I posted this in LT1 tech and got minimal repsonse, maybe you guys can help...

I have an A4, in my 94 Z and I have spent hours researching T56's and 4l60E's and such. Usually responses are dependant on the persons situation with their car; so I am asking about my particular situation.

An A4 to M6 swap.

My car has only 36k (stored every Ohio winter (Oct to April) and babied by a 52 year old since 94) so I'd like to keep it and therefore the swap. Car goes in for winters (so far) I have GMMG exhaust and plan on headers/CAI/gears this summer and cam/heads next summer. I only run street tires. I'll only have the money do a straight up swap one with someone who wants a 4l60e. Unless, of course, the tranny is cheaper than dirt, which it usually isnt.

The way I see it, to get my Stock 4l60e to handle a mid (xe 224/230) to large cam (cc306) I’ll need to invest about $800 in a TC and tranny cooler anyways, plus I enjoy driving manual more. I think that the 4l60e is rated under 385hp which is less than what I plan to put to the flywheel. The only reason I didn’t get a M6 to begin with was because I found this Z lightly used, no winter wear, and 28k for a good price.

I go to the track occasionally only to check how much my mods improve my time. I don’t care about drag ET's other than to show progress. I’ve gone once since I bought it in July 03. I do quite a bit of highway driving since my G/F lives in Cleveland about an hour and half away. I have heard that the M6 is easier on the engine and mileage b/c of the way it is geared.

I am thinking about doing a swap, and I have the resources to do it. Is it worth it and what are the pros and cons of these tranny's or the swap?? --Or personal opinions or stories on each. I want to compile as much information as possible before making a decision.

This is what I know so far, are these correct?

T56- stronger built
can handle more power unaltered
something to the tune of 400hp and 450ft/lbs, on the MN6
more dependable than Auto
good for stock 7.5" as long as you don’t launch hard.
better gas mileage b/c of extra O.D. gears,
almost bulletproof
easier on engine due to lower RPM operating ranges
more fun!

4l60e- better for launching and track purposes (doesn’t matter to me)
not as good gas mileage (assuming same rear gears and engine).
cant reliably support as much HP/TQ (360) without race build or aftermarket TC and tranny cooler
not as reliable in general
not as strong (stock)
more problems involved.
(debatable) faster ET with TC and programming. (again don’t care)


--Can anyone give me a thorough opinion or evaluation? Any comments welcome.


Thanks

-Dustin-

 

I think your analysis of the pros/cons of the two tranny's are just about complete. If it helps, I just got done doing the swap myself. I'm an old coot too, at 47. Like you, I don't really care for drag racing. I did it because I want to participate more in road course lapping events, as well as more autox. Also, I've always found the fun factor much higher in a stick shift. so far, I've only drivne the car once since the swap (cold and snow) but I LOVED it. Can't wait for better weather.

 

Well thank you for your input I really appriciate it. Yes I have little desire tearing up the drivetrain just to get a time. OR buy drag radials and break the 10 bolt. I am more of a "I love to drive anywhere and all the time" kinda guy and I think and M6 will really make that worth my while. I'd like to interact more when I drive. Did you trade tranny's or buy one used or new? Just wondering what the easiest that to go about it is. How long did it take you with how much help? I live in Ohio anywhere you know of near here to get one? Any details would help. Thanks for the input I need more guys like you to help me through this. Thanks alot, and BTW I am 19 but mature for my age

-Dustin-

 

Ooops, for some reason, I thought you were older. Oh well! I bought a rebuilt tranny off a guy on this BB. So far, it seems good. He was very good to deal with, very honest, and very fair. I did the swap myself, over a period of about 2 months. The only help I really needed was lifting the new one in place since I didn't have a tranny jack.

Here is the link I used. Very helpful, and very thorough.

http://www.afrashteh.com/tranny_pics/T56.htm