Have any of you switched an auto car to a T56? Will it make my car any faster? Better gas mileage? How much $$ will i have to spend for the parts from a junked 4th gen. How hard will it be, and how long will it take? I read the tech article about switching a t5 to a t56, but how much harder would it be to switch from 700r4?

Do any companies make a kit with the parts needed?

I did it last summer. I have loved every second of it, the car is so much more fun to drive now. It took me about a total of 10-12 hours to swap it all out. Most of the trouble is getting the pedals changed over. It will cost around 1200-1500 for all of the parts from a 4th gen, then u should probably get a new clutch while u are at it. It definately makes the car feel faster, especially with the closer ratio gears. You will love the T56!!!

Tim

Tim, what gears your using in the back and how do you like them?

thanks for the info how much faster did it acutally make your car?

I have sorry *** 2.77 gears, but I just bought a 4th gen 3.23 rear that I am going to put in.

Tim

Hey guys,
I added a section to the T56 Swap tech article about the differences with automatics. It's pasted below. I had 3.08's originally, and 1st gear was a stretch - it was good for up to 40/50 mph, and 6th would have been useless without the turbos. I've got 3.73's in there now, and love it. Anything from 3.42's to 4.11's will be very useable.

Andris

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Automatic Transmission Specifics

There isn't much additional work if you have an automatic transmission originally. The obvious is that you'll need to hang the clutch pedal and cut a hole in the transmission tunnel for the shifter. The clutch pedal can be gotten from any 1984-1997 Camaro/Firebird. You'll also need to mount the master cylinder on the firewall. This is one larger hole for the master cylinder, and two smaller holes for the bracket. GM might have even dimpled the firewall in that location to make things easier.

The other difference involves the wiring. You (automatic owners) have a wire going to the shifter for park/neutral. A manual transmission car does not have this, but instead has the clutch anticipate switch, below the clutch pedal. This prevents the car from starting without pressing down the clutch. It should be just moving wires from one to the other, but please refer to the wiring schematics in your service manual. There are differences in the computer chip, and many people have changed to a T5 chip. People have also run fine with the factory automatic chip as well. That about sums up the differences!

I just picked up a 98 M6 rear and 96 t-56 for 1800 with everything to convert. I just got the 3.42's in with spohns LCA and brakets and SFC's and I'm waiting for the 700 to sell before I can take it out. I can't wait. My first car was a stick, and I have not owned one since, just cause I keep finding low mile auto's. The rear brakes from the 98 are HUGE!!! I have less than a 1/2" between the caliper and the wheel, but it does clear w/ 16's.

I got it from a place called All Mustang & F-body in Phoenix. Try to find some places that just specialize in buying wrecked F cars. I wish I had the cash to just pick up the whole LS1 setup. They want about 4500 just for the motor and want 200 more for a LS1 trans.

does anyone know what kind of rpm a stock t56 can handle? I plan on getting a high reving engine in the future.

You shouldn't have to worry about input RPM. I've never heard of any problems, and I've seen them behind solid roller cam engines over 7200 rpms. On the flipside, they're great for high mph in open road racing, just make sure you have a driveshaft that can handle the rpms.

A.

Thanks for the information, i just have one last question. Will my car weigh more or less with a t56 thatn with a 700r4?

Hey Andris I am still planning on doing this swap (the one I wanted to do months ago, but some things came up that the money had to be used on) late this summer. I'll be getting the tranny in mid july, so probably in late june or early july I'll be calling you asking for a crossmember.

What do you think about 3.23 gears? When you did the swap you did it on your 305 car right? I'll be doing it on my 350 car so I was wondering if there would be a difference in the feel. I will upgrade to 3.73's regardless, its just a question of how soon.

I've been going over and over the swap a gazillion times

Also as for the wiring, on a automatic car all you have to do is jump the neutral safety switch so that the car can start at any time. Then you have to remember to push the clutch pedal down before you start the car in gear or you will lurch forward.

Otherwise have fun figuring out how to hook up that switch