LS1 conversion Manual Transmission - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Denver64 · 08-28-2009, 11:01 AM

Hello, I'm in the planning process and am going to start ripping apart my 64 shortbed stepside C10. I'd like to put an LS1 in it but would like to use a manual transmission. Has anyone done this? I'm trying to figure out the best transmission to use and one that will fit well in the cab. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

**Captainfab** · 08-29-2009, 01:47 AM

I believe a T56 will work as a TKO-500 will also. Board member TR65 has a T56 in his truck and I believe a LS2. Here is a link to one of his threads
http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...=1#post2818232

You might try sending him a PM for more info.

BTW welcome to the board

**TR65** · 08-30-2009, 12:15 AM

Hey Denver,

The problem with the T56 (6 speed) is that the shifter is too far back for our trucks. If you have bucket seats you can make it work but not with the bench. I am using a T56 but had to go thru a complicated process of moving the shifter forward 13" in tranny to an inspection port. There is a kit for that and I wrote a thread on that.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=300892

As CaptainFab says the TKO 500 (5 speed) is a good choice because it is built with three alternative shifter positions. I think the most forward one would put the shifter in about the stock location.

Both need a hydraulic clutch although you can convert to mechanical. Keisler makes a mechanical bell housing for for the LS motors.

http://www.keislerauto.com/index.php

For that matter you can get a Keisler bell housing for the LS and use a mechanical clutch and a traditional manual transmission T10 or whatever. Since they tend to have external shifters the shifter location can be fitted to the truck.

The nice thing about the T56 or TKO is the overdrive gearing so we can cruise at modern highway speeds economically.

Good luck,

TR

Denver64 · 08-30-2009, 10:18 AM

Awesome. Thanks for the info. Yep, I'm definitely looking to have overdrive. Also, the wife has put claim to the truck as "hers" and she wants it to look stock and keep the bench seat. Thus I need to have the shifter in close to the stock location. Thanks again for the info, that's exactly what I was looking for.

08-28-2009, 11:01 AM	#1
Denver64 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Denver Posts: 38	LS1 conversion Manual Transmission Hello, I'm in the planning process and am going to start ripping apart my 64 shortbed stepside C10. I'd like to put an LS1 in it but would like to use a manual transmission. Has anyone done this? I'm trying to figure out the best transmission to use and one that will fit well in the cab. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

08-29-2009, 01:47 AM	#2
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,252	Re: LS1 conversion Manual Transmission I believe a T56 will work as a TKO-500 will also. Board member TR65 has a T56 in his truck and I believe a LS2. Here is a link to one of his threads http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...=1#post2818232 You might try sending him a PM for more info. BTW welcome to the board __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

08-30-2009, 12:15 AM	#3
TR65 Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 873	Re: LS1 conversion Manual Transmission Hey Denver, The problem with the T56 (6 speed) is that the shifter is too far back for our trucks. If you have bucket seats you can make it work but not with the bench. I am using a T56 but had to go thru a complicated process of moving the shifter forward 13" in tranny to an inspection port. There is a kit for that and I wrote a thread on that. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=300892 As CaptainFab says the TKO 500 (5 speed) is a good choice because it is built with three alternative shifter positions. I think the most forward one would put the shifter in about the stock location. Both need a hydraulic clutch although you can convert to mechanical. Keisler makes a mechanical bell housing for for the LS motors. http://www.keislerauto.com/index.php For that matter you can get a Keisler bell housing for the LS and use a mechanical clutch and a traditional manual transmission T10 or whatever. Since they tend to have external shifters the shifter location can be fitted to the truck. The nice thing about the T56 or TKO is the overdrive gearing so we can cruise at modern highway speeds economically. Good luck, TR __________________ 1965 C10 SWB Fleet Two owner LS2 Swap Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=413880 Last edited by TR65; 08-30-2009 at 12:20 AM. Reason: Added information

08-30-2009, 10:18 AM	#4
Denver64 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Denver Posts: 38	Re: LS1 conversion Manual Transmission Awesome. Thanks for the info. Yep, I'm definitely looking to have overdrive. Also, the wife has put claim to the truck as "hers" and she wants it to look stock and keep the bench seat. Thus I need to have the shifter in close to the stock location. Thanks again for the info, that's exactly what I was looking for.

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