I keep blowing my 4l60e, so I am going to drop a manual in it. I wasn't sure if I should just go with the T56, or put a better one it...What do you guys recommend for trannies? I don't know what manuals will bolt up to the LT1...

 

If you keep blowing up the 4L60E and you're racing it, put a TH-350 in it. It's more expensive and less attractive racing wise to put a stick in. Plus the T56 isn't the strongest trans in the world. The 350 is still an auto, can bolt up to your set-up no problem, and all you need is a crossmember and driveshaft. The only downside is it's only 3 gears as opposed to 4. So you don't have an overdrive. But it's stronger and will last considerably longer. Or have the 4L60E done right and it shouldn't give you too many hassles. You can talk to FLP in the chicago area, they build crazy strong 4L60E's but it costs some money...also make sure you get a new converter as all the junk that's stuck in it from a blown up trans will blow up the new one really fast. Good luck and if you need anything let me know.

Chris

 

I would not bother with a TH350 swap as you can get a 4L60 that's just as strong and not give up your OD, though it will cost a few more $$$. If you want a strong automatic, go with a TH400. However, the lack of OD sucks! There are no other "bolt-on and go" manny trannies besides the T56 for a 4th gen. However, even a stock T56 is one strong tranny.

Rich

 

You shouldnt be breaking trannies in a bolt on car, if its being rebuilt and you keep breaking them then some thing is up. Mines has lasted fine, for 4 years of abuse, my buddies has lasted 80K miles and thats seen plenty of trips to Rankin. The stock trans can handle a bolt on car easily.

 

I say give Frank a Call...He has built some proven trannys....Now where is that page......http://www.geocities.com/cahallperfo...sions/CPT.html

 

I've already rebuilt this tranny (4l60e) three times in this car, and it blew again. It lasted 2600 miles two times ago, and 1700 this last time. I've already SEARCHED for reasons why it does this (becuase no I don't beat on my car, and yes, the guy who rebuilds it is good at it), people keep saying "well, try this, try this..." Well, after 4 trannies in this car (and two 4l60e's in my old camaro) I'm sick of trying to fix it. I just want to drop in an entire new tranny. I was going to just go with another 4l60e (becuase I know they are a good tranny), but if I'm going to drop another in, I figured I would put in what I want, a manual. The reason I didn't want to go with the TH-350, is becusae I go back and forth to college, so I like overdrive. This is why I'm looking for a manual. Also, I'm looking for a GOOD manual becuase I have the absolute worst luck with cars, so I just want to put a tranny in that is better than normal (the T56...even though I know that the T56 is a good tranny too)...So, does anybody know what other manual trannies will bolt up to the LT1?

 

http://www.700r4l60e.com/
The best 4L60E you could ever buy. I have the "limited" street 4L60E and I love it. It is pricey, but it will not break unless you start throwing some super duper crazy power at it, and you aren't doing that now.

 

Ok....does anybody know what MANUALS will bolt up to the LT1 other than the T56?

 

As I posted earlier, there are no other options that don't involve a lot of modification/fabrication. But you could adapt nearly anything given enough skill, time, and money. For example, I researched a 5-speed Lenco. To buy the tranny, clutch, and bellhousing and get them to bolt up to an LT1 would have been in the the $10,000+ range!!! Again, as I posted bofore, the stock T56 is damn strong. If you want a stronger one, look into the G-Force modified T56. It's a bolt on solution, but will cost at $4-5K not including a clutch and bell housing. If you need a tranny that strong, the stock aluminum bell housing is an issue. AFAIK, there is no "bolt-in" SFI bellhousing LT1/T56 solution, unfortunately

Rich

 

you can bolt up just about any manual offered behind any of the traditional small blocks..The LT1 bellhousing bolt pattern is the same as the Gen1 SBC. So if you really want you can get a bellhousing from a first gen SBC and then put a 4-5-or 6 speed up to it. The big issue then is shifter mounting and placement, driveshaft, trans crossmember and clutch linkage. Not to mention Elec. Speedo conversion. Now a LT1 T-56 Will bolt in but you need a 6 speed wiring harness, clutch pedal set-up, and a crossmember. And you need a PCM for the manual trans...usually. Now that will be easier and cheaper than the previous option. Your best bet will be to get a 4L60E that has been properly tested and inspected and installed correctly. Get yourself a 4L60E from someone you trust. Then get yourself a mild Converter..probably a 2400-2800. That'll be nice for daily driving and still benifit you at the strip. Then have a shop you trust, or if you can do it yourself install the trans. An added peice of protection would be a nice trans cooler mounted up front of the radiator. They're cheap and really easy to install, plus if you have a converter they are a necessity because of the added heat the converter produces at normal driving. You can go to FLP2WIN.com and look at their trannies...Their Stage 4 rips...best I've seen, but they have cheaper more affordable options. they can also get you a converter...you're best bet is a Vigilante (seen it do really well). You can skip the shift kit if you have a hypertech, just go into the 'puter and up shift firmness. That way you save money. If you want a shift kit, get one. no big deal. That's what I would recommend to any of my family/friends in your situation. I wouldn't recommend converting to the 6 speed as it is pricey, though it may produce better highway mileage. It's more cost effective to get a decent 4L60E and converter IMO. What you do is up to you. If you really don't want to pay for the shippiing of stuff, let me know and maybe we can work something out to get your car down here as I'm only 30 minutes from FLP. I'm also 5 inutes from Speed Inc. Plus I'm a mechanic by trade so I can help you out if need be.

Chris

BTW: sorry didn't know the post got that long.