hey fellas

I just wanted to let everyone that i was talking to about the 700r4 to T-56 swap with know that i got my trans in today all that i need to get is the x-member and im set. I will probably be asking a lot of questions about the transfer as i am doing it so if anyone who is knowlegable in this area or who has accually done this could chime in i would really appreciate it...

by the way i was playing with the shifter today (it doesnt have a handle on it) and i cant find reverse its right and up if im not mistaken but i cant find the dam gear.... is it just because i dont have leverage due to not having a handle or what.....

thanks

James

----experienced T-56 swapper happy to answer questions


The reason you can't find reverse is because you don't have the reverse lockout hooked up. You have to have power and ground connected to the solenoid right next to the shifter base to get into reverse. That, or lots and lots of leverage (to overcome the spring in the solenoid.) If you don't want to hook up the lockout feature, you can take the solenoid apart and cut about 1.5-2 coils off the spring. This will make it easy enough to shift into, but firm enough to keep you out when you go to shift into 5th. That's what I did with mine and it's worked great for the last 3 years or so.

do you have a t-5 now and if you do how much bigger is the t-56? do you have to do anything to the trans tunnel? Ill be doing this swap over the winter along with an LT1.

If you do decide to cut the spring inside try it at 1.5 coils first. I cut mine at 2 coils and I find I sometimes hit reverse the odd time.

2.73's Suck, no need to do anything to the trans tunnel, she fits fine.

ok J and other i have two more questions that i have heard much debate on. those are am i going to need a new starter and am i going to have to shorten my driveshaft or replace it completely?
thanks for the help
james

Your driveshaft will fit just fine. I know this for certain because I still have my old steely in the car (it's giving me a nasty vibration too.) You can also use a 3rd/4th gen aluminum driveshaft.

Your old starter won't fit in the bellhousing. You have 2 options: hack the bellhousing or get an LT1/mini starter. I don't recommend hacking the bellhousing.



2.73's suck......the only "tunnel modification" is that you have to enlarge the shifter hole about 2" toward the rear of the car. The T-56 is a tight fit, but it DOES fit.

ok well there is good new as far as i dont need to get a new driveshaft or joint for it.....

Do you know jow much the mini starters run?

Brand new $125-200 depending on what you get. I got a GMPP ministarter for $75 used off eBay.

I'm also considering this swap....we'll have to see if my A4 is dead or not.

Is it fairly straightforward? I know you'll need the crossmember, and I had also heard about the starter. Obviously you'll need a clutch pedal. What about the computer? Do you need a new chip? I know this question is kinda vague, I guess I'm looking for any hidden problems that may come up. I'm still a ways out from doing this swap, but even if my A4 is fixable, I may look into swapping anyway, and I'm just trying to educate myself.

Thanks for the help. :hail:

OK, let me re-phrase the question. I know there are all kinds of little parts etc. I have also seen the conversion kits that are available.

I guess I'm wondering if is worth installing the t-56 as opposed to another 5 speed that may be available. I hear good things about the Tremec. I just figured I could find a t-56 cheaper.

Where might some of these kits be available? I am probably going to switch from a 700R4 (auto 4) to a 5 speed of somesort, or possibly even a 6 speed. I'd like to go with a 6 speed, but am not sure how much more trouble it will be than just a 5 speed swap.

My interior is already gutted, and ready for the swap