Hi guys, I'm thinking of going LS-1. I now have a vortec 350 with a t56. Have any of you put a LT1 trans behind a LS1? I know the bellhousing and input is different. Any other differences? I already have the t56 mounted and driving and I love it. Will the crossmember need to be moved or are the lengths the same? I can get the engine only for about half the price of engine/trans combo! Will the conversion be cost effective. Thanks in advance, Dean.

 

The midplate of the trans needs to be changed (for the LS1 hyd TOB slave). Other than that, you should be ok with lengths. If you have to buy a new LS1 Bell/input/mid-plate, it will run you about $500. Finding them used will help the costs of course, if you can. The mainshaft and countershafts should be reshimmed when doing the conversion, since the dimensions will change.

 

Thanks Mike, thats just what I needed to know. Dean.

 

Hi, I found a good deal on a GTO LS1 bellhousing. Would it work with the LT1 trans & camaro engine? Thanks, Dean.

 

The GTO bellhousing is different in the starter area. If you use it, you must use the smaller/expensive starter from a GTO. Unless you have the GTO starter, it's usually cheaper to get a (sometimes more expensive) LS1 bellhousing.. Otherwise, the dimensions, engine mounting and transmounting of the GTO bellhousing is the same as the LS1 bell.

(I assume you mentioned the LT1 trans and camaro engine still as part of your plan to drop in an LS1 motor and convert your LT1-T56 to the LS1 style...)

 

Yes Mike, plans are the same. On my LT1 bellhousing, that I'm using now, I milled the starter pocket to accept a full size starter. When I did the conversion I didn't have a LT1 starter. Took me all of 10 minutes, and I saved many $$. I have a Bridgeport and an American Pacemaker lathe. The lathe is my pride & joy. So what I am asking now is, do you think I can mill the GTO bell for a LS1 starter? I have never saw a LS1 or GTO bellhousing. Thanks for the other info. Hopefully I can save some bux. Thanks again, Dean.

 

Yes you can.. It's some trial&error grinding , but it sounds like you can handle it..