Guest Anonymous Posted February 1, 2002 Share Posted February 1, 2002 I was thinking of purchasing a Chevy 350 V8 converted Datsun Z which currently is on an automatic transmission. How much $ you think it would take to convert the automatic to say a 6-speed transmission? Where could I get a 6spd for a Chevy V8? How much time would it take an "experienced" mechanic to install it, and for how much? Thanks a bunch Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavyZ Posted February 1, 2002 Share Posted February 1, 2002 Well, for starters, welcome to the HybridZ forum! The T56 has been purchased from ebay, dealerships, and GM wrecking yards. Plan to spend anywhere from $800-$1700. Aside from the transmission there are other items to consider like the flywheel and clutch, etc, $$$. There are several guys that have websites with documentation of the T56. I'm thinking you should look at LoneInAZ and BLKMGK--look for a post with a hyperlink to their sites (near bottom of their post). I'm not sure you would want a tranny shop to install it, because clearancing (with a hammer) will be necessary to make things fit and I seriously doubt they will do that for you, but I could be wrong. Maybe a shop that specializes in hot rods or custom work would be a better choice--of course, then you are talking $$$$. In addition to the above considerations, you'll need to swap in a pedal assembly from a manual car. Automotive work will run anywhere from $50-$100/hr (around here $85 seems to be the norm). Good luck with your project, but make sure you do plenty of research before you put down the cash. Use the search function on the forum to look up any related topics--and make sure you look in the drivetrain section since that's where most transmission info can be found. Davy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted February 1, 2002 Share Posted February 1, 2002 Davy is on the money. If you are using a early chevy 2 piece main seal, figure 260.00 + - for the Centerforce flywheel. The clutch is anywhere from about 300.00 to 600.00 + depending on what sort of clutch you intend to use. The slave cyl often comes with the transmission (if you get it as a 'pull out' at a wrecker all that stuff usually comes with it), the new master is about 50-60 bucks and you'll need a pedal assembly from a manual car. You'll need a slip yoke from a TH400 GM tranny and probably driveshaft (if its a pull out you may get this as part of the package, I did but paid on the way high end of the range Davy gave above). Figure 85-100 to modify the driveshaft for proper lenth. Labor if you don't do it yourself will be a bit expensive as unless your a Taiwanese acrobat, you'll need to pull the dash to get at the pedal assembly, its hard getting to the top bolts (hard? next to impossible in my experience with my fat hands and chunky body.. ). Once thats sorted, you'll need to have them bang the tunnel in a bit in a few places and have them re-locate the rear crossmember. Add in a few items like clutch hose and fittings etc and you're pretty much there. Thats been my experience with it on my own swap. As you can see its rather pricey and had I known that going in, I might have considered a automatic to be honest. But that said, I love the tranny, its ratios (although a little low in first gear for my tastes) are pretty evenly spaced and just like in the F body cars third gear ROCKS! Good luck with you project, if you have any questions, let the group know here, or drop me a Email and I'll try to answer your question. Regards, Lone Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted February 1, 2002 Share Posted February 1, 2002 I'm thinking...what if I was able to find a corvette/camaro LT-1 w/6 speed transmission? Would I be able to drop in that whole thing? I'm thinking that would be the easiest way to go. Any ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavyZ Posted February 2, 2002 Share Posted February 2, 2002 That is certainly an option--check the GM wrecking yard in your area for local prices and don't forget to order the JTR book. Davy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike C Posted February 2, 2002 Share Posted February 2, 2002 Tremec 5 speed and run a conventional flywheel and clutch. Anything that makes 400 lb ft of torque doesn't need 6 gears if it only weighs 2500# 3.54 gears and 3.27 first will launch like 3.90 with the 6 speed, and the .72 overdrive of the Tremec is actuall more carbureted engine friendly. Tremecs are about $1700 new plus clutch, flywheel and shifter. Figure $2500 tops for all new parts. If it's a mild motor, a T5 is a pretty good choice IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted February 2, 2002 Share Posted February 2, 2002 its gonna cost alot well not that much but if you have a healthy chunk of dough sitting by your leg do it and love the sitting on the freeway doing a buck at 18 Rs. but if the dollar is slim but you need a stick just get a manual valve body for the auto. have fun with sixth. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted February 2, 2002 Share Posted February 2, 2002 don't forget ebay when you're looking for entire motor/transmission/wiring/computer combos. There are lots of late model (90's) LT1's (Corvette, Camaro, Firebird) on there, and there are even a bunch of LS1's. (98 and later, right?) I think the LS1's have different motor mount locations or something though.. now somewhere around here there were a bunch of messages about that. Use the search. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Anonymous Posted February 3, 2002 Share Posted February 3, 2002 Thanks for all your guys' help! I just ordered the JTR book to help me out also! Reading all these posts and other peoples ideas helps get my own project started! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DavyZ Posted February 3, 2002 Share Posted February 3, 2002 I2K, Just remember to use the search function extensively and you'll be surprised how many times a question has been answered before. It is like using a library for swap information. Also, check out some of the members' sites. You'll get all the inspiration you'll ever need. Davy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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