Well, the good ol' T-5 finally died so I will be dropping in a 6-speed ASAP. I have been doing lots of research but have a couple questons:

1) Any details on how to fix the VSS situation on the tranny (I have '87 IROC)?
2)Can I use a 4th gen tranny crossmember or do I ned to make one/buy Spohn one?
3)How do I differentiate between a '93-'97 LT1 tranny and '98+ tranny?
4)Did Borg-Warner make the T-56? (OEM?)
5)Is LT1 pull-style clutch readily available and easy drop-in?
6)Can I keep my current clutch and/or slave cylinder or do one or both of these HAVE to be replaced?

Thanks a lot in advance guys!

[This message has been edited by DuffMan (edited October 24, 2001).]

 

1) Any details on how to fix the VSS situation on the tranny (I have '87 IROC)?

This is a fun one, you have a couple options:

A) Find a box called "cable-x" that drives a speedo cable based on the input from the T56 VSS
B) Convert to an elextronic speedometer.
Option 1 is to swap to a stock 90-92 cluster, that's what I'm doing. You'll need the cluster, the SGI-5 conversion box from Dakota Digital, and a lot of patience with the soldering iron (because the connector pinouts on both clusters (82-89 and 90-92) are completely different. You'll also have fun trying to get it to mount in your current dashboard (swapping in an entire 90-92 dash is another option).
Option 2 is an aftermarket speedometer. You'll still need the SGI box, to keep your computer happy if nothing else. AFAIK, TBI/Carb computers want the 2000 pulse setting and the stock speedo/TPI ECMs want the 4000.

2)Can I use a 4th gen tranny crossmember or do I ned to make one/buy Spohn one?

4th gen one won't work. You need the Spohn or Skulte (SPD) x-member.

3)How do I differentiate between a '93-'97 LT1 tranny and '98+ tranny?

LS1 trannies have a hydraulic throwout bearing and have NO clutch fork. That's the easiest way to tell, look for the fork (or the hole in the bellhousing the fork should go through).

4)Did Borg-Warner make the T-56? (OEM?)

Yes, but BW recently sold their transmission tooling to Tremec. Newer T56s (LS1 only I think) are Hecho en Mexico.

5)Is LT1 pull-style clutch readily available and easy drop-in?

Yeah, I didn't have much trouble. Assuming you have a one-piece rear main seal block, you can utilize the stock setup in the 4th gens. Mine won't disengage, but that is another matter entirely.

6)Can I keep my current clutch and/or slave cylinder or do one or both of these HAVE to be replaced?

The hydraulic line on the T5 setup is not long enough. You must either replace the line, or get the 4th gen setup from GM.



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"Beware he who would deny you access to information, for in his heart, he dreams himself your master"

'84 Black Camaro Sport Coupe ZZ4 350 M6 -- '84 Olds Cutlass Supreme 231 A3
'91 Medium Blue Metallic Z28 400 A4 -- '99 Navy Blue Metallic Firehawk #120 346 M6

 

I would add, that the 93 T-56, had a better first gear ratio but was a weaker box. Just a though when buying one.

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1992 Pontiac Firebird 350/Six Speed
1987 Toyota Pickup 383/500+ HP

 

Awesome, thanks a lot guys! I'll let you know when Project 6-speed begins! haha

 

when/if you buy the new slave setup i would get it from Dal, he has it for $88+shipping which is alot cheaper than the 125 it lists for. Dal Slabaugh at Van Devere Oldmobile (800) 362-9494

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Brandon
"ScreaminDeamin 360"
350 60 over, TRW forged 9.83:1 pistons,Hooker Comp headers, crane cam 216/228 .484/.512, crane 1.6 RR's, ported plenum, home made ram air, 24lb SVO injectors, crane AFPR, all going through 3 inch mandrel pipe and a flowmaster.
New project-89 IROC-305 5spd...Jamex Springs...and thats just about it!Soon- 6 speed, Pro 5.0 shifter and 4.10's

http://ScreaminDeamin.cz28.com

 

Car craft had an artical on
the t56 trans swap when they
did tha segmant on that 91 Z28
someone(i think GM)has a kit
that you can use all your stock
stuff to put that t56 in your car.