Best T56 Magnum/ rear gear combo
 

Looking to get some input on what you guys would consider the best trans/ rear gear combo for my upcoming 69 Camaro LS swap. I'll be using the LS3 480hp crate engine and a T56 magnum. Looking for best all around street performance. I have original 12 bolt with 3.42 and Truetrac now. Will change gear if necessary. So, which version of the T56 would you recommend and why?

Thanks

Is your T56 wide or close ratio?

I had 3:31's and went to 3:73 with a 26.6" tire with a close ratio T56 Mag and it's just about right for my needs.

This will help you figure it out: http://www.tremec.com/calculadora.php

Thats what I am trying to figure out, at this point I can go either way.

I've done the RPM calculators but its hard to get any "feel" from the numbers.

With your combo i'd definitely do the close-ratio. If you had a taller gear like 4.10 then the wide would be a little better.

If you don't have a source yet for the T56 or other parts, feel free to PM me for a quote on that stuff!

-Dale

I had a '94 1LE Camaro with a wide ratio T56 for a couple years as a daily driver, for my personal tastes the close ratio gearing is light years better. I don't like a low first gear and a lazy 6th. The close ratio is seamless through the gears no short-shifting to second and over revving 5th to make 6th. I'm running a carb'd Gen 1 SBC with cam that idles at 1K and is rated to make power between 2500-6500....first gear in the close ratio is great.

Without a doubt the T56 is the best mod done on my car over the 25 years I've had it. After three plus years with the trans I still love it everytime I drive it.....it makes me want to just go out and drive.

FWIW - I waited 2 years before changing rear end ratios and spent a lot of time analyzing my typical driving conditions and rpm's, factoring ideals and compromises before I went with 3:73, no regrets.

keyword is "had" and my key phrase was " why don't you still ?"

Truth

I should add that I went with an old school mechanic that specializes in differentials and used a Motive gear set. They are silent.....which was something I was worried about as I'd heard many a story of gear whine associated with the 3:73 ratio.

OK, thats some good input and confirms what I was thinking.

Now, what about using the factory center console? I was looking at your build and the problems you had with the offset shifter leaking. What did you finally end up with and what would you recommend? Keep it? Move it? Lose it? I'd like to keep it but it seems like the shifter location with it is not ideal. Thoughts? Thanks

Bump:D

Yes.................. Sometimes, we have switched to US Gear because of the inconsistency of the motive 3.73 sets.
we NORMALLY recommend 3.73 (seems to work for everything ) but I really liked my 3.89 gears