I am in the market for a T56 to replace my T5 that kicked the bucked a week ago, and was wondering the difference between the different transmissions. The 93-97 T56, how is it different from the 98-up 6-speed, and is the aftermarket Tremec T56 different from both of those?

I was looking to run the aftermarket one and utilize my bellhousing and linkage from my car since I have the mechanical linkage and a cable driven speedometer.

 

the 98+ t-56 was from the LS1. so it has a different length input shaft, and a completely different push-style clutch setup. The throwout bearing is a hydraulic unit that eliminates the clutch fork. (the LT1 t-56 uses a pull style clutch fork) so unless u wanna do some fabricating..

however i think u can use an aftermarket t-56.. but it is longer so u will have to shorten ur drive shaft by about 1.9"

 

With an aftermarket all you have to do is shorten your DS and TQ arm 2" and get a crossmember. The Spohn one is $117 shipped or at least it was for me. You'd be wise to change the clutch while your that far into it and don't forget to change the speedo drive gear in the T-56. Mine has one in it but I have no clue how many teeth it has.

 

aghhh..drool.... Yeah, I figured that the aftermarket trans would be the easiest to do for my setup, but does that trans have the same spline count as the T-5s. Or am I looking at a totally different clutch. I thought that I needed a totally different one, but with you saying I should replace my current one, I had no idea I could even use it.

 

The aftermarket T-56 is a double edged sword, it's the easiest if your replacing a T-5 but it's often the most expensive. In your case, as mine, the cost difference is minimal. Then again for the extra cost your getting a brand new trans not a used one.

No, you don't need a special clutch for one since it bolts to the T-5 bellhousing and has the exact same spline count and input shaft dimensions as a T-5. What I meant by saying you might think about replacing your clutch is your so close to it and the extra labor to upgrade to an aftermarket/performance clutch is about an hour. It would suck rocks to have to change your clutch in 6 months when you could have done it while you were swapping the trans out saving all that time and effort.