Long story short: I have been given a free T-56 from a LT-1 Camaro. I am planning a V8 swap in my miata and I need to know if I can change the bellhousing so it will work on a LS or SBF. I am trying to pick up the trans this weekend... so fingers crossed
It is not worth it to convert for LS, better off selling and buying an LS T56. It is not terribly difficult to adapt for a SBC but I have no clue about SBF.
I predict Curtis' spidy senses are tingling right now.
does anyone have a clue as to how much the thing is worth?
From what I've seen, $1,000-1,500.
Blitzed306 wrote: does anyone have a clue as to how much the thing is worth?
Not sure about the LT1 T56, but the LS trannys typically fetch ~$12-1500 or so in working condition.
In reply to Appleseed:
Beat me by a minute 
Ya, the LS transmissions have better synchros and the front plate is different since the LS cars had integrated throwout bearings/slave cylinder assemblies so the plate is flat faced, while LT transmissions have a spigot there.
It's honestly not worth much. The F-Body T56's are not level, if you stare straight at the input shaft, they are rotated about that shaft a significant number of degrees (20 IIRC). Also, they have a huge mount on them for the torque arm that gets in the way of swapping them into anything. Couple that with the funky clutches and weaker gears than the LS version, and you get the duck of the T56 world. As far as bolting up, the LT1 and SBC use the same bolt pattern, and the LS is identical but missing one bolt up top. As far as fitting it in a Miata, you may have to cut or the whole floor, it is a physically huge transmission. Still, it's worth about $500 or so.
We use the LS F-body T56 in our Miata conversions. I'm assuming Javelin's comments about the torque arm mount and the rotation only apply to the LT1 version.
Javelin wrote: It's honestly not worth much. (...) Still, it's worth about $500 or so.
I support this message because I'm looking for an LT1 T56 and I couldn't find one for under $2k.
Knurled wrote:Javelin wrote: It's honestly not worth much. (...) Still, it's worth about $500 or so.I support this message because I'm looking for an LT1 T56 and I couldn't find one for under $2k.
Wow, they are all way up there on Ebay. I'm going to have to stop by my warehouse and do some digging.
Toyman01 wrote:Knurled wrote:Wow, they are all way up there on Ebay. I'm going to have to stop by my warehouse and do some digging.Javelin wrote: It's honestly not worth much. (...) Still, it's worth about $500 or so.I support this message because I'm looking for an LT1 T56 and I couldn't find one for under $2k.
No kidding, yikes! I see complete LT1 runners all the time for what some of those guys are asking.
Appleseed wrote: I predict Curtis' spidy senses are tingling right now.
The force is strong with this one.
All T56 center sections are interchangeable. The case itself is the same casting and will take any of the gearsets. What made them fit in the different brands are input shaft, front plate, and bellhousing on the front, and output shaft and tailhousing on the back. But parts-bin shopping can make any T56 fit in nearly any vehicle. For instance, I have a TNET1247 T56 from a Viper that I had converted to GM on the input side, then had a GM tailhousing bored out to keep the 30-spline Viper output shaft but to use a GM shifter position. GM had the LT1/SBC style and the LS style which only really differs in length of the input shaft and bellhousing. There are conversion clutches that allow the use of an LS-type T56 behind an LT1 or SBC, and maybe vice versa.
Early (pre-98 Borg Warner units) had regular synchros, and cast shift forks. Higher performance versions like the Viper got carbon fiber synchros and steel forks. After Tremec took over in 98, they all got the better guts.
Long story short, if you feel comfy tearing into a T56, the conversion can be pretty cheap. If you have someone else do it, it gets pricey.
A good question is - what is your T56 out of? Early LT1 models (92-93) had lower gearsets to be used in 3.23 rear F-bodies and they are not rated for as much torque as the later ones. They are stronger than advertised and a fine gearbox, but they don't bring as much money as the later boxes.
Most boxes have the 2.66/0.50 gearset (first and OD ratios) and they are the ones that typically bring the $1000-1500 price tag if they are in good condition. Its hard to advertise it that way though... 2nd and 5th synchros tend to go quickly, so unless you know it to be a good unit and can stand by it, it won't bring that kind of money.
Regardless of what it is, you can expect at least $500 for it. I'd buy it if I didn't already have two sitting on the shelf waiting to go in projects.
So, what year?
No reason it won't bolt up with the truck flywheel, though still rotated.
I pick it up Sunday, I'll have casting/model numbers. I have never heard of a t56 case being clocked or rotated, I have heard of T5s being that way. Thanks all for the info and I'll update this when I get it
Knurled wrote:Javelin wrote: It's honestly not worth much. (...) Still, it's worth about $500 or so.I support this message because I'm looking for an LT1 T56 and I couldn't find one for under $2k.
When the heck did that happen?!? I mean LS ones and GTO ones yeah, but LT1? Shoot, you can buy complete running/driving LT1 F-Bodies up here for $2K all day long!
That photo shows the rotation counterclockwise when looking from the rear (note the orientation of the midplate versus the bellhousing) and the torque arm mount on the tail shaft housing. Note also that LT1 T56's have different gear radios internally depending on whether they came out of a 2.73 or a 3.23 rear geared car, and year.
I sold one for $1300 last year because I didn't want to lose the bench seat in the belair for the shifter.
93 LT1 T56
Borg Warner T56 6-speed Manual
Gear Ratios : 3.36, 2.07, 1.35, 1.00, .80, .62
& 2.97, 2.07, 1.43, 1.00, .80, .62
Spline : 26 input/27 output
Dimensions :
Torque Rating : 350 lb-ft & 400 lb-ft
94-97 LT1 T56
Borg Warner T56 6-speed Manual
Gear Ratios : 2.66, 1.78, 1.30, 1.00, .74, .50
Spline : 26 input/27 output
Dimensions :
Torque Rating : 450 lb-ft
patgizz wrote: I sold one for $1300 last year because I didn't want to lose the bench seat in the belair for the shifter.
I wouldn't let either of mine go for less than $3000, but I have a lot of money tied up in upgrades.
curtis73 wrote:patgizz wrote: I sold one for $1300 last year because I didn't want to lose the bench seat in the belair for the shifter.I wouldn't let either of mine go for less than $3000, but I have a lot of money tied up in upgrades.
i knew if i put it up at $1300 i'd have cash in a day.
So I got the transmission! I can't believe the guy just gave it to me. Now I need to determine what on it is. It has 1P2115162 stamped on the side, it has a bar code sticker on the top that has DFJ and Borg Warner automotive. It also has a blue metal tag near the tailshaft housing but it's raining cats and dogs and I couldn't snap. Pic of the blue tag
tis the giving season, i'll pm you my address if you don't want to use it and put it in a challenge car 
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