Just wondering if the T56 has to be the 94 or 95. I heard somewhere that the later models wont fit without some tinkering. Also is the T56 a ready to go unit? Will the Spedometer hook up be the same as far as connections and speed readings are concerened. And is there goin to be problems with the ECM since the car is automatic? Am I going to see all kinds of trouble codes? And lastly. How is that 1st - 4th skip shift thing going to work. Is that in the transmission or does the ECM control that?

Thanks

 

This tech article should answer most of your questions
http://www.skulte.com/T56.html

 

First you need to read the article posted above. Second, read the article on www.sethirdgen.org, under tech articles.

Then see what questions you have.

Now that I have done the RTFM thing, here are the best answers I can give. I have a T56, but it's not in yet - had it for about 3 days now

Stay away from the '93 T56's. It doesn't have the .5 6th gear ratio, and I have heard that they are not as strong. '94-'97 are all the same, as far as I know. Don't even try '98+, they are made for the LS1, and the bellhousing and clutch are completely different.

CAGS - it's a solinoid on the tranny, but it's computer controlled. 3rd gens don't have that part of the computer, so pretty much ignore it.

Speedo - the VSS on our T5's put out 4000 pulses per mile. The VSS on the T56 puts out 40 pulses per rotation, or (according to my math with 3.23 rear) 128000 pulses per mile. If you have an electronic speedo, you need a calibration box. Skulte talks about it in his article. And NO, you can't replace it with one of the T5 VSS's, at least not that I have seen. However, if you want to spend $2k+, you can get a retrofit T56 that uses the T5 VSS, clutch, and bellhousing.

There is also a reverse lockout that is normaly disabled when the ecm detects <=5mph. Most 3rd gen guys seem to wire it into their brake or clutch switch. I personally don't find the 2lbs (approx.) crashthrough to be that bad, and it provides a solid reference to know you are in reverse, so I'm leaving it unwired.

Reverse lights should hook up roughly the same way as the T5.

As for the trouble codes, I don't know. I am going to burn my own prom, and tell the ECM that it's a manual. I haven't heard of too many problems with leaving it as auto, though. You WILL need a crossmember for it. The T5 will not fit. You can make one yourself, or Skulte or Spohn offer them.

"Ready to go" depends on your definition, and what you buy. If you get a swap setup, then all the parts you need should be there (- tranny crossmember). If you just get the tranny, you will need to find the hydrolics, pedals, clutch, flywheel (t5 flywheel won't work on GM T56), shifter, etc. Various places have the entire swap setup for sale, just poke around. Ebay has them every once in a while.

If you want to get the retrofit one, you will need to shorten your driveshaft and torque arm, but the clutch and bellhousing are from a T5, and so is the VSS. That route would be easier in the creativity area, but more expensive.

 

The '93 T56s are good because of their close gearing...Very good for racing. And let's face it, it's still MUCH stronger than the T5 of any year .

 

Very true, but if you are picky, the 94-97's are supposed to be rated at 450ft/lbs of torque, and the 93's at 400. Shouldn't really matter unless you have a serious engine in front of it. Personally, I would prefer the extra 50ft/lbs of elbow room over the gear ratio. But that's me, each to their own.

 

so EXACTLY what parts would one need if they only got the tranny? skulte mentions all but the internal clutch parts that auto guys wouldnt have....what are they?

 

LT1 clutch, flywheel, and pressure plate. thats about $600 right there.. and make sure ur clutch and pressure plate are for an LT1, that is a pull type and not a push.. even if the size is the same

 

no clutch fork, bell housing, bearings or anything?

 

oh. well i forgot the bell housing and such because mine did come with one (came out of a 95 camara) but i guess if u brought a non specific t-56 then u would also need a pilot bearing, bell housing, clutch fork, cluctch master\slave cylinder. and UNLESS it is a t-56 from a 93-97 LT1 and they gave u all those parts, u will also need a new (shorter )driveshaft and cut ur torque arm shorter, and will most likely need a new torque arm bushiing and tranny mount. new starter which can be expensive in itself (i think, ill know for sure tomorrow if my L98 starter will fit up with the LT1 flywheel.) most aftermarket T-56's i believe have cable driven speedos. so u will need to take that into consideration.. (i just looked at the other post and i see viperwsu has already taken care of alot of this.. ) but this is just if you are interested in JUST the bare transmission.. i got all the stuff i needed used for $1800.. no driving to the store or ordering parts (other then a clutch)... good luck and im sorry if i left anythiing else out or missunderstood

 

cool...thanks...that was exactly what i was looking for
i knew i was forgetting a few parts.... also....my 98 t56 is the same length as a 700r4 or a 93-97 t56 so the 01 alum ds i have will work fine
and the Torque arm spohn has will work

 

the 700r4 is the same length as the 93-97's so i think the 01 should work for ur t-56.. i'll measure my drive shaft tomorrow, i know the 98+ trannys sit back 2" further i think..

what are u gonna do about ur pedals

 

ill find em somewhere
the retrofit is 2 in longer
but the 98+ is the same supposedly