For a stock 85 Transam with 305 /T5. Is it possible to install a T56 (from a 2000 Transam).

 

Yes, but you're better off using an LT style T56 really since you don't need a special pilot bushing

 

Look for one from a 93-97 Camaro/ Firebird, if you're going to go this route.

 

My current clutch is almost gone, and can get a relatively cheap 2000 T56 ($1k). What special bushing do I need. Is it about a new clutch cylinder, new bigger hole ?

If that be the case with 2000 ones, then with LT1 T56 (93-97) be a simple installation without any new added item/fix.

 

The LT T56 is a direct bolt on, you use all the parts from a 4th gen and bolts it in and go.

I THINK the pilot bushing for the LS T56 to a SBC is just a "special", it's not a part you can buy from the local store. It's a McLeod bushing and it is WAY more expensive than the regular ones. You can buy, mock up and check though a regular one might work. It's been so long since my friend did in his second gen I don't remember what pilot he used.

Where are you located? I might be interested in trading for the LS T56 for an LT T56

 

There's other things with the LS style, TO setup, PP I assume. I'd suggest if you get it, get everything.

Is the LS flywheel a direct bolt on?

Regardless, search for LS T56 and see what comes up, no experience, but as I recall not just a bolt in deal

 

To use an LS T56 with an SBC you use the SBC clutch and flywheel, as long as it is a 26 spline clutch disc, TOB is on the trans, you use that

Yes, the LS Bellhousing bolts right on, just need a different pilot bushing

 

Thanks all.

 

You have a cable drive speedo a T-56 does not, only electronic

 

I had my tail housing modified to have an additional cable drive for it too :wink:

 

I might add while not the most favorable of all the years a 93 version might be the best for a 305 as I believe it has a lower first gear similar to the T5. Might be better suited for it possibly

 

There are two gearsets in '93. One shorter. One very similar to the V8 T5 1-4.

But since he's asking about a 98-02 T56,

The ratios of a 94-02 F-body T56 are not going to help an L69 / 3.73 car. At all.
6th is worse for drivability. And it's worse for top end.
1st is worse for take-off.

The V8 third gen T5 ratios are what a lot of third gens work best with.

 

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JMD: Seeing that you have :L69/T56 combo, I assume you are speaking from experience.

 

I also have a L69/T-56 combo. Although, the engine isn't anywhere near stock anymore. But the same principles apply.

The T-56 flywheel is UNBELIEVABLY heavy. This keeps the 305, a small motor with relatively low torque, from revving quickly.

The T-56 5th gear is about the same ratio as the stock L69 T-5 5th ratio, which was .73. Not too bad for cruising. I screwed up once and put the LG4/L03 5th in one of my T-5s once; it was AWFUL. The .73 5th already is a bit ... much ... of a step from 4th; that change in ratio made it far worse. I pulled the transmission back out the same day and changed the 5th back. 6th in the T-56 is even worse; although with the .7x 5th it has, 6th is not so "bad", so much as, just mostly useless.

T-56 6th gear is .50. This means that at 65 mph, the engine is doing around 1350-1400 RPM. It has basically no power whatsoever at that RPM. The car has to be doing at least 75 before 6th is really useful at all.

1st gear is 2.6x. almost as low a ratio as 2nd in the T-5. 1st in the T-5 was 2.9x. This means that taking off with the T-56 is like the T-5 combo would have been with a 3.35 rear gear. The T-56 is almost like taking off with the T-5 in 2nd gear. Not quite all the way that, but getting there. The T-56 REALLY hurt the car's "leave".

All in all it's not a good match, as-is. The T-56 combo would be MUCH happier with more rear gear. 4.10 would restore 1st to about the same as 1st with the T-5, and similarly lower the vehicle speed at which 6th would become useful. 4.56 would probably be even better for a 305 with more cam but then the penalty from the heavy flywheel would get even worse.

Butt, on the plus side of things, I never tore up the T-56, no matter how hard I shifted it.

Someday maybe...

 

+1....... I don't shift into 6th till AT LEAST 75MPH.

 

I put my .5 6th in gear down to around 45-50 around town with my little 4.8, you guys are nuts

 

Mine is connected to an LT1 and @ 1300 RPM an LT1 in 6th gear SUCKS !

 

In 4 years of ownership I’ve put 1300 miles on my lower mileage 94 Firehawk, I can count the number of times that thing has seen 6th gear on both hands 🤚🏻☝🏻 😂