Transmissions and Drivetrain Need help with your trans? Problems with your axle?

Help! T56 swappers

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 20, 2008 | 01:22 PM
  #1  
tgscooter's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Heath, Ohio, USA
Car: 1985 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 5.7L LS1 FI
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.23 factory 9 bolt
Help! T56 swappers

I have a LT1-T56 that I'm 99% sure I will use for Project Fenix(coming soon).

I'm using a LS1 powerplant.

Quoting from http://www.skulte.com/T56.html

1998+ LS1 F-body T56
This is from the LS1 f-body, 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. To change this transmission to work with the LT1 clutch and bellhousing, you will need to replace the input shaft as well as the front cover of the transmission case (because it does not have the clutch fork pivot). An LS1 master cylinder might be necessary. The case and tailhousing dimensions are identical to the LT1 T56.

Above is referring to changing the latter T56 to an Early T56.

My situation is the opposite.

MY QUESTION: Will I have to swap the FRONT PLATE as well as the INPUT SHAFT and BELLHOUSING? or will the front plate work regardless.

Thanks guys.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2008 | 10:24 PM
  #2  
WIll36's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 383
Likes: 3
From: NY
Car: 88IROC, 91Z28 + parts cars
Engine: 355, 408
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42 LS1, 9" w/ 4.56 and spool
Re: Help! T56 swappers

To get your transmission to work with the LS1 you have to swap the input shaft and get an LS1 bellhousing. I think you need to swap the front cover as well, not 100% on that though.
Reply
Old Nov 20, 2008 | 10:50 PM
  #3  
tgscooter's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Heath, Ohio, USA
Car: 1985 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 5.7L LS1 FI
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.23 factory 9 bolt
Re: Help! T56 swappers

hmmm. I have been on the fence about using this transmission or looking for the LS1 version.

I have a shop that will swap the input shaft for $200. I don't mind having this done, but I am concerned that if I will have to swap this front adapter plate later as well.....pow! another $200. I could save money if I knew for sure.

Well, I'm going to order the input shaft this weekend. Lets hope this will work, especially since I will have plenty to do during the swap process.

BTW, thanks for the reply!
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2008 | 09:45 AM
  #4  
WIll36's Avatar
Member
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 383
Likes: 3
From: NY
Car: 88IROC, 91Z28 + parts cars
Engine: 355, 408
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.42 LS1, 9" w/ 4.56 and spool
Re: Help! T56 swappers

I don't think you have to swap the front cover but I'm not sure. I would just call D&D performance or 6 speeds inc they could tell you with no problem
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2008 | 10:00 AM
  #5  
tgscooter's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Heath, Ohio, USA
Car: 1985 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 5.7L LS1 FI
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.23 factory 9 bolt
Re: Help! T56 swappers

Good idea, they ought to know. I'll let you know what I find out.
Reply
Old Nov 21, 2008 | 12:45 PM
  #6  
tgscooter's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Heath, Ohio, USA
Car: 1985 Pontiac Trans Am
Engine: 5.7L LS1 FI
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3.23 factory 9 bolt
Re: Help! T56 swappers

D&D Performance confirmed it. You have to change all three components:
I need LS1-T56:
INPUT SHAFT ($200 on ebay)
BELLHOUSING (used $75)
MID-PLATE ADAPTER (aka Front Plate) ($300 from D&D perf.)
Service to have installed ($200 + tax at local shop)

I'm looking at over $700 to make it work ......I think I will hold out to see if anyone wants to trade for thier LS1 T56.

Hopefully this will help any others in the same boat.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MoJoe
Members Camaros
33
Feb 6, 2025 09:47 PM
Cam-aro
Camaros Wanted
2
Nov 12, 2015 03:35 PM
bigjay89gta
Engine/Drivetrain/Suspension Parts for Sale
12
Oct 15, 2015 08:04 AM
meeklay812
Camaros for Sale
1
Oct 1, 2015 03:46 PM
Vincent135
Transmissions and Drivetrain
9
Sep 28, 2015 10:50 PM




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 01:33 PM.