OK, got some cash to go either way.
I saw most of the posts regaurding the pro's and cons of both. Just looking for some more input.

How much is the weight difference between the 2?

I'm leaning more towards the t-56 since I could probably get it all cheaper, plus an aluminum driveshaft,bellhousing, clutch etc.

I was thinking of putting it in the Z-28 first, just to break in the motor and have some fun around town. I already have the pedals in that car since it came w/ a T-5, BUT it is for a manual linkage (1983). Can a manual linkage work ok with a t-56.

Any other suggestions welcome.

Thanks,
Mike


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Michael Graeber

My Garage

1)83 Z-28 T-Top: Full cage, 9" w/ lad.bars, Midwest Engine Tech 406sbc,Strip Dominator, Demon Carb, Phase VI Chevy Bowtie heads, .630" Crower roller set-up, 1 3/4 coated Hookers 3" true dual exhaust th400, fuel cell & still not running

2)89 Formula WS-6 305 TPI Auto For the road: minor motor, more suspension stuff. MODS

 

Ultimately the Tremec 5 speed will be lighter and cheaper and easier. If you go the total t56 package, you'll save money, but have more weight, if you take the weight (keeping stock flywheel, clutch, and bellhousing) you'll end up lighter but if you can't do most of the fabrication yourself you'll be swamped by the costs.

Yes, you can use the mechanical linkage with the redrilled T-56 with the adapter plate and you can keep your mechanical linkage by retaining the stock bellhousing with the "light weight" T-56. You can also retain stock linkage with the Tremec, however, I don't think any company makes a kit/special bellhousing to add manual linkage to the t-56 bellhousing.

The difference in weight is about 40 - 50lbs between the two. It's all personal opinion and how much work you want to put into it.

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1984 WS6 Trans Am Hartop
Former L69 Car under restoration
1984 WS6 Trans Am T-top car
4-bolt main 350, headers, Holley 650, T-5 and 3.23's.
Daily driver and restoration

 

OK, 1 for tremec.

As far as the linkage goes, as long as either has a throw out bearing arm, I could handle the rest.

You think that it would be easier to install a tremec, though???

Do you have to redrill the bellhousing on any T-56.

 

Defintely the T-56 is harder. The stock T56 bellhoushing/clutch assembly uses a pull off style instead of the diaphram style so it's be very difficult to devise a way to make manual linkage work.

You can either redrill it (not the bellhousing, the T56) yourself and add an adapter plate but they also sell aftermarket models to mount to the T5 bellhousing (very expensive).

It really all comes down to how much perfomance you're looking for, how much fabrication, how much you want to spend, and how much you like an extra gear

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1984 WS6 Trans Am Hartop
Former L69 Car under restoration
1984 WS6 Trans Am T-top car
4-bolt main 350, headers, Holley 650, T-5 and 3.23's.
Daily driver and restoration

 

Where can I get an adapter plate?

Somone out there has to know.

 

I know this is an old post but has anyone since done this, using the manual clutch with the T-56 or Tremec.

 

Yes. My front case adapter plate is modified and my bellhousing is cut.
It's a 1995 T56.
The fork, clutch and flywheel are 83 F-body parts.

 

seems silly to consider a mechanical clutch when a master/slave is $100 bucks pre-bled. and you dont need to modify the bell housing