Equipping a G-Body with a manual trans

[Clutch_Grabwell]

Also, which t56's are not easily "compatible" for the swap? I thought I read the c5 corvette t56's had major differences, but I could be wrong.

The Corvette version is a transaxle. That one won't go in easily.

Your best bet is the LT1 F-body unit used from '93 to '97. The '93 gearbox has a different set of gear ratios and has a slightly lower torque capacity rating but will fit just fine. The flywheels that were used will bolt right up to any one-piece RMS Chevy (non-LS) V8. The LS1 ('98-'02) units can be made to work but I don't have any info on how to do this.
However... It will be a challenge to hook up your speedometer to a T56. Options include using an electric cable driver, an electric speedometer or converting the tailshaft housing to accept a mechanical speedo drive.

Below: A '95 T56 with a speedo drive sourced from Stealth Conversions in my messy garage about six years ago.

 

[Chillin014]

That sounds like what I was reading elsewhere. Well scratch that off the list then! If I go t56 route I will be using an adaptor plate and all my t5 stuff bellhousing-forward so I'll probably just go with the ls1 transmission. Tomorrow I will post back with what I find out about building up the t5.

 

[pontiacgp]

Oh I thought you knew of a specific kit that could beef up the transmission to 500 ft lbs. I am going to have to call around tomorrow and see what's available I guess.

oh sorry, I havn't rebuilt mine yet since I have 2 T5's I got lazy. We're busy in the shop getting the race car ready for a chassis dyno scheduled for later this month and then next month we go testing...and I'm trying to my car to change the frame and a quick paint job for the summer. I'll be looking for a kit in the next month or so.

 

[Doober]

Don't rule out an aftermarket one if you can find a used one, it takes care of the adapter plate and speedometer issues.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/CMG-1386000011/

 

[Chillin014]

oh that seems like needle in a haystack right there! I've been craigslisting and ebaying for days now..and on a few local forums as well. Best I can find on such short notice is a few stock t56's. Maybe I'll be able to provide some better info for this thread in regards to the t5 build scenario. I dont want to clutter it too much.

 

[Chillin014]

Okay I got ahold of a very knowledgeable woman at Hanlon Motorsports today and got some information about upgrading the WC T5. The g-force kit they sell (from g-force transmissions I assume), costs $1295 and she explained it like you were basically replacing almost everything. This is the kit that claims to withhold the 600hp/500 tq or thereabouts. She said the kit includes all the gears and bottom cluster. She also said they recommend replacing the "small stuff" too which is synchros and etc for another $250. I forgot to ask about the labor charge for them to do the upgrade or if they sold an already upgraded T5 itself.

Other information I got was they charge $90 to straighten mainshafts (which are appparently almost a bit bent) or $367 new. Also that T56's are discontinued from Tremec and now they sell something called "t56 magnum" for $2800.

She mentioned that the obvious apply as far as the horse/tq rating claims for the rebuild kit such as your clutch, vehicle weight and what-not.
So right now my personal options are...
-$1550 for a g-force t5 kit
-$1500 for a stock t56 but I'd have to buy an adapter, shorten the drive-shaft, and customize the cross member. Probably end up spending more like 2 grand but could probably sell my t5's and make up the difference.

 

[pappa_wolf]

A question.

I have a 79 century, and I also have a wellbuilt chevy 350, and a BW t10. I am going to get these together, one way or another.
but what flywheel should I use? 153 or 168?

Ian

 

[Doober]

For a factory G-Body bellhousing you'll need a 153-tooth flywheel, and a clutch disc to match.

 

[pappa_wolf]

I think, I need to go and chek, the castingnumber on the bellhousing, but it fits a chevy 350 perfectly.

 

[pappa_wolf]

here`s what I found!

GM8 3733365
J50

Se what I can find in the net.