Thread: T56 or 4spd

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Anyone have much experience with the T56? Thinking about using it with my small block chevy build. I originally wanted a 4spd but I guess the streetability aspect will force me into an overdrive tranny. Thanks for any input yall have.

Definitely go with the 5 speed, the overdrive is great if you're going cruizin' as it allows you to run a deeper gear in the back and still go play on the freeway at a decent rpm..... Depending on your horsepower, might want to step up to a TKO, either a 500 or 600. Mike Forte advertises on here and has a ton of experience plus all the goodies you'll need to make it a simple conversion!!!!!

I second Dave's suggestion that you contact Forte's Parts Connection. I followed Dave's suggestion and called Mike a couple of weeks back. He's a wealth of info, and will put together a package that fits your needs and is complete to the necessary bolts. I sent him a check today for a TKO 600, the TCET 5008 with .64 OD. Mike ran through all of the numbers, told me I was making a mistake with 3.50 rear gears, and suggested 4.11's that will be great with the aggressive OD. Mike is the man for TREMEC's.

BTW, thanks, Dave for suggesting I call Mike.

The last two four speeds I had felt like there was something missing. I really love 5 and six speeds anymore.

im thinking about using a T56 with a 427 center oiler. I'm running 3.89 gears in my 67 fastback GT. Currently I have a close ratio toploader in it. Any suggestions?

Originally Posted by uarksigep

im thinking about using a T56 with a 427 center oiler. I'm running 3.89 gears in my 67 fastback GT. Currently I have a close ratio toploader in it. Any suggestions?

PM or send an email to Mike Forte, betcha he can fix you up with exactly what you need plus take care of all your questions and concerns.... Really first rate customer service, btw.

Hi stirfy89,
If your building a SB Chevy and want a NEW T-56 Magnum or any related parts to assemble it I have everything. If you have a T-56 now, call me with the tag number and don't buy a used one unless it has a warranty.
Hey guys,
Thanks for the kind words....

Thanks for all the info guys. I called Mike and he gave me a ton of great info. I believe Ill be geting a 6 speed conversion kit after I get done with Xmas.

I did a lot of research regarding the T-56's. They are EXPENSIVE! depending what motor you are running, but i was looking at a Chevy LS series and they are $2000-2500 for one to fit that. The LT1 style i believe mates up to a standard small block chevy that most street rods get in them though, so you can find those cheaper, but still $1200-1500ish. The cheapest ones are actually out of a dodge. you can pick them up for $800ish all day long out of vipers and SRT-10 rams. If you are going to rebuild it anyways, get one of these, they are heavier duty, rated for 650 ft/lbs of torque i think. Every other T-56 is only rated for 400 ft/lbs of torque. Obviously they hold up to more than that since the new 'vettes are running them with more than 400 ft/lbs of torque, but those are light cars. The 3 differences from the dodge to the Chevy is the input is longer, output shaft is larger diameter and bell housing (jegs sells correct bellhousings). Rebuild it and swap the input shaft in the process and you have a tougher T-56 and run the Dodge yoke on the front of the drive shaft. Supposedly ALL T-56's are the same internals, besides some updated with different shift forks, but for various uses (ford, dodge, GM) they use different shafts. The dodge ones also have the viper logo/emblem in the casting so you can tell them apart.