been thinking i might start collecting parts to swap over the th400 to a t56 magnum. i was looking at the bendstens 4-5 speed bellhousing and see if i can do some machining to make a t56 fit. i might take a billet nailhead flywheel and have it machine to accept a t56 pressure plate and clutch assemble and use a hydraulic throwout bearing. would like any suggestions.. Paul 66lark gs turbo 401 nailhead
There is a T65 in our Mustang Cobra. It sees close to 750 HP at the wheels and weighs in at about two tons (heavy convertible). The only upgrades to the stock transmission were a 26 spline input shaft and new (better) syncros and forks. Liberty Transmission in Mi did the rebuild. Before the rebuild, it ran for over 30,000 miles and had at least 15 trips to the drag strip at around 500 rear wheel HP using the stock 10 spline input. It uses a cable system that I think would be cheaper to adapt to another car. It is a very notchy shifting trans that needs an aftermarket shifter. The MGW shifter is huge improvement over the stock shifter. I also know that the trans tunnel will need some modification for this trans to fit in an A-body. The gear ratios are: 1st - 2.66, 2nd - 1.78, 3rd - 1.30, 4th - 1.00, 5th - 0.80, 6th - 0.63. The rear gear is 3.55 with a 26" tire. There is a Viper spec T56 with a a wider gear ratio beginning at 2.97 in 1st and ending at .5 in 6th. First has been almost useless at 2.66 with 500 RWHP to the tires. So, I think 2.97 would only compound the traction issue. Cheryl
I have a T56 and an LS1 in my '55. I would love to swap to a Buick engine especially a nailhead, but I'd like to keep the T56. If you figure this out, build one for me!
I would like to think that Bendstens would assist in the whether it could be made to fit your needs. One of these days I hope to see your beast. Wish I thought about a manual trans when I started my Henry J build with the 425 nailhead in it now.:spank: Don
I believe Eelco is gone. A T56 swap is also a fairly different animal than just an adapter and/or a kit like a regular stick swap. Even to a "regular" BOP engine, it's not straightforward and the nailhead will prove even worse. Bolting the engine to the trans is the easy part of the BOP swap, it seems like there are many other variables. I would also like to maintain the hydraulic throwout bearing, master cylinder etc. that is already in the car. Eric
i talked to marty hes still making stuff just has his company forsale at least thats what he told me a month ago
OT,but i have to say one thing from the Eelco's adapter kit for TH-trans.I bought that kit few years ago.First i waiting it over three months.Of course it was paid same time when i made order. I was relly disapointed when i got it and i notice that engine side flexplate diameter was almost 3/8" too small.It meaning that starter teeth doesnt hit 100% to flexplate teeths,so everyone know what happens to new starters gear.Eelcos flex plate has 166 teeth which correct,but diameter is too small.And of course after bad contact,every flexplates gear weldings cracks off I made new one from SBC flexplate and now i can use small Chevy starters.
Paul, I've 99% decided I need to get rid of the LS1 and go with a nailhead. If you make any progress with this, please let me know. Thanks.
sorry i didnt respond back, i was away with my shop students for a contest in kansas city. i have talked with a machinest that is a friend of mine and he says he will take a shot at it. i havent started collecting parts yet but will shortly. i am going to start hitting some swap meets to find a gd deal on a t56
It sounds like Bendstens is out (at least for a stock T56) Dear bbendtsen, I would like to do a nailhead to a T56 6-speed that is currently behind an LS1. Will any of your adapters work for that? Will this one work with mods? Any thoughts? Thanks. Eric. Dear ecna, My bellhousing will work with the T56 Magnum from Kiesler if I reduce the overall height. Bob Bendtsen Dear bbendtsen, Thanks for the reply Bob. It's an LS1 T56 from a Camaro. It's already in the car ('55 Special), so the crossmember, pedals, hydraulics is all already worked out. I'm just looking to get rid of the LS1 engine and go back to a Buick. Is it still an option for the stock LS1 T56? If so, what would the custom or modified bellhousing from you cost? Thanks, Eric Dear ecna, No your LS1 T56 will not work. Like I said, it would have to be a Magnum T56 from Kiesler.
I get it that you like Eelco. They don't seem to have a website any longer, they don't have the parts for this conversion... so I don't see how they're relevant. I'd love for this to stay on topic and see if we can make any progress with getting a T56 behind a nailhead.
i think this might work. use a bendstens t5 adapter to nailhead and run this plate. i am thinking that machine/drill a stock nailhead flywheel to accept a the ls1 pressure plate and clutch. i am sure if someone new the diameter of a stock clutch you could get a t56 clutch in that same measurement. lets here some comments.. this looks like a more cost effective way http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/T56-...r_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item53e80d8620 paul 66lark gs turbo nailhead
From the comment from Bendstens, it sounds like the input shaft length is an issue? The T-10 4 spd used on 65-66 GS has an input length of about 6", including the end that fits into the cranks pilot bushing. Rumor had it the EELCO bellhousing was a different depth than stock or Bendstens. Ted posted a pic on the board once upon a time. Flywheels.... my buddy had an unknown flywheel that bolted to a nailhead crank, but was a slightly different diameter. I believe it turned out to be a BB chev flywheel. Maybe a T56 bbc flywheel would work...... but engine balance and starter issues would need to be corrected.
Pic of Ted's EELCO bellhousing below. He reports it's 1/2" shallower than stock. Measured my stock '65 Skylark GS bell, it's approx 5.550" deep. That would put the EELCO at approx 5" deep. Lakewood doesn't list any steel bellhousings less than 6.125" deep. Too bad since a steel bell would be easier to modify than an alum one. Stock 65 flywheel is 14" OD, 166 teeth. Are there any other manufacturers of steel bellhousings?
The listing says to use with the LS1 T56, I thought you were looking to go with a Magnum. The input shaft lengths are quite different. It's looking like the Magnum might be easier to work with than the LS1. I've even thought of going with a 455 to make things easier (I've decided I just NEED to get rid of the Chevy), but the LS1 T56 seems to make things difficult either way. The LS1 and T56 combo seems to bring a decent buck, so if I could figure out an exact route, I might just sell everything and either get a T56 Magnum or maybe even a TKO which seems a little easier.
