So I just put in a 450hp motor in my 84 T/A and now I'm having nightmares about this T5 grenading on me. So I found a sweet deal on a '93 T56 with 30k on it. I've searched through the threads about the swap but am confused on a few thing.

I know I need to cut 2" from the shifter hole and I'll need a new crossmember and a shorter driveshaft, but will I need to shorten the Torque arm? Also will the clutch hydraulics swap over along with the bellhousing or do I need a '93 bellhousing and clutch hydraulics?? I have a centerforce clutch in the T5...Im sure counting the splines on the pilot tool will tell me if it will work for the T56.

I plan on using a friends lift for a day so I don't want to find any surprises with this swap so any info would be greatly apreceated.

 

ok, first off do a search it will help you alot.

secondly, you cannot use the t-5 clutch, bellhousing, or hydraulics.

the t-56 uses a completly different clutch setup then a t-5 (push vs pull style.

you need the t-56 bellhousing, hydraulics, clutch, pressure plate, pilot bearing throwout bearing, and if your motor is a 2pc rear main the conversion flywheel, if its a 1 pc rear main, you need the stock t-56 flywheel, and you stock driveshaft will work fine.

you will also need a new corsmember.

 

Awsome man thanx for the info :-) I figured as much just wanted to double check. I'll probably order a clutch from centerforce and get a bellhousing from TCI or Tremec or something, and I'll hit a junk yard for the hydralics. I didn't think there would be a problem with the flywheel though that would have bit me in the *** so thanx again. What about the torque arm...if the driveshaft is the same it should be the same as well right?

 

Yeah, your torque arm will work fine just the way it is. Just make sure the "lips" on the trans end of it face the same direction as the corresponding slots in the T/A bushing on the T56 trans. If not, you can just use the bushing/bracket from your T5. Are you sure you don't already have the bellhousing on the T56? Most people hardly ever remove the bellhousing on a T56 since it's easier to remove the trans/bellhousing together at once. They're pretty shallow too, only about 3" deep, so that may be why you're thinking it's missing. If you do end up needing a bellhousing, just try to find a stock, used one. I don't know of too many aftermarket companies that offer a replacement housing for the T56. Even if you do find an aftermarket one, it'll be way overpriced and unnecessary for your application. For your crossmember, click on the link here on the site for Spohn Performance. They offer really nice conversion crossmembers to put the T56 in a thirdgen.

 

Just a little FYI, there are 2 versions of the 93 T56, the gear ratios for 1st, 2nd, 5th and 6th are different, iirc (3rd may be different as well).
93 T56 cars came with 2.73 and 3.23 gears, so that is why there are 2 versions of the T56.
94-02 T56 cars all got 3.42 gears.

 

Yeah Pat so i looked and you're right it does have the bellhousing only about 3 in deep so that kinda solves that. I got to searching the web for parts last night and realize that this will be spendy...since I have to get that ridiculous $400 flywheel conversion to work on a 2 piece RM and a centerforce clutch is like $500-$600. I did find a company called Weir Hot Rods that sells a conversion bellhousing that will let u use the stock equipment for early GM's by using a hydraulic push style throwout bearing for around $500 which would be great but I can't find any reviews on it was wondering if anybody knows what im talking about.

http://www.weirhotrodproducts.com/

 

You better ask them if that setup will work with the stock, 4th gen T56's, because there's also an aftermarket T56 trans that various places sell, that actually does use the original, push style clutch and bellhousing. I think the aftermarket T56's have a longer input shaft than the 4th gen. T56 though, and that's why you can use the old style clutch/bellhousing on them. Personally, I couldn't accept the ridiculous prices for the pull style, T56 clutch assembly, especially for a performance one that'll actually hold up, so I opted for a Tremec TKO five speed for my car. It uses the same clutch as the stock T5 does, and you can get a performance one, such as a Ram, for only about $300. It also uses your same stock bellhousing and flywheel too, so no extra expense there either. Another deciding factor for me is the fact that I have an 89 with the mechanical speedo. With a T56 you have to buy an expensive converter box to get a mechanical speedo to work. All the TKO requires is a simple $50 adapter to convert the Ford style speedo drive to a GM cable. I'm also running 3.23 rearend gears, which is way too high for the 2.66:1 first gear in a T56, and the .50 sixth gear. The 93 T56 has a 2.97:1 first gear, so yours won't be as bad on takeoff. My TKO has a 3.27:1 first gear, so it'll launch great with 3.23's, and fifth gear is a more acceptable .68. The list goes on and on. Lol. Most people prefer the T56, but the TKO just made more sense in my situation.

 

Yeah A TKO would be easy but that would just be no fun :-) Plus 6 gears are awsome. Weir says the kits are to convert production T56 (LT&LS) So I don't think thats Tremec, and if it works I can reuse my old flywheel and clutch since it's all centerforce anyways and will save me the hassle of having to sell it to afford that $600 clutch. I just would feel better if there were some reviews about the product...sometimes cheap makes me nervous