LT1 T56 to Gen1 Small Block

[Paul Y]

Gentlemen,

I have the option of purchasing a T56 from a 96 Camaro. It already has a pre 86 bellhousng attached and was from an LT1 not an LS1. My question is this:-

Who has done this conversion on the board and what is the situation with the clutch/flywheel?

Have read numerous threads across multiple boards but the opinions on what is needed and how it is done vary from monstrously expensive to incredibly simple.

So, if you have done this conversion I would really like to hear how you went about it and the parts used.

Many thanks in advance.

P.

[kerber63]

Can you describe or take pictures of how a pre-one piece rear main seal bellhousing was adapted to the transmission? Was a conversion plate added?

[Paul Y]

There is a conversion plate.

http://i888.photobucket.com/albums/a...1/gearbox1.jpg

You can just make it out in the pictures, sorry the only one I have.

P.

[kerber63]

Do you happen to know if the input shaft was changed to a LS1 style? Older bellhousings are deeper than the stock one from the LT1, so a longer input shaft would be needed to seat properly in the clutch pack. If it has a LS1 shaft, a mechanical clutch can still be used with a standard 168 tooth flywheel.

However, if the input shaft is still from the LT1, you're in for some work. You'll either have to convert to the LS1 shaft, which involves removing the front cover of the transmission, or put the stock LT1 bellhousing back on and toss (sell) the conversion plate.

Pros to going with the LS1 style: you can keep your stock flywheel and use a conventional push-style clutch, either mechanical or hydraulic; you can use your stock starter. Cons: the deeper bellhousing pushes the shifter back a little bit further than the stock LT1; unless it's already done, converting to the LS1 shaft can be challenging.

Pros to going with the LT1 style: the only conversion piece needed to mate to the motor is a custom flywheel. Cons: a LT1-specific pull-style hydraulic clutch has to be used; a 153 tooth starter has to be used.

I chose to stick with the LT1 setup just because I didn't want to strip it down just to use a conventional clutch.

[Paul Y]

Kerber,

Thanks for the reply, beginning to think I will stick with plan A which isto buy a TKO600, will probably run slightly more than the T56 and conversions but at least I will have a known good box rather than risk problems.

Good news is that I have learnt a huge amount over the past few days, thank you all.

P.

[kerber63]

Glad you found some useful info. FYI, i picked up a '96 t56 for $1k, got a $500 conversion flywheel, ~$400 srock camaro clutch and hydraulic conversion, and another ~$200 for starter and driveshaft. It's had no problem behind my turbo'd 454. These transmissions are pretty stout for a stock component.