Thread: T56 swap

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I am wanting to put a T56 in my 64 chevy c10 has anyone done this, and if so can i still keep the bench seat or does it have to go?

Thanks

Originally Posted by 1972chevy

I am wanting to put a T56 in my 64 chevy c10 has anyone done this, and if so can i still keep the bench seat or does it have to go?

Thanks

It may depend on whether you're talking the OEM T56 or the Aftermarket/Performance T56 Magnum. The Aftermarket unit offers a rear, mid, and forward position for the shifter. The rear and mid are a simple 180* flip of the cover and lever assembly, but the forward position requires an optional kit. The OEM unit has a fixed shifter position, determined by the application the tranny was designed for, and will have a lower torque rating than the Magnum. You can see both units on Tremec's site - this takes you to the OEM unit Tremec Transmissions, Technology in Motion You can get to the more flexible Aftermarket info up above in the "Products" tab.

I would think you would have a easy $5,000 into a T56 magnum.

T56 Magnum - Compare Prices, Reviews and Buy at Nextag

1972Chevy,
If you're serious about a T56 or another model you need to call a Tremec dealer and walk through your application with him. Mike Forte (username mike forte on CHR) is one of their premier dealers, and has been involved in several modifications to the Tremec offerings over the years, as well as developing some accessories for them on his own. Mike put together a TKO600 package for me a couple of years back, and it inclulded the tranny, bellhousing, clutch/throwout bearing/pilot bearing/clutch fork, block plate, starter and a hydraulic slave clutch cylinder that's his design. The tranny was $2195 and the total cost for the package, delivered to my door was $3143. He's across the country from you, but you won't find a better guy to deal with if you can accept a few days on the shipping. Tell him Roger in Kansas City sent you if you call him!

FORTE'S PARTS CONNECTION INC.
40 PEARL STREET
FRAMINGHAM, MASS. 01702
(508) 875-0016

Yep.The TKO 5 speed is a lesser cost and I do like the three position shifter locations on it.The 500 series isn't the close ratio that the 600 series is.

In the Aftermarket/Performance Line:
TKO500 - 5spd, up to 500ftlbs torque
TKO600 - 5spd, up to 600ftlbs torque
T56 Magnum - 6 spd, up to 700ftlbs torque
All three have the rear, mid and front shifter location, with the front most position requiring an optional kit to utilize that position. OEM Tremec's are designed specifically to the OEM specs, and have a fixed shifter location, lower design torque ratings, and other internal component modifications specified by the OEM to pare back unit costs. Each of the Aftermarket/Performance tranny's offers two different ratio spreads, depending on your application. The T56 is about $800 more than the TKO600, so the total cost for a package like I bought should be in the $3900 to $4000 range. It's the old adage, "You get what you pay for".

TR-3550 TKO TREMEC 5 speed

Originally Posted by 1gary

TR-3550 TKO TREMEC 5 speed

JAM is a vendor for Tremec, based in Columbus, IN. Do yourself a favor and call Mike Forte.

1972Chevy,
I'm done here. If you have any questions of me feel free to PM or e-mail me. I'll not be posting here again unless you come back with a specific question addressed to me.

Again, best of luck in your quest for the best fit for your truck.

I have exchange posts with Mike before. He is very knowledgeable. I hope you continue to post/share your project stick shift on the forum for all to learn from.It is what makes the forums work.

My last post shows illustrations,gear ratios,dimensions,specs,etc. Hope it helps you some.

Originally Posted by 1972chevy

I am wanting to put a T56 in my 64 chevy c10 has anyone done this, and if so can i still keep the bench seat or does it have to go?

Thanks

For a pickup with notoriously poor traction and a rig that will spend most of it's time on the street, the OEM version should do just fine, an entire assembly, clutch, bellhousing, and transmission out of a Camaro or Firebird would be more then adequate. Seen used units on Racing Junk and eBay lately priced in the $2,000.00 to $2800.00 range!!!! Anything else you might need for the application would be available from Mike Forte, Keislers, or a few other sources... Rather then just buying from a vendor who sells parts I'd highly recommend going through a shop like Mike's who has the experience installing the 5 and 6 speeds!!! It would probably save you some $$$$$ and a lot of aggravation!

Are you going to back haft this truck for a pro-street look??. That could be a game changer as to which tranny you would want to use. In terms of the bench seat or not,the TKO's multi shift locations might play a positive role. Take the ref link I left and measure where the shifter would fall out.