Ok, after being chastised about thinking about putting my world class t-5 behind a turbo'd 5.3 in my 87 IROC.
So I am looking to find out what is needed to put a t56 in the 3rd gen cars. I have found a 05 viper t56 but have heard that they won't just drop in. What is needed?
Or, do I just find one from a camaro/firebird and build it for the power I am looking for?

 

The Viper T56 is useful... al ot of people put Viper parts into their F-body T56's... but it wont fit. I will wait til the other guys chime in, maybe it's got the correct input shaft length and spline count... but I doubt it.

Beyond that F-body T56's have a torque arm mount - you'll need to account for that. And Im not sure if the transmission mount itself will be in the same spot as an F-body T56...

F-body T56's require conversion crossmembers, since the 4th gen transmissions mount 2 inches farther back, some minor wiring changes, (Neutral safety switch, Reverse lockout solenoid) and you will need to either get a Dakota Digital SGI-5 conversion box for an electric speedo (89-92) or a digital->Analog coverter for a earlier thirdgen to get the speedo to work correctly.

And of course, the hole in the trans tunnel and the hole in the firewall and new pedals and console shifter plate.

 

I just had the swap done to my T56. Used this article to figure out what I needed. Start reading:

http://www.skulte.com/T56.html

 

Looks like Mike covered you on the Viper question over on tech.

The LT1 T56 behind SBC swaps a lot of thirdgen owners have done is pretty indiciative of what a 5.3 / LS T56 will do, as far as shifter position, crossmember swap needed and torque arm provisions.

 

Ooops, did not realize he wanted to do the 5.3. Yeah, still start reading up. The LS swaps are very intensive.

 

For going with a 5.3, the LS1 T-56 should basically drop in, as easy as a LT1 one does behind an older V8.

 

Thanks guys! I picked up a ls1 camaro t56 this past weekend.