I'm planning on doing an LS1 swap onto my car but I can't really afford to do the whole thing at once. So, I'm thinking that maybe I can swap my 700R4 for an LS1 style T56. I'm not sure if this is possible and wonder if it's a matter of an adapter plate or bell housing. Any thoughts?

 

The LT1/LS1 T56s differ in the: Bellhousing/Inputshaft/Midplate, everything else is the same. If you can purchase a LT1 T56, it can be converted later by getting the different pieces, or likewise getting an LS1 and finding LT1 versions of the differences..

It's not something usually recommended, but it can be done.

Another avenue is to use the Tremec adaptor plate. This uses a T5 clutch&bellhousing with an LS1 T56.

The common way is to just put in a LT1 T56, and sell it when you get your LS1 motor.

Any of these "stepping stones" will require you to "waste" money on a clutch/FW setup that will have to be sold later as it won't work on the LS1. The smart thing to do is just save that $ away and do the LS1 motor/trans swap all at the same time.

 

Sounds that way. Thanks for the quick reply and saving me a lot of research. I've been looking into it for a while and your explanation covers it pretty well. Thanks again.