Lots of questions about tranny's...

[MaxHarvard]

... I'm kicking around the idea of trading in the auto th350 i have for a T5 or T56... my questions are revolving around a 1968 camaro with a 350 block, pre-85.

Where can a guy get a good t56 kit for a reasonable price?

Will i need a new drive shaft?

Will the T56 bolt up to the motor?

Will i need a new bellhousing?

What is a reasonable ball park figure for doing this conversion?

Is the TH350 -> T56 conversion worth it?

Thanks ahead of time!

[68protouring454]

buy a lt-1 t56 (93-97) it will bolt right up to the block
buy the special flywheel to adapt the pull off style clutch to the 2 peice rear main seal block(it will be a 153 tooth), then buy a pull off style clutch(450 bucks)
buying a used tranny and allother new parts it should be able to be done for under 2k

[race-rodz]

stay away from a T5.... they "can" be built to handle a decent amout of power....but you could buy a tko for less money.

i think jake about covered the t56 install....and yes you will need new drive shaft & trans x-member.

[MaxHarvard]

Any ideas where i can get a used T56? or the cross member/driveshaft? Or will i need a custom drive shaft?

I like the idea of the T56 over the T5, so i'm pretty set there.


I've never heard of a "pull off style" clutch and flywheel... whats the difference, other than price?

[Mkelcy]

Originally Posted by 68protouring454

buy a lt-1 t56 (93-97) it will bolt right up to the block
buy the special flywheel to adapt the pull off style clutch to the 2 peice rear main seal block(it will be a 153 tooth), then buy a pull off style clutch(450 bucks)
buying a used tranny and allother new parts it should be able to be done for under 2k

Or buy an LS1 T56, the Mcleod adpater kit (plate, input bearing retainer on which the throwout bearing rides and extended pilot bushing), the factory clutch pedal/z bar, a heim joint mechanical linkage, the bellhousing/scattershield of your choice, the normal "push" style pressure plate and flywheel of your choice, and the ATS cross member and go happily on your way, more safely and probably cheaper.

You'll need a shortened drive shaft, but most likely you'd be better off measuring once the tranny is in and having it locally made up.