anyone rebuilding a T-56?

[Tim S]

i need to know how much will interchange between an LS1 and LT1 tranny. this is for a retrofit into a buick, of all things.

for instance, the input shafts are different lengths- can i swap an LT1 input and bellhousing onto an LS1 tranny and put it on an LT1?

all i'm concerned about here is the bellhousing area. the rest will have to be fabbed, so it doesn't really matter.

and could somebody tell me how long an LS1 input shaft is?

thanks for any help

[Tim S]

nobody ?

[camaroracerlt1]

I don't know the length of the input shaft personally, but you should try asking one of the guys who are selling them on ebay if they could measure it for you since they already have them out of the car. Look for "T56" and you'll find a couple of them.

------------------
95 6 speed T/A
69 Camaro SS 396 with Twin Turbo 95 LT1 project
http://www.geocities.com/camaroracerlt1

[This message has been edited by camaroracerlt1 (edited July 19, 2002).]

[Injuneer]

I'm not sure how familiar you are with the T56. You might already know that the front cover is completely different on the "LS1" T56, in addition to the different input shaft. The cover needs to support the hydraulic slave that actuates the conventional pusher type T/O bearing. The LT1 cover plate has a threaded hole for the clutch fork ball. And that also requires that the bell housing be different. The LS1 bellhousing has a piece cut out to access the slave cylinder bleeder, while the LT1 bellhousing has two studs and a mounting pad for the slave cylinder support cup.

You might already have known all this... not clear from your original post, which seemed to indicate you just wanted the input shaft length, and whether the LS1 shaft could be swapped into the LT1 casing... and I don't know the answer to that.

I would think that "D&D" transmissions, who are building a reputation as very knowledgeable in T56 rebuilds and upgrades would be able to answer your question and help you out with the required pieces. Do a search here on "T56" and you should find a post that has a link to D&D.

------------------
Fred
94 Formula A3: 381/TH400/N2O

Advanced Tech Posting Guidelines
Detailed Mod's List
11.513@115.59 on motor; 11.162@127.67, 1.643 60' on a 125-shot. Going with a 275-shot this year

[Tim S]

thanks! no, i didn't know any of that.

i'm just looking for the basic differences between the trannies. i do old cars, and would like to get a T-56 into a 2nd gen camaro without paying a whole lot.

pure research, as i can't afford one just now anyway.

thanks for the response!

[Eric Bryant]

You'll need the "midplate" (front cover), input shaft, and bellhousing from an LT1 tranny. The LS1 input shaft is too long to use, the LS1 bellhousing has the wrong bolt pattern, and the LS1 midplate has no clutch pivot provisions. If you want to use a traditional push-style clutch pressure plate with a hydraulic throwout bearing, then you could use the LS1 midplate (but you'll still need the LT1 bellhousing and input shaft).

If you're buying the parts used, try to get the necessary hardware (nuts-n-bolts, clutch fork, fork pivot, slave cylinder spacer, etc), as this stuff can cost you some serious $$$ through the dealer. If you're looking to buy new parts, a midplate runs something like $400 and an input shaft is $300 (you may be able to find better prices - I didn't look too hard after getting those initial quotes).

Good luck!

------------------
1996 Impala SS - LT4 396, T56
1996 GMC K2500
1992 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon

[Tim S]

so the LS1 bellhousing will bolt to the LT1 midplate?

[Eric Bryant]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by Tim S:
so the LS1 bellhousing will bolt to the LT1 midplate?</font>

It appears that they'll interchange, but I never actually tried it. D&D (248.926.6220), Westech (262.889.4346), or Liberty (313.278.4040) should be able to answer this with a bit more conviction.

------------------
1996 Impala SS - LT4 396, T56
1996 GMC K2500
1992 Buick Roadmaster Estate Wagon

[Tim S]

cool! i downloaded the T-56 repair pdf from tremec, and it looks like the midplates are indeed interchangeable.

fascinating.