Need some help with this T56 that I may purchase

[almcbri]

I gotta a guy that wants to trade me his T56 6-speed trans out of a 94 formula. Has a pro 5.0 shifter with it.
Is there anything I need to look for. I want to make sure it is out of a GM car.

I was planning on mating it to a 383 I am fixing to start on. Anyreason why I should or shouldn't do the deal? He is wanting to trade straight up for my brand new TH400 w/ a shift kit and transcooler.

Here is the picture of what he sent me. Let me know your thoughts. Will the gearing work ok with my set-up of a 3:23 rear, and 400 HP 383? I eventually plan on chaning to a 3:73 rear gear. I found these numbers online for the 94' T56 1994 Manual/MN6 --- 2.66 -- 1.78 -- 1.30 -- 1.00 -- 0.74 -- 0.50 -- 3.42 (GU6)


What parts do you see that I will defintely need.

cross-member
driveshaft
??anything else

[Swain]

I am going to be running the same set up building a 383 sbc 2 piece rear main, I have a t56 same as yours out of the same car. You should contact www.ClassicChevy5Speed.com They can help you out. You will need a Fly wheel and clutch if you dont have it already. Inland drive shaft should be able to get you goin with a drive shaft they are in Riverside area of California.

[KEISLERGENE]

I gotta a guy that wants to trade me his T56 6-speed trans out of a 94 formula. Has a pro 5.0 shifter with it.
Is there anything I need to look for. I want to make sure it is out of a GM car.

I was planning on mating it to a 383 I am fixing to start on. Anyreason why I should or shouldn't do the deal? He is wanting to trade straight up for my brand new TH400 w/ a shift kit and transcooler.

Here is the picture of what he sent me. Let me know your thoughts. Will the gearing work ok with my set-up of a 3:23 rear, and 400 HP 383? I eventually plan on chaning to a 3:73 rear gear. I found these numbers online for the 94' T56 1994 Manual/MN6 --- 2.66 -- 1.78 -- 1.30 -- 1.00 -- 0.74 -- 0.50 -- 3.42 (GU6)


What parts do you see that I will defintely need.

cross-member
driveshaft
??anything else


Ok well the 3.23 would be reduced to a 1.61 rear ratio. Probably only be able to use it at about 100 mph.

The trans was set up to use behind a LT1 motor with a dual mass flywheel as a pull style clutch.

It will bolt directly up to your motor. The cheapest way to make it work it to see if he has the original LT1 flywheel. You can take that to a machine shop and have it drilled for your crank flange and balanced to the 400 crank you have in your motor. Then source the hydraulic master and slave for a 94 Camaro and actuate it that way.

There is a more simple solution but it will cost a little

1. Change input to a Viper input or Ls Used $169 new $225
2. Use T56 adapter plate with mechanical retainer $225

You can them bolt it up behind your old Muncie bell. Use your mechanical linkage and not have to worry about fabbing the hydraulic set up.

As far as the crossmember goes I am pretty sure there are a few on the aftermarket you can use. The one we have is for the new Magnum and the mount location is incorrect.

The only issue with the T56 is it power limit is around 350-400. There were several low cost parts in the early Fbody T56 that would fail. They had to make them to OE specs to keep cost down plus the motors were around SAE hp of 325-350?

[almcbri]

Ok well the 3.23 would be reduced to a 1.61 rear ratio. Probably only be able to use it at about 100 mph.

?

Sorry, I am not understanding. I won't be able to use it, or I will only be able to get it up to 100 mph and no more?

[KEISLERGENE]

Sorry, I am not understanding. I won't be able to use it, or I will only be able to get it up to 100 mph and no more?

Meaning that the .50 6th gear would be useless with a 3.23 and carbureted motor. I am sorry i just noticed you said you were switching to 3.73 but I still stand by what i said about it being too much OD.

[XLexusTech]

The only issue with the T56 is it power limit is around 350-400. There were several low cost parts in the early Fbody T56 that would fail. They had to make them to OE specs to keep cost down plus the motors were around SAE hp of 325-350?

I have to question if this is only the early t56? If not GM put a 400 HP motor in front of a trans only rated to 350-400? LS2 it what I am refering to is tha later t56 beefier? If so what years did that start?

Thanks!

[KEISLERGENE]

I have to question if this is only the early t56? If not GM put a 400 HP motor in front of a trans only rated to 350-400? LS2 it what I am refering to is tha later t56 beefier? If so what years did that start?

Thanks!

LT 93-97
LS 98-02

Yes there were some mild differences.

It's like the TKO500-600 they have respective ratings of 500 or 600 ft lbs of torque. However I know of several guys well above this. In a few Mopars and Some BB Chevy's The torque rating is based on what the trans can continually take for the life of the warranty. While you may have a 350 ft lb tranny and a 400 hp motor the likely hood you will ever give it 400 hp continually with a stock motor is nil. This would also explain why you still see guys run the T5's with out any issue.

[Swain]

Classic chevy 5 speed said to make it easy you could use this flywheel: LUK LFW100. I just need to know what clutch to use now?

[KEISLERGENE]

Classic chevy 5 speed said to make it easy you could use this flywheel: LUK LFW100. I just need to know what clutch to use now?

Are you sure you got the part number correct? The clutch size should be 10.5
26 spline. I could not find that part number on Summit or Jegs or even In a google search.

[Swain]

Are you sure you got the part number correct? The clutch size should be 10.5
26 spline. I could not find that part number on Summit or Jegs or even In a google search.


http://www.carolinaclutch.com/ShowItem/106029%20Chevy%20Stock%20Replacement%20Flywheel.as px

[ZMAN1969]

The 93 was the weakest of the T56 from a F-body, your's is a 94 and I'd be fine with that year and later.

[AM.MSCL]

Classic chevy 5 speed said to make it easy you could use this flywheel: LUK LFW100. I just need to know what clutch to use now?

I am surprised that LUK did not recommend the clutch with the flywheel.
Autozone carries LUK components.
Ray

[CreepinDeth]

I eventually plan on chaning to a 3:73 rear gear. I found these numbers online for the 94' T56 1994 Manual/MN6 --- 2.66 -- 1.78 -- 1.30 -- 1.00 -- 0.74 -- 0.50 -- 3.42 (GU6)



Depending on the size of your rear tire, the 6th gear will be PLENTY usable.

I'm putting a T56 in my 442 with 3.73 gears and a 27" tire and I can shift into 6th going 65mph at
1500rpm for cruising according to the gear calculators. Just depends on if your motor will be happy at 1500rpm or not.

With the existing 3.42 gear it will be 70mph @ 1500rpm.
So it's definitely usable if your tire size is relatively close to that size.
http://www.nastyz28.com/forum/showthread.php?p=1913198#post1913198

[Steve1968LS2]

Meaning that the .50 6th gear would be useless with a 3.23 and carbureted motor. I am sorry i just noticed you said you were switching to 3.73 but I still stand by what i said about it being too much OD.

For reference when I had a .50 sixth gear, and 3.90 gears I was only turning 2000 rmp at 70 or something like that.

I ended up driving in 5th a lot since it just felt wierd at that low of an RPM.

BUT, i got insane gas mileage.. like 26 mph.. keep in mind that's why the .50 ratio exists, to make CAFE standards.