T56 Swap: Used or retro-fit? - Third Generation F-Body Message Boards

Jonathan Dyer · 01-16-2009, 06:02 PM

I am looking to replace my T5 with a T56 in March and I am wondering wheather to go with the retrofit unit or pick up a used T56.

Pros to going retrofit:
keep my clutch and bell housing. Clutch (has less than 500 miles on it).
Flywheel is also brand new.
Keep pedals and hydraulics (somewhat less work to not swap that stuff)

Cons:
Cost of transmission with longer input shaft and adapter is $2800.00!
Must aquire after market drive shaft and torque arm. Another 729.00
Total Cost aprox 3530.00

If I swap in a used T56 from a '93-'97 camaro:
Used T56 (@ say 1500.00) is almost half the cost $1500.00
New Clutch 500.00
New flywheel 500.00
Refresh T56 at a tranny shop 700.00
Total Cost approx 3200.00

There is not alot of difference price wise here. But I'm concerned about posts people have made about the shortened torque arm for the retrofit tranny being noisy and causing ground clearance issues. On the other hand the transmission would be fresh.

What would you do?

Jon

JSD MOD 01-16-09

tom86iroc · 01-17-2009, 11:13 AM

i have a 93 tranny in mine went together smoothly never done the retrofit before

Jonathan Dyer · 01-18-2009, 09:08 PM

Does your '86 have a cable driver speedo? If so, what did you use to convert the VSS?Jon