just wondering if a T56 would mount up to a 79 camaro z28 350, because im going to the junkyard tomorrow to look for a manual tranny for it

 

Unless I'm wrong on this, anything that bolts behind an LT1 ('93 - '97) will match up exactly the same behind any old SBC without a problem. The ones to stay away from are LS1 trannies ('98 - '02) because they don't just bolt right up (now they CAN be MADE to work, but the input shaft of either the T56 or the 4L60E would have to be changed though, and I'm not 100% sure on any of the other differences there may be ).

The only thing you'd need to look into is a way to make a speedometer work ... since the new trannies use electronic speed sensors (instead of old mechanical ones) you'd need to put an electric speedo in the car.

 

McLeod makes a "universal" SFI-rated modular bellhousing that will allow the T56 to be bolted up to virtually any engine. It requires the use of an LS1 T56 or the Viper version. Will not work with the LT1 version. Keisler makes a converted T56 specifically for the Gen 1 SBC. I personally would avoid trying to use the "LT1" version in a Gen 1 SBC application. That puts you into the "pullback" type clutch, with very limited options. The LS1 and Viper trannies use a conventional "pusher" clutch, giving you a huge selection of replacement clutches.

 

^ ^ good to know!

 

I'm not even sure the LT1 T56 is "direct" bolt-in to a Gen 1 SBC. Many years ago, Steve Spohn borrowed my spare LT1 T56 to use it to develop a kit to install the LT1 T56 in a 3rd Gen SBC1 setup. The end result was a "kit" with all the required parts. I don't know exactly what was in the kit, although I think it included a cross-member. But he only borrowed the tranny, and not a bell housing, so its hard to tell what will bolt up to what.

 

Use an LS1 transmission and buy the adapter plate for a muncie style bell housing. This allows you to use the existing mechanical style clutch- a factory one if there were any on 79 models. Its the easiest way to put in a T56. Only drawback is the need for an electric speedo and the shifter hole is further back than orignal on most older cars.

 

Yes, it's a direct bolt-in: I'm using one behind a 1969 Chevy "388" casting block in my Trans Am. Unfortunately there are very limited choices in terms of flywheels: Mcleod, Fidanza, and Centerforce make the LT1 retrofit flywheel for two-piece rear main seal applications. The other special item that you need is an extended pilot bearing, made by Mcleod. The input shaft of the LT1 T56 transmission doesn't extend far enough into the pilot bushing hole, so you need to extend out about a quarter inch with the Mcleod piece to get good enough engagement to the bushing.

I'm using the stock aluminum bellhousing with a Fidanza 2 pc. rms retrofit aluminum flywheel and a SPEC stage 3 clutch for LT1 applications. For SFI purposes, I've painted myself into a corner though, since it's not rated for 11.50 and below. If you feel that in the future you might run faster than 11.50, you'll need a pusher type clutch arrangement rather than the LT1-style clutch so that you can use it with the SFI approved steel bellhousings. No one makes a steel bell housing that works with the pull-style throwout bearing.