i have herd that the t-56 lost build quality after tremic bought them and produced them for ls1. i do not know if this is true, but if it is, i would like to buy a new 94-97 type t-56 and would like to know that if the new (replacments as they call them) have also lost build quality.

thanks for you help
anthony

 

Not too sure about the build quality being lowered. You won't be able to swap a LS1 T56 transmission without changing the input shaft and bell housing. In another words, find one out of a 94-97 for the strongest T56. These T56's were behind LT1 motors and thats the one you want to use with your SBC. I don't suggest buying a new one since the price of one of those brand new is pretty steep were as a used one is about 1/2. The only T56 i would consider buying new is the aftermarket T56 which allows you to bolt all the original T5 bellhousing and clutch, and etc. I hope that helps you.

 

yes i know that the ls1 t-56 trannys need to be modified to work with the 350. as for buying a new one, i think it would be nice to have anew one but i would consider buying a used one if it was in good working order, or one that needed rebuilt for a really cheap price. thanks for you reply

anthony

 

I don't really know if the T-56 lost quality once tremec started making them. I have heard this as well through the grape vine but with no real evidence. I personally think they would be just fine. But go with an aftermarket T-56 instead of the factory T-56. Much easier to install and it will work with the mechanical speedo in your 87. And if you go through Liberty transmission you can get it for around $1795 + $100 or so for shipping. This is the way I am going to go.

 

My aftermarket T-56 is currently sitting on a pallet being stored at a friends house. It seems to be perfect quality, I haven't seen anything that would make me think any different.

BTW, Liberty quoted me $1875 and more than $100 shipping when I called them.

 

the newer LS1 style t56 uses a different clutch (hyd. throw out bearing) that doesnt seem to engage and release the clutch as fast as the pull style clutch fork on the 93-97s, and it causes the 3-4 shift fork to bend easier. it wasnt quality loss, just a different clutch design that doesnt operate as well as the previous model.

 

i will be putting a t-56 in my 89, not my 87, because it is wrecked. and about an aftermarket t-56 that goes into a t-5 bellhouseing, i dont have a t-5 setup in any of my cars, so would it still be cheaper to buy all the t-5 stuff and aftermarket t-56 rather than just buying a 94-97 t-56?

thanks
anthony

 

the issue is only on the newer LS1 t56 transmissions. going with a new aftermarket t56 for the t5 bellhousing wont be cheaper than getting a good used OEM t56 and bellhousing from a 93-97. but with the OEM you do have to buy new hydraulics (slave/master kit) but its less than $100. i think you will end up with a little more money in your pocket if you pick up a t56 swap kit from www.speedautomotive.com or off of ebay, mainly due to the fact the aftermarket t56 is new and costs more. either way you go though, you will love it. its the best thing ive ever done to my car.

 

Some of my thoughts (as i'm in the process of the swap as we speak...) is the 94-97 is the stuff you need.

If you are going from an auto it makes even more sense because the flywheel is usually included. Even for me (pre-86 block) the purchase of an aftermarket external balanced flywheel and a good clutch kit comes out wayyyyyy cheaper than messing with the aftermarket t56.

You don't have to mess with the driveshaft length with an OEM t56. Plus it doesn't come with a bellhousing....

The '93 is the 'one to avoid' because it supposedly isn't as strong (I can't figure out why, lotsa people run them with no probs and they are still ahelluva lot stronger then the t5) and 6th gear is a little deeper so with steep (4.10+) axle gears you would really like the .50 overdrive the 94-97 offers.

racenet.net has an excellent deal on the mcleod dual friction clutch/pressure plate

If you think you're outta luck with an externally balanced (383,400SB) with the older two-piece rear main seal, Centerforce part # 700173 is what you're looking for.... expect $350-380 for this piece, and let me tell ya, this SFI certified flywheel is a work of art compared to the stocker. 35# of weight will sure launch like a *****. Aluminum is too rich for my blood..

Speedometer Recalibrator will set you back $80 If you have a cable driven speedo... either convert to the electronic cluster or Jags that run will be happy to rape your wallet over 3 bills.

As always grab the crossmember from Spohn for the best deal (and the best quality piece for that matter)... If you enjoy wasting money Skulte has one also.

Don't forget a good pilot bearing.... Bearings run about $14, plain 'ol bushing about half.

Best bet is to get a complete swap from a donor car. Even if you can't re-use all the parts you can sell them back on e-bay.

Also, the speedo plug is the same as the CTS sensor plug... Just snip one off at the junkyard to save yourself $10-14 dollars MotorMite charges for them.

 

does liberty have a web site? hey guys just out of curiosity why would u go to all this trouble to put a used stock 6-speed in your car when for aroudn the same price u can get a breand new tremec 5-speed??

 

I have a question too. Anyone know what the aftermarket T56 hp/tq rating is?

 

Summit lists the Richmond 6 speed at 450 lbs/ft. Same as the retro and 94-97 OEM T56.

The 93 T56 comes in at 400 or 425 lbs/ft.... I'm not 100% sure but it's a little less...

 

Liberty has no website, I know, I've looked and I asked them when I had them on the phone.

The aftermarket T-56 is rated for 450 ft-lbs tq even though it has the 93 ratios. I ran the model #'s from my aftermarket box with Tremecs specs to get that number. I can post a pic of my model # tag if you want.

 

Read my post.

https://www.thirdgen.org/techbb2/sho...hreadid=119968

Maybe the moderator can make it a stickey.