So I'm throwing a moderately built 400 sbc into my Firebird over the winter and I know my T-5 is gonna take a beating. I bumped into a T-56 from a 2004 CTS-V and was curious if anyone knows the compatability of these 2 parts from three decades apart. And will it hold up to a possible 400hp/tq motor?

Now I don't expect them to be a direct bolt on. So does anybody sell a kit to make 'er work? BTW, I'm a drywaller, not a mechanic, so take 'er easy on me ladies and 'gents.

Thanks for your time.

 

wont work.. lsx style input shaft is different and the bell housing is different i do believe

 

Mcleod's 8710-10 bellhousing will get the job done. They are on Mcleods Ebay store.

http://stores.shop.ebay.com/McLeod-I...__W0QQ_armrsZ1

You'd want the LS T-56 to SBC/BBC Model.

 

Thats stellar. I've done a little reading and found that the T-56 is fine through 450ft/lbs of torque. Lovely.

 

The CTSv T56 has a completely different shifter and tailhousing than a Fbody.. You'll be well advised to pass on that one and move on.. I've converted a couple over to Fbody-style units, but it isn't easy, nor cheap.

 

So once I have the Mcleod's 8710-10 bellhousing, LTx sytle clutch, pressure plate and input shaft (would it just be a standard LTx style dropped in?) which flywheel would I use, the sbc, the LTx style or would I need a specialized adapter style flywheel. (Tooth count, etc.)

Now whats the word on the tailhousing differences? Would that just be another purchase? Or would that just be a driveshaft customization?

Cost isn't terribly important, it's tough to find any form of T-56 transmissions where I'm hiding. It's more for bragging rights. Time isn't a terrible problem anyways now that it's getting ready to snow on me for the next 6 mos.

 

The Input shaft of the CTSv is an anomaly and it won't fit a SBC application. It's longer than the LT1 T56 input, and shorter than the LS1 input. It's really only usable behind an LSx motor with the LS6 pilot bearing to make up the length.

The Unit would have to be completely torn down, internals mounted on a GTO mainshaft, a fbody shift rail, fbody tail housing, misc fbody shifter/detent parts.

Just walk away... (have I said that already... ;-) )

 

Not to mention you need a special externally balanced flywheel from Centerforce. $300+. Ditch it and go with an LTX trans.

 

You still need a conversion flywheel for any 2pcRMS block, to work with the LTx pull-style clutch. The issue here is the CTSv LS6 T56 not working with either the LTx clutch, OR the older muncie/T5 type clutches either (like the LS1 T56s can do). On top of all the tailhousing conversion needed just to make it usable in anything other than a CTSv vehicle.

 

Shoot me. Here's hoping I can trade 'em...