Hey,
I am looking at getting a 3rd gen for autocross duty. I would really like a 350, but the automatic is a minus. How involved is it to put a manual transmission in a 3rd gen 350? I am thinking about using a Tremec TKO from SDPC, but is there a better manual (T-56, maybe)? Thanks for the input.

 

I'm doing the T56 swap right now. I'd say the hardest part is getting the manual pedals in. Even that is not too dificult.

The tranny its self bolts right up to the motor. The drive shaft from an automatic IROC should work just fine with the T56 and since you'll probab;ly be moding the suspension, I would go with a Spohn crossmember with adjustable Torque arm.

Good Luck!

 

The T-56 is a great street tranny, but if you're building this car for autocross only then you don't need the overdrive gears, and they'll cost you a good bit of cash. IMHO the TKO would be better for that particular application.

I myself have the T-56 in my '91 RS and LOVE it. But it is a street-only car that has never seen the track and will probably only be raced half a dozen times as long as I own it (excluding ricers, of course).

 

The T56 is the way to go. GM never but a T5 behind a 350. They knew it wouldn't last.

Easiest way? Find a 305 with a manual tranny and swap in a 350.

 

I have to disagree...it would be much easier to swap a t56 into a 350TPI car than to swap the engine and tranny both. I swapped a T-56 in when my 700-R4 went up in smoke, and I know exactly what it entails. It is a very easy swap if you have the right parts to do it. The only tricky things are punching holes in the firewall for the clutch hydros, and getting the speedo to work. And if it's an autocross-only car, then a speedo isn't really necessary.

 

Thanks for the info. I really like the the T-56 in my 01 Z/28, but I don't know if anyone sells that particular transmission new. Does anyone sell it, or would I just be better off sourcing one from a salvage yard? (Billy Graham Camaro - Firebird salvage perhaps?) Thanks!

 

you could check out ebaymotors there are some companies that sell new T56's and rebiult T56's.

If you end up swapping a T56 you'll love it. Cause damn I love this trans way better then that damn 700R4 I had.

 

For a T-56 you'll just need to bide your time and keeps your eyes open. You can go to Billy Graham if you want, but I'll tell you from firsthand experience (his yard is about 20 min from me) that he overprices everything (considering it's all out of wrecked cars). When I was looking for a T-56 he wanted 2 grand for the trans, bellhousing, shifter, and used clutch. I paid $500 for my tranny/bellhousing (and had to replace a $16 shift fork), $500 for a NEW Spec stage 3 clutch, and $150 for a new B&M Ripper shifter. I got better parts, new, and a tranny in comparable shape for slightly over HALF what Graham wanted. My $.02.

BTW LS1 T-56's only fit LS1 engines. If you have any other engine you have to have the LT1 tranny, or change the front plate, input shaft ($371 alone), bellhousing, and clutch hydros to make the LS1 tranny work.

 

Yeah, if you can hold off for a while you can usually find deals. I got my T56 swapped in for about $1800 and went with all new stuff where applicable (hydraulics, clutch, shifter, etc.).

But be careful what you do to the 3rd gen or you will find yourself in a class that is open to mods and competing with cars that have a lot more done to them......