Question: T56: LT1 VETTE VS 4TH GEN LT1 DIFFERENCES?

[brushwolf]

Even though I sold my C4 (no room for kids), I thought you guys would be the ones that could answer these questions: What are the differences between the 1989-1996 Corvette T56 six speed and the T56 transmissions used in the Camaro and Firebird from 1993-1997? My Trans AM (has back seat for kids) lost 5th and 6th gears today and I can get a good price on a NOS 89-96 Corvette T56. Have heard it has been put in other cars and possible differences are rear spline is TH400 yoke instead of TH 350, speedometer drive might be different and possible shifter location slightly off.
Anyone familiar with both these transmissions that could clarify the odds of swapping the Corvette LT1 T56 into the LT1 Firebird? Thanks a lot. Mike

 

[93Rubie]

Well, my first post here too...but to the best of my knowledge the 89-96 Corvettes with the 6 speed where all ZF 6 speed transmissions NOT the T56. At least my 93 is a ZF6 speed, b/c thats what is stamped onto the case of the tranny. The T56 was the tranny in the C5 Corvettes, however, you probably could swap one of those into your Trans Am.

 

[G Winter]

93 Ruby is correct the ZF 6 sp was used only in the 89 to 86 corvette. The T56 was not used in corvette till 1997. The ZF has a bell housing specific to it.I questioned the ZF Doc about switching from the ZF to the T56 in my 90 corvette when I thought I had problems with it. He said they do NOT interchange. Might be able to make it work, don't know.

Here are a couple links... Google T56 transmission leads you to a lot of links.

Borg-Warner T-56 transmission - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Tougher T56 Transmission - Tech Article - Chevy High Performance Magazine

T56 6 Speed Conversion for 82-92 F-bodies

Glenn

 

[vetteoz]

The T56 was the tranny in the C5 Corvettes, however, you probably could swap one of those into your Trans Am.

Highly unlikely; the C5/C6 trans are part of the rearend , not a standalone trans like ZF6 /T56
See


The ZF6 bolts to a LT1 .You have a LT1 therefore it will bolt up with right flywheel / clutch.
Will it clear , will shifter be in right spot; that is what you have to work out.
Will need trans crossmember mods to mount trans because ZF6 had a C beam , no rubber trans mount.
Good market out there for ZF6's. If price is right buy it and sell again to get good T56 for your car.

 

[G Winter]

I priced a ZF -6-40 at a salvage yard a couple weeks ago.
They wanted $1800 for a used one.There are new on ebay for about $1400 plus shipping but they are the newer style not quite as strong as the old style.

BTW what kind of price on the corvette transmission ?

Glenn

 

[KANE]

...Anyone familiar with both these transmissions that could clarify the odds of swapping the Corvette LT1 T56 into the LT1 Firebird? Thanks a lot. Mike

Mike-

Unfortunately, the ZF is different and won't be a drop in for our Fbodies.

Have you tried Craigslist in your area? I've seen engine/tranny combos for $1200 before & a couple T56s for under $1000.

 

[vetteoz]

I've seen engine/tranny combos for $1200 before & a couple T56s for under $1000.

lt1 garage sale - CamaroZ28.Com Message Board

 

[brushwolf]

ZF 06 transmission replacing T56 in LT1?

I appreciate all the responses, but there appears to be some disagreement here. So the ZF 06 is not really a T56 transmission? I was wondering why some of those trannies in ads show made in Germany, although some are made in US too. I understand they were successive versions and require different clutches than the other version. Yes, I have looked around Craigslist and Ebay however for the F Body 6 speed they seem to be asking almost as much as a rebuild would cost and of course, maybe its not in better shape than mine is overall. so, the $1,400 for a new one,even if couple minor changes required lile the yoke and clutch (if tranny out might as well replace at 118K anyway...) seemed a lot better deal than $1,400 to $1,700 for a used unknown. Anyway, if any of you have anything to add to help me reconciel the different opinions, please do so. Thanks, Mike

 

[93Rubie]

The earlier ZF's were made in West Germany as is stamped on mine. I think sometime in 93 or 94 they made the change to usa made zf's. Same trans, just made in a different place. I dont about the clutch, someone with more knowledge than I will have to chime in on that one.

 

[vetteoz]

So the ZF 06 is not really a T56 transmission?

Completely different trans ZF6 obviously made by ZF Industries in Germany (black tag ); the later "blue tag " version under license in USA ) T56 made Borg Warner Borg-Warner T-56 Info on ZF6 swaps using F body clutches DigitalCorvettes.com - ZF6 Transmission faq/information

 

[brushwolf]

Install of ZF in 1994 Fbody?

Thanks for that link! It answers a lot of my questions and opens that option back up. Thnaks, Mike