I'm going to be upgrading rearends soon to live behind my new big cube small block. I have a thing for continuously trying to build motors that make me squeal like a bi$ch and **** my pants, so if this new motor works out, I'm considering moving the parts into my other block so I can boost the **** Or I'll build a new, racier NA one.

Yes I know, I'm friggin sick. 440ci turbo small block. Whee! Now anyway (cant you tell I'm excited?!?) I have a perfectly fine M28 T-56 in my '94 that still works great. It's a 25k old unit. I dont feel like destroying it, so I'm thinking about planning an upgrade. I plan on moving my current engine, trans and rearend into a convertable chassis anyway when I find one so it works out.

I'm not too savvy on T-56's and it's downright confusing with all the upgrades available. I was under the impression that the input shaft was rather weak, but from the looks of things it is the output shaft. I just cant justify spending $3200 plus shipping and another $1000 on a clutch!

I'm starting to think that I will be fine with a GM unit, Viper OPS conversion and a steel shift fork, and some fresh synchro's, blocker rings and bushings. I want to do this myself since I am a DIY kinda guy. Machine work is not a problem.

Any suggestions for the build? And yes, I'm looking for a stock, high mileage, 94-97 T-56 and bellhousing that isnt blown up. I dont want to replace everything or throw money at it and hope it's better, I wanna hit the weak stuff as well as the worn out junk.

While I'm at it, how do you guys feel about pilot bearings? Solid or roller? Seen em go south either way.

Rear will be a Dana 60 with matching driveshaft so the weakness now is in the trans. this is something Im not in a hurry to do so I have time to invest to make sure it's done right. Trans will be mostly a street trans, just has to deal with lots of power and 315's. I'll take it to the track mostly for testing so it wont be often but when I do I want to know it isnt going to embarrass me.