Can't find a T56

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Streetbu

Know it all, that doesn't
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May 22, 2011
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Seriously considering swapping from my M-21 to a T56. Problem is I can't find one. At all. There is only one listed on EBay, none local to me. Where does everyone find them? Trying to figure out how much it will cost and see if I can swing it during the winter.
 

TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
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I did mine going on ten years ago

Grabbed it from an LT1 Camaro had it shipped and built in Texas.

Down here between the traffic and xanax/codeine idiots it suxx If I was to do it again i would 4L80E it.

Best bet is to just buy one outright from a shop.

There all at least 20 years old by now and beat to poop.

No one baby's their SS Camaro or WS6

Rockland Standard Gear still offers one and they are in NY
 
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Turbolq4

Royal Smart Person
Sep 25, 2017
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Get the trans from a 2010ish SS Camaro. Basically a TR6060 and there are quite a few available from salvage yards.
 

street sweeper

Greasemonkey
Jun 12, 2017
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Ive been considering literally doing the same thing. People around me seem to want a ton of money for even lt1 units which im looking for to mate to my 383.
 

DRIVEN

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Apr 25, 2009
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I'm not trying to talk you in to or out of a T-56. Just curious if a TKO 5spd might be a better option? I was going to go 6spd for the longest time on one of my other projects but recently came to the conclusion that I really don't need 700lb rating or a double overdrive. The 5spds are quite a bit lighter and less bulky too. Something to think about, maybe.
 

Streetbu

Know it all, that doesn't
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May 22, 2011
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Well here's the longer version of my story. I NEED overdrive. To keep up with traffic on the highway I'm turning 3750 rpm.... Yeah. 25" tall tires and 3.42 gears and no one goes the speed limit. So then I have lots of decisions that make. I really want to go LS and 6speed. But after the ton of money and time I dropped into my car in the last two years and we're currently plannyto tear our house down and rebuild. I just can't do that. My thought with the T56 was I could do it relatively cheap to fit my sbc, buy the SSM pedal, and be able to actually drive the car farther than 20 miles and use it more for the next couple of years. Then I can sell the engine and trans, together or separately, and install an LS engine and LS version of the T56 pretty damn easy... Plus recoup most if not all of the money I had into the LT1 version of the trans.
 

TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
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If you get an LT1 style you can buy a plate for it to fit the LS

So no need to search for another trans if you decide to go LS
 

roger1

G-Body Guru
Aug 23, 2010
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San Angelo, TX
This is the route I went for my '55 Bel Air:
https://americanpowertrain.com/c-320541-transmissions-gm.html
I really like the hydraulic clutch kit I got from them too.

Last chance to get one with the .50 6th. That's the one I have. Disappointing they are discontinuing it I think.
Another nice thing about going with a Magnum version is that you have 3 locations to choose from for the shifter.
 
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jlcustomz

G-Body Guru
Nov 22, 2011
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There are salvage yards that can order in parts, that is my main advice here. Got a 1990 t-5 in 1991 shipped in on a palate, was awesome. Got a beat up 85 t-5 a few years later from individual, had the wore out shifting feel. Got a 99'ls1 with 6 speed, 33k miles in 02' from a guy traveling car shows selling late model take out stuff, he's retired now. 6 speed is great with the .5 ratio 6th gear, with 3.73's & 29" tires, about like your gear & tires, it doesn't hit 2000 rpm till 92 mph. clutch pedals & mc mount made up as there were no kits then & not perfect especially pushing my stage 3 monster clutch. I think mcss, sick speed??, has the best pedal & mc kit .
Another option highly likely may be to buy the whole car with trans & part out. Parts worth more than whole car.

BUT, here's my thoughts for your situation. 6 speeds are highly wanted , expensive, & hard to come by, plus cost of correct flywheel, clutch, bearing, pedals, m.c. , line, slave, modded or new crossmember, speedo hookup, shorter shaft. For later down the road going new as possible ( ls3) complete with matching trans & wiring may be a good thought. For now, costwise, settling for a good built slushbox, hookup parts, modded or new crossmember, & shorter shaft would 9 out of times be cheaper. Could reuse shaft & crossmember. Just as easy to sell od slushbox later.
New magnum would be awesome with all new parts, but everything complete could push towards 5k cost. unless you had the perfect engine, this would go a long ways towards a complete ls3 setup, with a tr6060, which is internally a magnum.
But I'm not in a position to talk anyone out of a stick shift. You just need a different search to find a worn out remaining LT1 version. Likely won't shift like butter, but you will have your gears.
 
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