have to back up!!!
I like many have a 4l80e in my pick and it's an absolute gem...as long as you don't have to back up!!!
07-22-2013, 05:35 AM
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The 4L60E was a bad choice to put behind the LS1, almost as bad as the 10 bolt rear. The 4L80E should have been the stock auto. The T56 is stout from the factory, and can be built to take insane punishment.
07-22-2013, 11:55 AM
#15
My t-56 was rebuilt once, just syncro's, and a new input shaft. Car has gone 10.60 with a bad clutch, at 137 mph. Did a bunch of low 1.4 60's when It was going 10.90's on the 346. I have raced the car since 03..., trans was done in 05. They are stout, and kick the 4l60's in the nuts as far as durability is concerned. Anyone who says otherwise is plain stupid.
