Are there any downsides to getting a T56 out of a 1993 as opposed to one out of a '94-'97? I have a 1995 Z28 and am looking at swapping out my A4...

 

I have a '93 trans in my '94. Originally intended to use it in my '86 until I found out during the rebuild (from water damage ) that it was for a '93. Downside is that the torque rating is lower on the trans, which is fine for me since it's my daily driver car. The nice thing is it has lower gearing that allows for quicker acceleration, but you only get a .62 6th instead of a .50.

Even with the 3.23's from the A4, the '93 T-56 gives me traction problems under 40 MPH if I'm not careful with my right foot. Still gives me a respectable OD ratio (about 2100 RPM in sixth at 80) and just the difference between the A4 and T-56 was amazing...more MPG, more fun to drive, and what felt like more HP.

Wont own a sports car without one ever again. Best part is I have a reason not to lend it out to friends...common request!

If I still had a choice, I'd still go with the '94+ trans, with a lower gear. I'm still putting lower gears in mine (3.42's) to help driveability with larger tires, and to better suit my engine combo.

 

Everyone talks about 93's having lower hp and torque ratings than 94-97. There are two M6 trannies offered in 93 (M28&M29). The M28 is rated at the lowest hp and torque. I am pushing over 700 rwhp and have never had issues with my M28 tranny.

 

Interesting. I just found a heck of a deal on a '93 T56 and wanted to see peoples opinions on them...

Will they be any different with installing than a later T56 would?

 

One good thing about the 93's lower gearing is that you can use stronger gears (2.73, 3.23, etc) in the rear end and still get away with very good cruising speed.

FWIW, the 97 T56 in my car with the 3.73s cruises at 80mph turning 2,000rpm.

 

yeah at 70 mph in my A4 with 3.73's in around 2400rpm's...
90 im right at 3,000...

I do so much highway driving I think I'd enjoy a bit of extra mileage...

So ill be alright if i swap in this 1993 T56 and retain my 3.73's in the rear?

 

Most people with 94-97 t-56's upgrade to 4:10's when changing gears, thats what I did. 93 guys seem to only go as high as 3:73's. 93 t56's with 3:73's seem to be very similar to running 4:10's in a 94-97, I think they would work fine for you.

 

 

ttt

 

You know what would be nice? If someone were to rebuild one using the 5th and 6th gears from a '94+ trans while blueprinting it. The cases are the same...and this would allow better acceleration with a great OD. I heard it was possible using the proper gears on the mainshaft and countershaft.

Only problem is with a large cammed car, you'd need enough gear to keep from surging on the highway, but not so much that you overaccelerate out of the powerband to fast. Be nice with 3.42's or 3.73's...