bottom line on bolting a t56 to 454
 

okay so i've been looking for days now and apparently theres a million different ways but what really is the best way to bolt a t56 to a 454? not looking to spend an arm and a leg but i'll consider anything from a retrofit to a new bell housing. i already have everything form my t5 stock also a 168 tooth 454 flywheel and a brand new 26 spline clutch. let me know thanks alot jake.

Re: bottom line on bolting a t56 to 454
 

In addition to the kick *** advice you'll get here, I would suggest you visit ls1tech as well... the T-56 is a 4th gen Transmission, I'm sure someone there has already done it...

Re: bottom line on bolting a t56 to 454
 

Nothing about a 454 changes it...

Insert hardware. Rotate clockwise. ;)

Which T-56 do you have? What 454?

Re: bottom line on bolting a t56 to 454
 

You'll need a flywheel that will accept a T56 clutch, and is 'unbalanced' for a 454. Otherwise, should bolt up pretty easy.

Re: bottom line on bolting a t56 to 454
 

Mk IV 454(two-piece rear seal) are externally balanced and requier a externally balanced flywheel or flexplate. Question is which t-56 are u using? If using a lt-1 (93-97)t-56, then your bellhousing will work assuming the clutch/pressure plate is not bigger than 11" though 10.5 is the norm. You will also have to work out the pull style slave/fork arrangment. If your using the LS1(98-02) t-56, then a new bellhousing will be needed because the bolt pattern is NOT the same as a Mk IV BBC. McCleod, Lakewood, and Quicktime all make bellhousings. IMO the Quicktime is the only way to go. There are a couple of other things to consider depending on which tranny you use, like internal/concentric slave?, driveshaft length, etc. Can't get to the 'bottom line' without certain info.

Re: bottom line on bolting a t56 to 454
 

well i havent actually got the t56 yet but im lookin at both a ls1 and an lt1 which would you say was the easiest? and the cluth i have now is a 11 7/8 inch so thats why it wont fit under the t5 bell housing?

Re: bottom line on bolting a t56 to 454
 

The LT1 setup is the easiest to use on a Gen 1 SBC or a BBC, because the LT1 itself so so much more similar to the Gen 1 motors than the LS engines are.

I can't recall a mfg's name, but I remember seeing a scattershield out there that will allow one to use a T56 trans with a traditional SBC/BBC clutch setup, instead of buying a conversion flywheel to use the LT1 clutch. You also get the benefit of the explosion-proof-ness of a scattershield. Might be worth looking into. I think I saw this on one of the 4thgen boards, but I can't remember which one.