Hello everyone. I have owned my Camaro for many years and have used Thirdgen.org site for research purposes mainly and rarely post.

So I have question and this probably the wrong section to post as well.
My car has a LG4 305 with T-5 Manual. And I have acquired a ZZ3 crate motor from my brother which has to be rebuilt from sitting on a pallet for a number of years. Plus it smokes blue when last ran.
I have been trying to do research whether it is possible to make a T-56 out if a 93-97 Camaro would work with this ZZ3 Crate Motor and if there is any additional parts needed. Or whether the T-5 is good enough despite the weakness of these transmissions.

T-56 out of a 93-97 Camaro or original T-5?

I have seen a complete Assembly from Hawks Thirdgen that would have most parts picked out already.

 

Yes it is possible, you will need the proper flywheel I cant remember if the zz3 needs the conversion or the standard flywheel.

The T5 is weaker than the T56 it will work depending how you drive it I have a T5 behind my 350 it could last 3K miles if you power shift and don't use the clutch like sofa or 30+K miles like a lot of other members on the board. Nothing wrong with installing a T5 you already have while you save for a T56. If you have lots of time sell the T5 as a swap kit and buy a T56. 93 is probably the worst year for the T56 go 94-97

 

I think what I might end up doing is having the T-5 installed with ZZ3 crate motor. Then just drive like a normal person. I do have a Pro 5.0 Shifter to install to help not missing shifts etc. Later down the road save up for a T-56. The Camaro is not a primary vehicle for me either, more like a weekend toy for cruising. Plus I don't earn as much as other people to spend on car parts and limited window to work on the car too.

Like you saying midias I see from just the Member signatures that guys do run T-5's behind built 350's as well.

If anyone has an idea what Flywheel I would need for the T-56. That would be great.

 

my understanding is that the weak point of the Camaro t5 is the output shaft. they have kits to put in a 1 inch shaft. they sell t5 that are rated at over 400lb?ft. so it can be beefed up pretty easily. I'm considering putting one behind the 350 in my truck.

 

I cant remember is the zz3 a 1 or two piece ream main style?

 

The case is a weak point it stretches and the gears push apart. Gforce makes an upgraded case, gears and shaft. Astro also makes upgraded gears and shafts.

 

I happen to have a conversion flywheel for sale that I had behind my T-56.

I sold the T-56 and clutch already. Just have the flywheel left.

It was bolted to my Gen I SBC. It had a 2 piece rear main seal.

If you are interested, let me know. It is a beefy heavy unit that would be fine after a resurface. I will let it go for a fair price if you are interested. I got it with my T-56 so I am not sure the price new. If you are interested I will look into more details.

 

The weak point, as mentioned is the case flex. Yes there are aftermarket upgrades but by the time you start putting money in it, ya might as well go T56.

I rebuilt my T5 myself, never having done it before. I bought a rebuild kit, all the tools, a craigslist 17" tv for the garage and a how-to DVD from Hanlon Motorsports all for under $800. ....and it lasted behind my cammed L98 for several years. Ultimately went TKO600 when I built the 383.

As for the zz3? Once you step back and acknowledge that your car isn't gonna run with modern 800 hp off the showroom floor cars, (and how many of us can?) you realize the GM ZZ350 motors are awesome!! Great experiences with a few of 'em over the years. I wouldn't hesitate to use one for a minute!

 

Your stock 305 flywheel will work fine for the t5 on the zz3. For the t56 you will need a stock 1993 through 1997 camaro/firebird flywheel.

 

Interesting... There is a companies that do beef up them T-5's but stupidly expensive more than a stock T-56 assuming its in good order used. I looked into the g-force kits and looks like I have a non world class T-5 which is kind of a bummer as far as that. What is the difference between non WC and WC?

I am kinda looking a Astro Performance since the search for gforce transmissions in google popped up.

Ok so I will need a different Flywheel for the T-56 to mate with ZZ3.
I am not really committed to anything just yet but I appreciate all the help so far.

 

I have talked to them both Yes you are out about $2500 probably about the same as a used T56 after swap costs.

The G-Force T5 synchronized upgrade for the T5 transmission is $2,020.00 for parts which includes the gear sets, mainshaft, cluster support plate and new bearing/synchronizer kits. If you want us to install the upgrade, we charge $250.00 plus shipping.

With this upgrade, the transmission would be rated up to 600 rwhp and 500 ft/lbs torque.

Yes we do make a case $275 please see our website for Info and all of our
gear options. www.gforcetransmissions.com

Bubba
GForce Transmissions
(717) 202-8367



I attached a flyer for our "A-5 Upgrade". The A-5 Upgrade is a Synchronized Gear Kit upgrade for any World Class T-5 Transmission. The A-5 Upgrade is a drop-in replacement gear kit for a 1988-92 Camaro/Firebird V8 and requires no mods to install into vehicle. By simply adding the A-5 Gear Kit to the stock T-5 Core you will increase the Torque Capacity to 450 Ft. Lbs. @ Flywheel. If you decided to add in our Cluster Support Plate, Solid 3rd/4th Synchronizer Key & Spring Kit, and Upgraded 9310 Alloy 27 Spline Output Shaft, you can get closer to 550 Torque Capable. We have a couple of packages for GM Camaro/Firebird V8 T-5 Customers:

Option#1: 450 Torque / 500HP $1,729.00

Includes:

1.) A-5 Gear Kit (1st-4th)
2.) Level 2 Bearing Kit w/Rings
3.) 1st/2nd Slider
4.) Cluster Support Plate
5.) Solid Key & Spring Kit for 3rd/4th Assembly

Option#2: 550 Torque / 600HP $2,129.00

Includes:

1.) A-5 Gear Kit (1st-4th)
2.) Level 2 Bearing Kit w/Rings
3.) 1st/2nd Slider
4.) Cluster Support Plate
5.) Solid Key & Spring Kit for 3rd/4th Assembly
6.) Upgraded 9310 Alloy 27 Spline Output Shaft

If you were wanting to purchase a unit from us that already had one of the two options above featured, you would have to send in your core up front for the upgrade. Our Labor Charge is $250 + Parts. Please take a look at flyer and let me know if you have any questions.

Thanks,
Tony @ Astro Performance
(866)253-0019 Natl.

 

Hey ! Now I have avenue's to choose from as far as rebuilding the T-5 if I go that route.

Astro Performance options looks pretty clear what you would be getting in their kit.