Questions on T56 Mag. before I pull the trigger.

[80Camaro]

I like the "turn-key" T56 Magnum kit from American powertrain. I spoke to Bill who was very cool. I will be replacing the TH350 in my '71 Camaro. Their kit includes their Stg 1 Street Slayer clutch which I am not familiar with. Also, Bill assures me that the OE LS style bell housing will fit my '86 and up 1 pc seal 350 block... that I would only have to shim the slave/throwout and not use the top center bolt hole. I was under the impression the LS hsg would not work with an old school block. Opinions? If I am missing another company to check with who offers everything I need for this swap, let me know!
BTW... my engine now is at approx. 420 hp and just a little more torque but an LS is in the future with 550 minimum.
Do you guys like the close or wide ratio version? I have 3.73's with 26" tires. Thanks all!

[Sieg]

I highly recommend the close ratio gearing and Hurst Drivelines based on firsthand experience.

I would also seriously consider a Quicktime bellhousing/scattershield.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

i concure. HDL is great to deal with

[6D9 Matt]

Also purchased mine from Hurst... great transaction and customer service during installation.

[vclune]

I have the close ratio with 3:55 gearing and 26" tall tires behind 468 Big Block. Close ratio is perfect, would change gearing to 3:73 without hesitation, but on a street car I have traction issues already and more gear just makes it worse. I do not need short first gear or tall sixth gear. The automotive companies use the short first gear for performance and the tall sixth for gas mileage, neither of which I need.

We also used the Hurst list of parts, but did not buy from Hurst Driveline, because we wanted so many changes it ended up not making sense.

[TheJDMan]

For some reason I purchased my T56 Magnum from American Powertrain. I have needed some help on a couple of issues and to be honest when I called them for support they were extremely unhelpful and I was left with the distinct impression that they just did not care if I was having a problem. I would not recommend American Powertrain to anyone thinking of installing a T56. If I had it to do over I would buy from Hurst Drivelines.

[badazz81z28]

I also suggest avoiding American Power Train. Money will be well spent just getting the transmission from a parts vendor. I don't like mystery branded parts (especially clutches). Buy the T56 and buy the clutch YOU want. I beleive my 86+ chevy had a 12 o'clock bolt hole, but I highly suggest buying the correct bellhousing either way. Saving a few bucks ends up being a head ache later.

[Revved]

I have a good friend that has had issues with American Powertrain as well. He purchased a complete corvette chassis with an LS and either a TKO or T56 but had shifting issues from the beginning. Not only was the chassis builder unhelpful with this and many of the other issues but American Powertrain refused to stand behind the shifting issues with the transmission even after he paid to take it to another mechanic whom I believe was also an American Powertrain dealer (or had at least dealt with them in the past) and advised them there was an issue in the transmission. I think he either paid out of pocket to fix it or they found some way around AP and got it warrantied through Tremec. Either way he is definitely never dealing with them again.

[snappytravis]

1 more for www.hurst-drivelines.com,, My original order was through American Powertrain, Long story short I got my money back a month later and ordered through Hurst-drivelines and had the whole setup in about a week. There is a guy name Jim that is there tech guy. He's a good dude.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Originally Posted by 80Camaro

I like the "turn-key" T56 Magnum kit from American powertrain. I spoke to Bill who was very cool. I will be replacing the TH350 in my '71 Camaro. Their kit includes their Stg 1 Street Slayer clutch which I am not familiar with. Also, Bill assures me that the OE LS style bell housing will fit my '86 and up 1 pc seal 350 block... that I would only have to shim the slave/throwout and not use the top center bolt hole. I was under the impression the LS hsg would not work with an old school block. Opinions? If I am missing another company to check with who offers everything I need for this swap, let me know!
BTW... my engine now is at approx. 420 hp and just a little more torque but an LS is in the future with 550 minimum.
Do you guys like the close or wide ratio version? I have 3.73's with 26" tires. Thanks all!

It can if you have the right parts. The difference between the bells is 5/8"