I've been thinking about upgrading a few things in my T56 and I've heard a number of people talk about "Viperizing" them. I'm aware of the fact that Vipers came with different/stronger parts than a F-Body T56 but I don't know exactly what the differences are.

The things I believe to be correct are that they have stronger input/output shafts, a steel shift fork, and a different ratio 5th gear. That's all I know about. What else do Viper T56s have that F-Body T56s don't?

I'd also like to know what the benefits would be of things like stronger input/output shafts and if they're really necessary for someone who doesn't drag race, what the benefits are of a steel shift fork over the stock piece, and anything else in regards to potential benefits of "Viperizing" a T56.

I'd appreciate the thoughts/comments/feelings/etc. Thanks.

Eric

 

Does anyone know?

There's a thread going on about having a shop upgrade/rebuild a T56 with Viper stuff...but does anyone know what is improved/included in that?

Eric

 

The input/output shafts are slightly larger and harder and the shift fork is steel, those are the main differences I've heard. I think they have stronger syncro's too but not sure. I'm not sure what mods you have done to your LT1 but if it's close to stock and you don't drag race it the stock t56 is plenty strong, the 94-97 t56 is rated up to 450 ft/lbs tq. A lot of people drag race them pretty hard into the 11's and more with stock t56's. I run mine pretty hard at the track and have never had a problem with it at all.

 

The main "viper" mod is the output shaft, as its 31 spline vs 28spline.

For your app, its not worth it. the output shafts generally fail from hard launches.

Steel shift fork is however a good idea.

FYI, I offer all these parts and rebuild services if interested.

 

Thanks for the replies guys.

Jordon: Thanks for the info. I mainly participate in open lapping events and other road course oriented stuff. No real drag racing going on.

I didn't think I would need something like stonger input/output shafts, but I am interested in upgrading to a steel shift fork, for sure. I have looked over your site previously, but I don't remember prices/etc.

Do you know anything about 5th Gear being a different ratio in Vipers in comparison to F-Bodies? I've heard that from a very credible friend of mine...but I've never heard it anywhere else. Do you know anything about that?

Thanks...

Eric

 

what about 93's

 

350 ft/lbs. Not sure what the difference in strength is from but they apparently were not as strong as the later model.