I have a 1987 Camaro IROC-Z
-350 TPI
-700R4

the trans right now is blown...so i am exploring my options..either go with the Pro-Built 700R4 or Go with the T-56

I am also building up an engine and my goal is about 400 hp with a 350 TPI...i couldnt guess what the torque is going to be but the T56 (LT1) can only handle 400 ft lbs right?

I know the probuilt Transmission will be able to handle it.

Price for me really isnt that big of a deal...this vehicle is a project vehicle and i have a daily driver. just looking for some input...if you need any more info please ask...i will try and answer it to the best of my abblity..thanks for any help/info!!!

-Mike

 

The 1993 T56 can only handle 400 ft lbs, but the 94-97 can handle 450. What would be best for you? It depends what your plans are. If you are sure that you only want 400 hp and aren't gonna add more power, then you are safe with a 94-97 T56. Otherwise, your probably better off with the probuilt. From what I've heard, if the car is hooking up really well, you are putting alot more abuse on the drivetrain. If you have a little wheelspin, you are placing alot less stress on the drivetrain. Bottomline is that you can get away with more power than the tranny can handle if you have some wheelspin.
What are your plans with the car? Just drag racing, or will it be driven on the street? If it is for drag, I would go with the automatic. For street, i think a manual tranny is more fun, but thats just me.

 

i'm ditching my 700R4 for a T56

well T5 for the time being

 

you know 92blue...i totaly forgot to say waht i was going to use the car for....it would be purly street...but every now and then i would take it to the track with my friends. I really like manual trans..that is why i want the t56...auto is good for long distance drive but the fun of a manual is just uncomarable...my mustang is manual and i love it.

as far as the engine...like i said my goal would be 400 hp...the only thing is i dont know how much torque i would be making...and transmissions are rated in torque...so i am kinda stuck here. i think i might just go with the 700R4 just to be safe...and it will be cheaper. thanks for the input.

-mike

 

Theres a guy around here that runs 11's or 12's in his 93 camaro with the stock t-56 and NOS

 

Well my T56 is holding pretty well with a 383 and 4000 rpm clutch dumps. I think the T56 can handle more than the rated 450 lb of torque.

 

hey derfrank i assume you are speacking from personal experience...so...did you install the trans yourself...what transmission did you have prior to the T56? was it hard? how long did it take? you know the typical questions

i realize there is an article about this in the FAQ (or what ever it is called) and i have yet to read it...i am kinda busy..thanks for any info though

-mike

 

The transmission is a easy swap. I installed it while I was swapping my motor. The mod. you have to do is cut the shifter area back 2 inchs. And you should get a spohn crossmember. The bolts that hold the original crossmember can be a PITA because mine were seized in there pretty good. I had a T5 previously and I figured it wouldn't be able to handle the power so I swapped in the T56 at the same time as my motor swap. Its really a easy swap. since you have a cable driven speedo, i would look at that site jagsthatrun.com They have something that will convert the electronic signal to a mechanical. If you have anymore questions feel free to ask me.

 

hey thanks for the info...if i come up with any more questions i will just e-mail you..is that ok?

 

thats fine

 

I've seen alot of people run atleast high 11s with the T56. As far as their reliability with that much power, I don't know. I have heard of people breaking the T5 with a stock V6, and I know someone that had a 350 hp 350 with a T5 and the thing never broke in 3 years. I think its all in how you drive it.