89 formula ls2 t56 swap
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Car: 1989 Firebird Formula
Engine: LS2
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 8.8 Rear end from hawks
89 formula ls2 t56 swap
I have ls2 and t56 in a 89 formula
- Bought al components from hawks (Trans cross member, Engine mounts, Rear end, Exhaust) so I would have a relatively simple install... The passenger side header is so close to chassis and transmission crossmember I cant even put a pipe on it, Ive moved stuff around and I have got only a little extra clearance, has anybody run into this problem? Or Does any one have any idea to help fix this?
- I even reached out to hawks to see if i'm doing something wrong they ask for pictures I send a ton in and they say they will get back to me with a response then never respond has happened twice now
- https://www.hawksmotorsports.com/82-...ders-w-y-pipe/
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 13,753
Likes: 560
From: Cincinnati, OH
Car: '90 RS
Engine: 377 LSX
Transmission: Magnum T56
Re: 89 formula ls2 t56 swap
What headers are you using? You'll have to keep loosening and adjusting. You may even have to loosen the motor mounts. This is common when putting aftermarket parts in these cars, and the Hawks crossmember is known for being a bear to get right.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
Car: 1989 Firebird Formula
Engine: LS2
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 8.8 Rear end from hawks
Re: 89 formula ls2 t56 swap
The link in the thread is the header a y pipe kit from hawks, idk if anyone else has run into this problem, I have loosed motor mounts multiple time. I have even moved around the k member
Senior Member

Joined: May 2006
Posts: 583
Likes: 69
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Car: 91 Formula
Engine: 2012 LS9
Transmission: 4L80E
Axle/Gears: Strange 60 3.54:1
Re: 89 formula ls2 t56 swap
You can try a few things...
First, loosen the header bolts & pull down on the collector & re-tighten.
I've also put a pipe over the collector & pulled down on the header to tweak it a bit.
I literally just did this on a 4th gen by putting a 4ft section of 3.5" pipe over the collector & literally hanging off of it.
The headers will bend a bit, just be careful not to crush the collector.
Also check the height of the trans mount. A shorter one will drop the y-pipe away from the crossmember.
First, loosen the header bolts & pull down on the collector & re-tighten.
I've also put a pipe over the collector & pulled down on the header to tweak it a bit.
I literally just did this on a 4th gen by putting a 4ft section of 3.5" pipe over the collector & literally hanging off of it.
The headers will bend a bit, just be careful not to crush the collector.
Also check the height of the trans mount. A shorter one will drop the y-pipe away from the crossmember.
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