OK guys, heres is my dilema... I swapped a T5 in for a TH700R4. It was cool as hell until my modified 350 TPI chewed the crap out of it(bearings and 2nd gear). It is now time for me to get a better manual trans that will handle 400+ ft-lbs. I really want to put a ZF-6 from a corvette in but cannot find any info on the swap. I read an article somewhere about that swap into a third-gen but cannot find it(also said it was very hard). Would I be better with a T56? anyone know where to get info on a ZF6 swap?? Please help.

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I think I've got that magazine in my garage somewhere. It may take several days. I'll be back in touch.

Okay, here is what I found and I'm not sure it is what you need. The April, 1994 issue of Hot Rod had a trans comparison. Actually it wasn't really a comparison because it was a guide to installing a T56 into a "musclecar." (By the way, did you know the T56 is found in Vipers?!) Anyway, the article does refer to the ZF and has a list of GM parts for a ZF installation. However, the information is limited and relates to the installation of a ZF in a 1966 Chevelle (!). The article also refers to the Richmond Over Drive six-speed, which used to be the Doug Nash five-speed. One other thing, this article says that the aftermarket T56 is rated to handle "400 lbs-ft of torque" and "Borg-Warner claims that the advertised torque ratings are very conservative...." I guess if they are putting this trans behind a 488 c.i. Viper it must be pretty sturdy. So, if you are still interested you might try ordering a back issue of the magazine or go to your local public library. If, for some reason, you can't get the article, let me know.

The T-56 has been behind a 9xx hp monster. The only thing that went was the clutch. If you need proof of my claims, I will find the post on the other board. In fact i'll try to find it anyway just so you can see what people are throwing at the T-56.

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89 IROC-Z 350 TPI

-Flowmaster Catback
-Performance Resource Chip
-700R4 (Rebuilt) Too much done to actually list
-K&N Airfilters
-Ported Plenum
-2.77 Gears (not much to brag about but eh, its there)
-MSD 8.5 mm plug wires
-Gutted cat
-!AIR
-Gutted Air Boxes

t56 is the way to go....they're easier to find, they are readily available conversion crossmembers, and you can use the stock driveshaft.

zf6 is not so. GM put one in the 92 25th anniversary prototypes, which was a car with the heritage stripes, crosslace gta wheels, a 300 hp tpi 350, and a zf6 speed.

They don't say how the conversion would work, but you can see a lot of custom work went into the cars just from the pictures. I saw one in person at carlisle, and the shifter and all fit well, but i didn't crawl underneath to look at the crossmember, torque arm mount and all...

Anyway, moral of the story is.....t56 all the way.

The biggest difference is cost of parts.

The cost to rebuild/replace a ZF is extremely expensive. The T-56 is much cheaper because there a many more out there.

For brute strength: ZF-6
For ease of installation and price: T-56

http://www.ls1.com/ls1forum/Forum17/HTML/008384.html

There ya go, you decide.

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89 IROC-Z 350 TPI

-Flowmaster Catback
-Performance Resource Chip
-700R4 (Rebuilt) Too much done to actually list
-K&N Airfilters
-Ported Plenum
-2.77 Gears (not much to brag about but eh, its there)
-MSD 8.5 mm plug wires
-Gutted cat
-!AIR
-Gutted Air Boxes

ok, Zf6 more fabrication... custom yadis....

T-56.... premade crossmember, easier parts, easier install....


thats my plan, and match up with 94 Lt1 with LT4 heads....



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91 FireBird 305 V-8
Edelbrock Catback, Custom Alarm. Fourth Gen Console. i have six cupholders. all for starbucks!
Go|)Created The Earth, And Then Turned Up The Bass.
Here's My Audio Install!

"Honda's FOR ME TO POOP ON!" -Triumph...

I think SLP used to, and may still sell ZF swap parts. ZF parts are more expensive and harder to come by. If you're gonna go the T56 route, look at the one made for 3rd gens, it's got different gear ratios but can use your existing hydraulics. It also uses a push style clutch like the T-5 instead of the pull style on 4th gens which people have been complaining about the clutch not disengaging completely when a good clutch and pressure plate are used. Just a thought, you can find this tranny at www.spohn.net or www.sallee-chevrolet.com Good luck

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'89 Camaro RS 6cyl. auto, don't know how much longer I'll have it.
'90 Iroc TPI 305, 5 spd B&M Ripper shifter, hopefully I can rob a bank or something and get more
www.geocities.com/irocnroll90

SLP hasn't sold the ZF parts for years. ZBRA did the swap a couple of years ago.

ZF trans is a tough swap.Looked at one the other day at local vette/f-body wrecking yard.
Trans is made for vette, and has no provision for any "normal" tailshaft mount,only hookup for vette torque arm.Also it is HUGE,so a little hammer work on the tunnel may be required.ZF parts are very hard to find as well.
Lots of people are doing T56 swaps now,since they are plentiful,and this seems like the most practical 6-Speed to install.
I'll look for some ZF install articles at home tonight and let you know if I find anything.
Rich