Ok, this isn't something I have seen asked before, so I'm going to give a whirl.

I might be able to get a good deal on a T56 tranny. I'm collecting parts for a 350 to swap into my V6 (yeah I know It'd be easier to start with a V8), but I have an auto tranny right now, and I don't really want to swap the manual in at the same time I swap engines. Too much work all at once. I have to get a new tranny anyway (60* vs 90* issue), and I would like a T56 someday. So, here's my question:

If i get a V6 bellhousing for a manual tranny, can I put it on the T56, and put the T56 behind my V6 now, and change the bellhousing when I put in the 350?
I have read about the auto to manual swap, and the T56 in a thirdgen thing, but can a V6 actually use this thing?

 

But you know what.. judging by what you said.. it sounds to me like you've never pulled an engine or transmission before.

I was the exact same way just 6 months ago :lala:

My suggestion to you is.. if you really want to do a V8 swap, then you should start saving your money and the parts you're going to need. As far as I know, you won't be able to use your existing computer.

Have you decided whether or not you're going to CARBURATE this engine? Or are you going for a TBI or a TPI set-up?


Anyway, the reason why I mentioned that isn't because I wanted to crack on you about your inexperience in that particular area.. but because just 6 months ago, the idea to me.. of pulling a motor out of a car was absolutely inconceivable.

I bought an engine lift from our local Costco (like PriceClub for you northern people). It was an Arco or Adco or something.. it cost me about 175 bucks. I was able to pull the engine out in probably less than 2 hours. I had help from someone at first.. but after that one time, I've pulled every single motor out of every car I have except my GrandAm.. just for the hell of it.. and to clean it. It's soo easy..

ANYWAY, my point is that it's much easier to take the transmission out by pulling the motor and tranny together.... they both just SLIDE right out the front. It's like.. one or two bolts on the tranny, and two large bolts that hold the engine to the cross-member.. and boom.. the engine is out..

oh yeah, you gotta take the alternator off and the hood, etc...




but to answer your question, yes... as far as I know, the V6/60 and V8 SBC have nearly the exact same bell-housing.... pretty much any tranny that you can connect to the V6, you can connect to the V8.


Todd

 

Thanks for the info about pulling an engine and tranny. It's true, I've never done it before, but showing my scientist tendancies, I have read everything I can get my hands on about it, so I think that I can do it without too many surprizes. I'm sure I'm in for some, but at least I'm prepared to be f**ked

I know that pulling the tranny and engine is easier together, but I have an automatic right now, and the V6. I wanted to spend the extra work to get the tranny behind an engine that I know, so I can troubleshoot problems with the auto-manual swap easier. Once I get that running, and get the L98 put together (looking like it's going to be an '89, as that's the year that I have the most parts for), I can troubleshoot the engine without the tranny throwing in misc problems. At least, that's my theory . . . Any better theories would be appreciated.


BTW, us "Northern People" have Costco's too

 

It sounds like a plan.

Make sure you use the right components when building up your V8... just cause it's a V8, doesn't mean it's going to be fast! heh.

I'd suggest looking at getting some really decent heads. If I remember correctly, you can get a set of Chevy Vortek heads for around $500 a set, you just have to look carefully. I'm not sure what they are, but I believe they are 2.02:1 intake and 1.6:1 exhaust. Make sure you get a good lift though... by the way, how do you intend to remove the transmission? Are you planning on dropping it? Just a bit of BAD experience with that.... it's SOOO friggin hard to drop a transmission with the engine still in the car. First you have to un-bolt the tranmission from the cross-member. Then you have to remove the cross-member. Then you have to put a jack under the tranny and spend an hour or two trying to get to all those bolts in hard to reach places. Then you have to pull the tranny back a little so that you can unbolt the flywheel. THEN you have to lower the transmission and try to slide it out while the car is jacked up in the air.

That's not hte hard part.. the hard part is putting it back in... the car has to be raised completely straight, and not at an angle. If you do.. then you'll never be able to get it bolted in right.

for what it's worth.. I REALLY REALLY suggest pulling the motor and tranny at the same time. It's MUCH less work, and you'll be able to do the job right.



Todd


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