LS Swap in 78 Vette

One other thing to consider with the T56 is that most have a 0.5 OD. That means you're probably going to want around a 3.7 rear. The f bodies came with a 5.7, 0.5 6th and 3.42 rear. But with your cam, you would probably be better off with 3.7 to 4.11.
Btw, my old big cam sbc was able to operate lights with only 11" of vacuum.
 
Whats the difference between the various T56? I noticed some as early as 1994? GTO, camaro, vette, mustang, viper?
 
LT1 T56 (94-96) will not bolt to LS1, shorter input shaft. GTO LS1 T56 will work however you will need a camaro throwout bearing as the GT has hard lines to the outside of the bell and the bleeder location is impossible to get to and the quick disconnect ditting size is impossible to get. F body throwout is an easy swap. Get a remote bleed line while you are at it. Furthermore you need an F body shifter. The GTO shifter is set back too far. F body shifter is bolt on but DO get the f body shifter cup with the ball socket centered and not all the way back like the GTO. It will not allow you to shift gears otherwise. The GTO output yoke with hardy disc is useless also. Check the 82 I did, that's a GTO T56, has pics and details in it.

Vette T56 requires a new midplate and other stuff to be able to install a bellhousing. The later (& vette) T56 do have improves synchros for higher RPM shifting. Later vette T56s also have an integral oil pump.
 
Twin forgot to mention the CTS-V T56:bounce:
Best bet would be a 98-02 f body with same year flywheel/clutch/pilot, etc. Convert to hydraulic clutch.
Hope to see the beast at the hanger tonight.
 
The search is on for the f body T56. Must be pretty popular as I haven't located any in the area yet. Got a few salvage yards to check this week. Also looking for 3.70 rear end.
 
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Keep in mind it's going to be a 10+ year old trans. If you can rebuild yourself buying used might be cost effective. If not, might as well buy already rebuilt.
You might consider a TKO or Richmond too. They're available with better gears so you wont need to change your rear end. They're also available with the offset shifter.
http://www.hurst-drivelines.com/?page_id=4416
 
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Garys 68 said:
Twin forgot to mention the CTS-V T56:bounce:
Best bet would be a 98-02 f body with same year flywheel/clutch/pilot, etc. Convert to hydraulic clutch.
Hope to see the beast at the hanger tonight.
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The CTS-V one has a completely different rear case, it will need more than just a shifter :)

C10 truck 1 ton master clutch cyl will do the trick.
 
I have located a 2002 T56 from a wrecked trans am. 18,600 miles.quicktime bullet proof bell housing with billet clutch fork and external slave cylinder.ram hd clutch and pressure plate.1 brand new flywheel and 1 used flywheel.$1800 for everything Does this sound like a good candidate for my swap? He has the stock bell housing as I don't think I need the quick time.

Twin_Turbo said:
LT1 T56 (94-96) will not bolt to LS1, shorter input shaft. GTO LS1 T56 will work however you will need a camaro throwout bearing as the GT has hard lines to the outside of the bell and the bleeder location is impossible to get to and the quick disconnect ditting size is impossible to get. F body throwout is an easy swap. Get a remote bleed line while you are at it. Furthermore you need an F body shifter. The GTO shifter is set back too far. F body shifter is bolt on but DO get the f body shifter cup with the ball socket centered and not all the way back like the GTO. It will not allow you to shift gears otherwise. The GTO output yoke with hardy disc is useless also. Check the 82 I did, that's a GTO T56, has pics and details in it.

Vette T56 requires a new midplate and other stuff to be able to install a bellhousing. The later (& vette) T56 do have improves synchros for higher RPM shifting. Later vette T56s also have an integral oil pump.
Click to expand...
 
donnie_19 said:
I have located a 2002 T56 from a wrecked trans am. 18,600 miles.quicktime bullet proof bell housing with billet clutch fork and external slave cylinder.ram hd clutch and pressure plate.1 brand new flywheel and 1 used flywheel.$1800 for everything Does this sound like a good candidate for my swap? He has the stock bell housing as I don't think I need the quick time.
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Only 18600 miles? I assume that guy bought a replacement T56??

I would use the bulletproof bell-housing, that's one mistake I made when I swapped the TKO in the vette....

HD clutch? I'd be concerned with pedal effort but with the hydr setup it might not be all that bad.
 
Would I be better off getting the pedals from a 68-81 vette or go with what is offered in tranny kits. Getting some quotes on TKO conversion.
 
If yours is already 4spd then don't worry about the pedals... The Keisler TKO kit is not cheap but extremely painless .... You could probably spend $1000 less if you piece it together from Summit/Jegs/ebay etc
 
Keisler RS 500 GEAR RATIOS: 3.37, 1.99, 1.34, 1.00, 0.67 wants $4,863.55

American Powertrain ProFit TKO 500 , ratios: 3.27, 1.98, 1.34, 1:1,
.68od Installation Kit for 1977-79 C3 Corvette $5,246.00

AMP Performance TKO 500 $4463 but still need some pedals and linkage.
Getting a couple more bids. This mod may have to wait a year. Looks like I will search out the parts for the kit myself.
 
if you buy the whole shebang with stock bell, I still need a quitime one for mine
 
I've got a 3.28 1st gear in my Richmond and a 3.08 rear which gives a 10.1:1 overall. I wouldn't want to go any higher for street driving. With your 3.36 rear, you might consider a TKO 600 with the 2.87 1st gear.
Those prices sound high. If they include BBC flywheel/clutch, you wont be able to use those with an LS motor.
 
Painting Next

The next phase of the restro is starting soon. Ordered a truflex front and rear bumper covers. Going with more of the pace car styling with fender flares in front and 80's style rear. Still deciding on color with the red interior. Leaning towards a gunmetal gray.
 
donnie_19 said:
The next phase of the restro is starting soon. Ordered a truflex front and rear bumper covers. Going with more of the pace car styling with fender flares in front and 80's style rear. Still deciding on color with the red interior. Leaning towards a gunmetal gray.
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RED interior limits your paint colors, black/white/gray....takes your pick....


anything else except maybe RED would be :(
 
mrvette said:
RED interior limits your paint colors, black/white/gray....takes your pick....


anything else except maybe RED would be :(
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Dark blue is perfectly fine with red interior :D

Just like my '79.... A Superman "S" on the hood would complete the 'look' .....

:devil::crutches::chinese:
 
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