LS Transmission upgrades
 

I am converting my 64 mali from a turbo 400 with a 4500 stall to a more streetable 6 speed. I got a used 2001 Camaro trans for a good deal and decided to go for it so I could get the car going and save up for a T56 down the road. My motor is a 650 hp big block chevy and I have a 12 bolt with 4.30 gears. I'm getting close to finalizing the install when I had a thought. I know most people buy the factory modified Tremec's for the out of the box performance but can you modify the stock Camaro trans to handle some abuse? Has anyone had any experience with this? Thanks in advance. P.S. , I'll be posting some images of how I modified my tans tunnel to look as original as possible.

Yes, you can but its cost money to do it. I know Tick Performance can take your old trans and overhaul it. A stage 2 should cover 650 hp. I'd recommend a bearing and 2nd gear replacement while you are at it.
http://www.tickperformance.com/tick-...maro-firebird/

I'd also put some money on a good clutch and SFI bellhousing.

As Vince said, it costs $$ but is done all the time. And Tick is a great company. Also try Rockland Standard:

http://www.rsgear.com/products/trans...rmance/gm.aspx

Edit: Also should consider RPM transmissions in Indiana as upgrade experts.

Thanks Ron and Vince. That's exactly what I was thinking. A bit pricey but they seem to be able to handle some pretty good power. I went with a Quick Time bell housing and Centerforce dual friction clutch. I'm confused because I've read the 2000 and up trans have the upgraded second gear already. I have to do some research to see what else makes them stronger. I guess on that note, do you guys think it will hold up to mild abuse as is?

Upgrades are just a suggestion.

I just send them what we have and they go through it pretty good and they make recommendations. You can go that route.

Good call on the bell and clutch.

I upgraded mine with this stage II kit from:

http://www.thegearbox.org/T56.html

http://www.thegearbox.org/i//T56_Stage_2_kit.jpg

Also running a Spec Stage 3+ clutch and it's a fantastic clutch for a great price.

So, I've been in the car game for a long time but the whole newer generation trans are very foreign to me. Is it like the old days where I buy a nice parts upgrade kit like Rybar and take it to a reputable shop to rebuild the trans or is it highly recommended to deal with a specialty shops like rs gear and tik?

This is amazing, thanks guys. I've been trying to figure this stuff out for a long time. You just here about everybody going with the out of box setups and rarely can find this information on rebuilding the old stuff. Thanks again

The T56 isn't too bad to deal with but without proper knowledge it might not be worth the trouble. You'll spend $5-600 on parts, some new tools then labor.

We use Tick cause of the time, price and you get warranty with the work. It's really painless.

I did just that but am finding my trans making some funny noises in 5th and 6th gears. I would recommend getting Tick to do it unless your local shop has experience with T56's.

Are the trans none to break or just typical wear on average

Not with the "upgrade" kits. Its a very good transmission. I had mine upgraded from an LT1 t-56 to an LS1 t-56 and put in the kit similar to a "magnum". Cost about 650 in labor to have rebuilt plus parts. I had a company who builds race car transmissions do it, it totaled 1700, but that included a $280 input shaft most people dont need.

Perfect, thanks guys. I feel pretty good about my choice now. Hey Vince, it looks like your shop is in San Carlos, I'm not far from you at all. Is there any guys you've dealt with in the area?

Sorry I missed this....no, we deal with Tick now for our T56 needs.

I have a local shop that builds them for me if you need local. They have done over 100 of them without issues.

A buddy runs a Stg2 style rebuild from them without issues behind a 950rwhp turbo LS9 with McLeod RXT in a lightweight Mazda RX-7. He doesn't launch it hard... but it certainly gets beat on. Shift-Sector 1/2 mile shootout winner....