I know it has been done, and it wasn't too bad, but some new parts were required to convert the LS1 T56 to work with an LT1.

 

Mike,
Cool!

You just made my day!

I have a line on a 2001 Firebird T56.

Mike

 

unless it irs really cheap, you might want to keep looking. You will need to change the bellhousing (not hard, might be expensive), and the input shaft (need to disassemble the tranny). Maybe Josh can give oyu some advice...

 

See what Jason said. Unless this tranny is known to be in PERFECT condition AND it's under $500, I'd pass......

 

I did this with my install as I got a smokin' deal on a near-new LS1 T56. You need to replace the bellhousing, midplate (front cover), and the input shaft. This requires a complete teardown. You'll also need to obtain the clutch fork, pivot, and slave cylinder spacer.

If you can find the parts used (check the Camaro boards), expect to pay $400-500. The cost of new parts is well over $1K

 

So, I will need the following parts from a 1994-97 T56 LT1:

1. Bell housing.
2. Input shaft
3. Midplate
4. Clutch fork and pivot
5. Slave cylinder spacer
6. Flywheel
7. Clutch

Do I need anything else as far as the transmission goes? (not including, rear end gears, drive line, conversion kit, etc.)

What is a slave cylinder spacer? is this a part from an F-body or adapter to make it work in a B-body?

OK, I need some more advice.

This is the story on the transmission: A buddy of mine is a mechanic at a car dealer. He is putting a new T56 in a 2001 Firebird under warrantee. The old transmission sometimes slips out of 3rd gear (that is why it is being replaced). I can get the old transmission (the 3rd gear problem would have to be fixed). The transmission has 17,000 miles on it and I can get it for free. Is it worth it?

Thanks guys!

Mike

 

Eric hit the nail on the head. The 3rd gear issue is probably the synchronizer assembly (~$150) and/or shift fork pads ($1).

For free, the price is right. Be prepared for a bit of work on the rebuild, or a good chunk of $ for someone else to do it. If someone else is doing it, you may come out spending less by getting the right trans in the first place.

The slave cylinder spacer is about $25 new. It is a block of aluminum that goes between the slave cylinder and bellhousing. It is an F-body part, but essential when using this clutch setup with the T56, no matter what car it goes into.

Josh

 

You will need a set of OEM GM LT1 clutch hydraulics too, or you can go with McLeod parts and convert to a push style in the process, if you choose to do that you can also forget about the clutch fork and pivot as they are only for the LT1's pull style clutch that is OEM in the f-body. McLeod makes a conversion for it though so you can use a more conventional push style clutch, Doug Wood on the forum has proven that you don't need to use it with a McLeod clutch either, plus it is about 10,000 times easier to bleed the hydraulics in his setup than in the LT1 setup. I still haven't managed to bleed the hydraulics in my car correctly, as the clutch has worn in though over the past 13K miles, the tiny bit of throw I am losing from the pedal due to the air in the hydraulics has become less and less apparent. Reverse is still tough, but I can get it to engage without any grinding or turning off of the motor.