Guest Andrew240z Posted January 23, 2005 Share Posted January 23, 2005 Greetings, Does this look like a good buy on a T56? I realize I'll need a t56 kit to mount this onto my 350: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33733&item=7949285357&rd=1 Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Magnum Rockwilder Posted January 23, 2005 Share Posted January 23, 2005 It's a decent deal, but I've seen them cheaper. One thing you have to keep in mind is the fact that T56's aren't bulletproof and it's hard to tell if one needs a rebuild without the seller explicitly stating the mileage and condition. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Andrew240z Posted January 23, 2005 Share Posted January 23, 2005 I had made a note that the actual mileage was not listed, and was waiting for a reply here, before I sent him an email! I realize they are not bulletproof, but for my setup, I wont be 'pushing the limits' of what it is capable of, and, I'm pretty gentle on gears. Most of the time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GAZRNR Posted January 23, 2005 Share Posted January 23, 2005 I paid $1200 for my T56. You need one out of a 93-97 Camaro or Firebird. That one looks to be mated to a new style motor. The "stuff" you need to finish the installation will equal the purchase price. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikelly Posted January 23, 2005 Share Posted January 23, 2005 That isn't a good deal at all... And as Magnum mentioned, couple of guys here have bought T56 trannies that were junk, and BLGMGK can tell you the nightmare he dealt with on getting TWO bad T56s... Anyway, When I bought mine in 1998, I got it shipped with everything for $1230. Then you need to account for an expensive flywheel and clutch setup. You'll have about $1000 invested in the flywheel, clutch kit, slave and master setup when all is said and done and when you're done you will have a trans "KIT" that weighs over 200#s... Think about that one for a moment... Look, I wrote a tech article back in 1998-99 and stated that this trans was the absolute best trans to use... And I was wrong. If you are installing an LS1 or LT1 motor, I'd say sure, go ahead... it'll work well with the computer programing, cam choice, and fuel injection. If you're throwing it in behind a standard 3XX with a Carb, Look into something else like a Tremec. BLKMGK doesn't post much here anymore, but he and I chat almost daily via other means and he wants to swap his 383 stroker equipped T56 our for a.... TREMEC or Modified T5. At the time, when I wrote the article, We had ZERO info on doing this install and this trans was about the strongest chevy bell housing equipped tranny you could get in an OEM configuration... But by 2001 there were other options, making my info obsolete. I can't stress enough that you go back up and look at that 200# plus weight on the T56 combo... The Flywheel is about 40#, plus the weigh of the clutch kit (Which all trannys carry, so that's a push) and the weight of the trans when topped with fluids... The Gforce Equipped T5 I plan to use will be about 85# less on the total number because the trans weighs about 75# and the flywheel I'm using is about 25#. And when all is said and done, on a carb equipped T56 drivetrain, you won't be able to use 6th gear. It is a pretty useless ratio to use unless you're trying to get 20mpg... My $.02, but I'd seriously look at other options! Good luck! Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
5foot2 Posted January 23, 2005 Share Posted January 23, 2005 one other thing to keep in mind is that tremec makes a retro fit t56 that was intended for installation in 3rd gen f-body cars. this trans is better choice for custom installs. I priced one a year ago or so, and I seem to remeber it being cheaper than going the salvage yard route (when you add up the cost of all the needed parts). http://www.sallee-chevrolet.com/BorgWarner/bwt56.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tim240z Posted January 23, 2005 Share Posted January 23, 2005 Not a good price at all. It usually isn't when you buy from a specialized wrecking yard. Look locally first in the classified rags. I found my LT1-T56 from a 94 F-body for $1400. You can find better for sure. Tim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Andrew240z Posted January 23, 2005 Share Posted January 23, 2005 Ok, so if I go with the tremec, what is the roundabout figure, considering I get a decent clutch/flywheel package. Also: Will I need a special starter? Will there be problems clearing the slave cylinder with the exhaust, I.E. is this a wide tranny? How is the setback of the stickshift? Lastly, does anyone here have one for sale? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mikelly Posted January 24, 2005 Share Posted January 24, 2005 I posted part numbers in the drivetrain section in a thread about the Gforce T5. Check with online vendors, but cheapest i found the Tremec for was $1490, brand new. Mike Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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