ulakovic22

Doing a big block conversion on a 97 WS6 and need to know if a T56 can mate up to and handle the torque of a BBC? I've thought about a truck tranny, like a Muncie or Saginaw, but don't want to go there unless I have to.

Thanks,
Anthony

Injuneer

McLeod makes a "universal" modular bellhousing that allows a T56 to be bolted to virtually any engine.

ulakovic22

What about strength wise? I know it will hold up to a Viper/Vette, but with a BB motor I would think the torque would be a killer.

Injuneer

You think your BB will have more torque than a 8.3L V10 Viper, with nitrous or twin turbos?

Check with D&D and see how much torque their upgraded Viper T10's can handle.

ulakovic22

LOL, now that you put it that way Just wanted to make sure Thanks!

Type_O_Negative_1320

My mechanic installed a T56 in his 454 SS (468 BBC under the hood)...I forget what all he ended up having to buy/fabricate/whatever, but it turned out pretty nice. He's had it in there for two or three years and hasn't had any problems with it. It tows pretty well too.

Injuneer

Unfortunately the McLeod website is being "updated" and doesn't have any product info on it any more. The modular system used to be there, and it looked like they use a "standard" SFI-rated bell housing, with adapter plates for the front so it would bolt to any engine, and shims in it so they could compensate for the tranny input shaft length. The one thing they did was require that you use the LS1 version of the T56, and not the LT1 version, because they didn't want to mess with the pullback clutch design used in the LT1. I would assume they could also mate up a beefier Viper T56 with that system as well.

Gonna get interesting... I just read where Borg-Warner has purchased McLeod. Too bad B-W doesn't still make the T56.

ulakovic22

Jordon Musser is looking for a LS1 T56 for me so hopefully I will be able to get that bellhousing and be good to go. I looked at D&D and that is definitely another option since they make a tranny that can mate up to a Muncie/Saginaw bellhousing and also have provisions for a mechanical speedo which is great as well so I can get rid of the PCM completely. Only thing is that it's $3000.

1 DWN CAM

I'd like to see this article where borg warner bought Mcleod. Cause last I knew(last week) when I was sitting in Red Roberts (Mr.McLeod) office, it was B&M racing that owned Mcleod.


ulakovic22 - Mcleod Modular Bellhousing PN-8710-00 would work w/LS1 T-56 and your BBC.

hotrod18_69

I thought you could use and LT1 T-56 with a Centerforce flywheel for SB's or BB's and LT1 clucth and hydro's.. Or maybe i am just too tired and not thinking straight.. lol

95mysticta

this is totally cool... ive researching and trying to find out if its totally possible to bolt one up. I have lt1 t56 in basement ready to go into either my 95 t/a or if i end up buying a 2nd gen t/a either 400 or 455. This sounds totally killer im stocked to see if anyone has any pics of links to sites where people have done similar swaps.

ulakovic22

I'm doing the swap right now and yes the LT1 bellhousing and SBC/BBC bolt pattern are the same so it is very easy. McLeod and Centerforce both make flywheels that will bolt to a 2 piece crank and work with the LT1. If you use a later model BBC like a Gen V or VI then you should be able to use the LT1 flywheel as long as your starter/Flywheel match with 153 teeth. Quick way to tell sometimes is to see if the starter bolts are parallel or staggard, if staggard then you will have to get an adjustable starter that can be clocked correctly.

gearhead3

When installing the T56 on a BB you must install the bellhousing and trans without the flywheel and clutch in so you can look through the BH to see if the input shaft is in the back of the crank. On my wifes 68 Camaro (454) I had to make a spacer to bring the bearing back almost 5/8" to recieve it. I also took picktures of it through the hole.

http://community.webshots.com/user/sscamaros

ulakovic22

So you only had the issue on your wifes car? What about the other one?

gearhead3

The problem is the shorter input shaft so it may happen on all. My 68 has a richmond 6 speed. I did have the same problem with one I helped a friend with on a 396 install.