Okay im going to be doing a t-56 swap this winter and my friend (who is fairly car knowledgeable) seems to think ill need an engine hoist so i can tilt the engine because thats the only way ill be able to get at the top bolts for the transmission.....i think hes crazy....what special (and by special i mean large and expensive) tools do i need to do the swap?

 

The top bellhousing bolts will be tough but not impossible.
Other than that, I'm not sure what you'll need as far as tools, I've never done a T56 swap.

 

You do not need an engine hoist. When you remove the trans. cross member the engine will tilt down in back.
You can get at the top bolts in several ways. From the top before remove anything else. depending on excessories this can be a bear. Or from the bottom after the cross member has been removed. This is easiest with a long extention, 3 foot at least, and a flex socket, but can be done with standard tools.

 

Doug,
You're doing the swap this winter? Well in that case, I'll let you know exactly what you need in a few weeks...


As far as I know, just basic tools though.

-Rippin

 

You dont need any special tools, you dont need to lift the motor, only tilt it. THe whole job took me one all night session. Seriously it was easier for me than headers and cat-back. Any questions just ask.

 

i think this is what my friend doesnt realize. NTchrist did you start out with a t-5 or a 700r-4? t-5's a lot easier. I dont think its going to be too bad when i do it (im waiting because i need to save up my pennies) i think the plan is take one day to do the old tranny removal and just get the new one bolted in. And then i will worry about everything else. I'll have plenty of time to do it because my car will be in storage all winter. thx for the replies tho im sure ill have some questions when i go to do it.