T56 behind L series: how it was done

[510six]

I have gotten several PM`s requesting information on how to mate a six speed T56 to the L series. A 82-83 zxt T5 bellhousing was used (a device to center both the trans and bellhousing was fabricated), a 3/4" aluminum adaptor was machined to accept the T56 bolt patern , this was then welded to the bellhousing and milled .080" . This ensured the input shaft fitted with the input shaft bearing , moved from the end of the crankshaft to the flywheel will work within the T5 bellhousing. A slave cyl from a 86 Nissan truck was used with a 280zx master, the pivot ball did have to be replaced with a shorter unit when using a multi disc clutch. The clutch discs also have to use the T56 spline pattern.

 

That said, a friend is currently working on an adaptor that would use any Nissan automatic trans bellhousing to the T56 trans utilizing the Tremec throwout bearing.

 

http://www.cardomain.com/member_pages/show_image.pl?bg=FFFFFF&image=http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/7/web/2071000-2071999/2071134_8_full.jpg

 

http://www.cardomain.com/member_pages/show_image.pl?bg=FFFFFF&image=http://memimage.cardomain.com/member_images/7/web/2071000-2071999/2071134_30_full.jpg

[RB26powered74zcar]

I wonder if a kit could be made to use a Nissan RB25 auto trans bell to mate to the T56?

 

Do these trans handle alot of torque?

[510six]

The auto bellhousing could be adapted using an aluminum plate in the same manner the T5 bellhousing was used and my friend`s ( Vern @ Raver Motorsports) idea was to use a bolt on adaptor , then it would be the matter of fabricating a spacer plate so the throwout bearing would have the proper throw to engage the clutch. With an LSI trans a pilot bearing would have to be placed in the flywheel as well.

 

The reason Vern chose to use the T56 trans is that He is building a VQ56 V8 for Bonneville and the double overdrive and the avalability of upgrades to 1200hp, made the T56 an easy choice. A stock LS1 T56 is rated for 450ft lbs of torque, however I shock loaded a stock LS1 with over 500 rwh and 490 fpt on slicks for over 200 hard drag runs before needing a rebuild.I opted for Rockland Standard Gears 750 rwh drag kit.

 

http://www.5speedtransmissions.com/6_speed.html

 

http://www.rsgear.com/transzilla.asp

[Eric_in_a_Z]

I see that I'm not the first person to have the idea of mating a T56 to a 83 280ZX L series engine. I know this post is old and the chances of hearing anything back are slim. However... 510six, how is the T56 to a 83 280ZX project coming? I would be very interested in hearing more on the subject and maybe where I can get a (kit) that would allow me to do that or at the very least a very detailed set of instructions.

[LanceVance]

Looks like the shop is closed, so I doubt they will be able to help you. If you search on some Honda forums you can find their contact info, if you still want to try though...

 

 

Oh what the hell, I'll make it easy:

 

ravermotorsports@earthlink.net

[xtreme_240z]

Um im not 100% sure on the type but we did a t5 out of a Mustang and attached it to a l28 stroker. Its allot of work but its much stronger then the t5 from Nissan. Eric if you got question on something like this i should be able to help ya out.

[Xnke]

Don't count on it being "much stronger"...Stock for stock, they are both rated at 300ft-lbs input. Internally, they are pretty similar, as far as component strength goes.

 

Now, an aftermarket mustang T5...that should be stronger!

[Eric_in_a_Z]

• Thank you guys for the input. I will keep extreme_240z in mind about information.

[Eric_in_a_Z]

I'll have to look into this a little more at a later date. I have a first into second hard shift with a little bit of grind changing gears issue. I suspect it will and only get worse. I've been told that its the synchronizer(s). I'll have to see what the mild to the wild options are.