t-56

[Sueboylx]

My tremec 3650 tranny just went out in my 01 bullitt. My friend has a t-56 out of a firebird, and I was wondering if it is possible to make this work in my car?

 

[Dragstr05]

Short answer - yes.

There are swap kits available. The only thing I can think of that you need is a shorter driveshaft, but there may be a couple other things.

 

[DerekStangGT]

a shorter driveshaft and diffferent crossmember for sure, thats about it i think

 

[bdcardinal]

you will need a bellhousing as well. LSx bellhousings do not match up to ford modular ones.

 

[DerekStangGT]

you will need a bellhousing as well. LSx bellhousings do not match up to ford modular ones.

ah yes, i overlooked the fact that its coming from a cheby/GM/ponticrap

 

[bdcardinal]

i think Lakewood might make one. im actually in the search for an SFI approved one for using a viper t56 to a ford.

 

[BennyBlown2v]

And you gotta add all the hydraulic clutch junk that the GM trans use, right? Seems NOT worth it to me!

 

[bdcardinal]

you should still be able to use the ford linkage. you might need a diff input shaft but other than that everything from ford should bolt right up.

 

[SilverBullet00]

From what I have read you need a different clutch as well

 

[TweekedGT]

New driveshaft, reposition transmission cross member, and you will need a new clutch. It will have a different splined input shaft than your 10 spline. TKO500 and 600's have a 26 spline I believe so most likely the T-56 will as well. Check it out for sure before you buy the Tranny. Could be a long laundry list of parts to change.

 

[Tripoli]

I'm going to be buying a T56 conversion kit from D&D Performance. It comes with the transmission, custom crossmember, the bellhousing, and an aluminum driveshaft. There are two options: standard spec and viper spec. The standard spec will accept your stock clutch and the kit costs $1,100 less. The viper spec requires a 26-spline clutch plate.

My understanding is that the T56 from a GM will not wire up to a Ford without some additional custom work.

 

[Sueboylx]

thanks for all your replies everyone. i don't think I'm going to go that route considering all the modification costs. And with all the problems I keep reading about other peoples 3650's, I really don't want another one. I did however, end up finding a brand new t45 for $450.00. Was wondering what I would have to change other than the shifter to make it work? Seems as though the clutch and everything else should work. Anyone know for sure?

 

[BennyBlown2v]

T45 WORSE than the 3650, honestly. I would spend that money and get your 3650 rebuilt if you still have it, or buy a TKO (again, they have their problems too), or a new T-56 from D&D.

 

[Sueboylx]

Really? I know a lot of people still running their stock t45 after 100k miles with no problems. I'm going to keep the mods pretty mild on the car. Just don't want the 1-2 grind or other 3650 problems. Plus rebuilding my 3650 is going to cost like $500-$600 considering it needs a new bellhousing on top of sychros and what not. I know a t-45 sounds like a step back in performance, but it almost sounds more reliable for a mild daily driver. Any other opinions on this?

 

[Shiroelex]

I'd say go for the T-45, since they are plentiful, and cheap. I just hit 75k with mine, and it's still running strong, after some serious beating on. After I did my clutch, pivot ball and fork, and filled her up with synthetic Synchromesh, it is the best shifting transmission I have ever felt.
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[four six]

T3650s are a crap shoot. Some are built to last and some die early Honestly Im with Benny on that issue. Ther T3650 is much smoother and a little stronger