Swapping from BBC to LS3, Can I Keep the T56?
 

I have a 68 Camaro and I would like to change out the BBC to an LS3. It currently has a Magnum T56. Would I need to purchase a complete new tranny? If not, what exactly would I need to change?

Thanks in advance..

prob can use the same bellhousing less one bolt or but t56 ls bellhousing. There threads where guys just change flywheels and are ok.

I converted my T-56 from an LT1 version to an LS version, There is a kit i bought from a company back east (Rockford i believe), bout 400$, includes a new input shaft, shims, and front "collar" which you'll need. I saw an article about this, either popular hot rodding or chevy hi-performance, which is why i did it...

http://www.gmhightechperformance.com...on_conversion/

I'm pretty sure if you have an t56 behind the bbc you'll need a different input shaft (as the final length is different) and collar, the lt1 tranny bolts up to a sbc, and the bolt pattern is the same for a bbc. You'll also need to confirm your bellhousing (you'll need an ls one obviously)

http://lakewoodindustries.com/ls1-to-ls1-t56-chevy.html

http://lakewoodindustries.com/ls1-to-dodge-viper.html

?????

As stated above, you'll need to change your input shaft, front plate, and bellhousing. The input shaft change out is really easy. I've got pics of this in my build thread. You'll need a micrometer set to verify preload, when reinstalling the front plate. The preload is set with shims under the bearing race inside the front plate. I did mine myself, and had about $600.00 in parts. I'll tell you however, the input shaft is usually hard to obtain. Most tranny parts dealers have to back order the part.

So truuu, my mechanic buddy handled that part, and well, wasn't set right and the car was very difficult to shift...had to pull, redo about two to three hours

But if you look on that link on the gmhighperformance, that company has all the pieces in stock, i think i paid around 400 +/-. But it all depends on your bellhousing situation, thats the final dim

I don't think you'll need to do anything to the T56. Confirm with the vendor you got the T56 from.

Mike, did you move?

[Hijack]Yup. I've been in Walla Walla since January of this year. It's been wonderful up here, incredible views, cool nights even in the depths of summer, great wine, great restaurants and 1,600 feet of shop space.[/Hijack]

Congrats on the shop space Mike, that'll make life a lot easier. As far as the trans Frank, you'll need the correct bellhousing to make that work, trans should be fine as-is. Quicktime, McLeod, and others all make the swap bellhousings I believe.