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LTX and LSXPutting LT1s, LS1s, and their variants into Third Gens is becoming more popular. This board is for those who are doing and have done the swaps so they can discuss all of their technical aspects including repairs, swap info, and performance upgrades.
Ok guys im doing my lq4 swap its going it my 91 RS instead of the 82 Z. i have factory t5 eventually i wanna go tko or a t56, but for now ill just have to not tear up this t5. So the question is what am i needing to get these two too mate?also my 6.0 is a 99 model with the longer crank what do i need to work around that any input?
Last edited by codyscamaroz28; 04-14-2015 at 01:26 AM.
McLeod makes a flywheel, but it probably won't fit in your aluminum bellhousing, so you'll also need their modular steel bellhousing, and by the time you buy all that, you'll spend more than selling an unbroken WC T5 and buying a used T56.
belhousing? i know all bolts aren't gonna line up..but i didnt think i was gonna need a belhousing, i see people running th400's an 350s all the time. that last bolt just wont get used from what i understood. can anyone else chime in on this.
did some research so far here is what i have found that i need:
-early Chevy big block aluminum bellhousing casting # 3899621
-Ls flywheel and clutch
- LS7 Pilot bearing GM part #12557583
A while back there was a build thread over on ls1 tech. Some guy had a bolt on ls1 with factory t5 swapped into an rx7. If I remember right he ran it for almost 10,000 miles before he finally blew it up at a drag strip. Maybe try looking up his build thread to see how he got it to work?
I'm sorry I cant be more helpful...
Either way I'm curious to see if you can get it mated together; it would be interesting to have a parts list for what is needed to make a t5 work with an ls1. As long as the parts are not too expensive, it would be a decent alternative while you saved up for a t56.
As long as you just drove it normally and stayed out of the loud peddle... you could probably get it to last for a little while until you can afford a t56.
Good luck, and keep us updated on what you find please.
I was going to go this route.. fully prepared, research done etc. Everything you listed is correct that you'll need, except you are missing the crossmember. You'll either have to spend money on one (and I didn't find a conversion crossmember) by having it fabricated or swap tailshafts.
If you decided you don't want to fabricate a crossmember to work, then you'll need to swap tailshafts. This link gives some insight into that:
Sadly, I removed most of the links I bookmarked after I picked up the T56, so my apologies for not having more info.
I came across an amazing deal where I traded my T5 and all it's components for an LT1 T56 with 80k miles + all of it's components and a little cash, so that changed my plan. In the middle of converting it over as we speak. Keep on eye on craigslist...
wow thanks for the info man i have the older 6.0 with the longer crank whsat would i need to get around that?
Originally Posted by R13_Braz
I was going to go this route.. fully prepared, research done etc. Everything you listed is correct that you'll need, except you are missing the crossmember. You'll either have to spend money on one (and I didn't find a conversion crossmember) by having it fabricated or swap tailshafts.
If you decided you don't want to fabricate a crossmember to work, then you'll need to swap tailshafts. This link gives some insight into that:
Sadly, I removed most of the links I bookmarked after I picked up the T56, so my apologies for not having more info.
I came across an amazing deal where I traded my T5 and all it's components for an LT1 T56 with 80k miles + all of it's components and a little cash, so that changed my plan. In the middle of converting it over as we speak. Keep on eye on craigslist...
correct the cranks on the 99-01 had a .400 longer crank from what ive read, also i have read about the trans crossmember situation, im gonna do some research hopefully there is some company out there theat makes one id rather not change tail shafts
Originally Posted by R13_Braz
When you say longer, you mean the flange isn't flush with the cover?
if i was to change the tail shft which one would i use. an how muich do the run? ongthing stopping me if this long crank i cant seem to find anything on it
Second picture shows a custom cross member. The reason you need this, or swap tail shafts (which requires a lot of work) is because the T5 is angled for F-bodies. When you swap onto an LS motor, it straightens it up, which then puts the mount at an angle. Get a cross member made like that one shown, solves your problems.
As for the crank, I've no experience with the 6.0 or it's crank. If it's .400 longer than other LS motors, then it stands to reason you won't have to swap to an LS flywheel. The issues between the LS flywheel and the SBC flywheel is, if I recall, exactly .400.
You cant use the LSx flywheel with the long flange crank. The extra length pushes the starter ring out too far
A neutral balance 168 too SBC flywheel and push clutch should work. That means no LT1 stuff. Measure when you install
The 621 BH does work with either a clutch fork or LSx HTOB. 96-02 Fbody T5's have a special front bearing retainer that accepts a LSx HTOB. IMHO, this makes life easier, but some people dont like it
thanks for all the info guys when i add start adding the cost up an then think about the strength of the t-5 i think it would be a cheaper an smarter route to just keep an eye out for a Lt1 t56. finish up this lq4, then get to the tranny situation, heres a few pics of the motor an parts
Last edited by codyscamaroz28; 04-20-2015 at 01:35 AM.
when i start adding the cost up an then think about the strength of the t-5 i think it would be a cheaper an smarter route to just keep an eye out for a Lt1 t56.
That's a wise choice for sure... do you have the parts to convert a lt1 t56 to an ls1 style?
That's another reason I jumped on the deal I did, even though I technically didn't have the funds nor budget at the time for it. I despised the idea of babying this motor due to the weakest link (i.e. the T5). Don't get me wrong, it served me well.. but being able to handle only about 320 lb's of torque put me off big time. The T56 can handle twice that, easily.
I have a friend of mine at work who built an S10 with an LS1/T5. The T5 he used was a Tremec TKO rated at 600 ft. lbs.. He uses it pretty hard although he runs it only on the street with street tires.
For the cost of the TKO, might as well just stick to getting a T56, imo. Practically the same cost, and with 6 gears instead of 5 it'll make cruising more enjoyable. Besides, doesn't take a whole lot more to upgrade and beef up the T56 to handle more power later on.
04-12-2015, 01:41 PM
