Preping used t56?
 

Any suggestions for preparing a used T56 from a 1998 Camaro before installation? My thoughts are to completely fill the case with parts cleaner and let it sit overnight, then empty. Then fill completely with trans fluid then empty. Then put in the required amount of synthetic fluid.

No need. The dexron fluid that comes in it is an excellent cleaner. Also, pre 01 t56's are not supposed to use synthetic fluid. It messes with the synchro's some how. In 2001, they changed to graphite synchro's. This is just word of mouth knowledge from a few T56 shops I've talked to.

Thanks...I'll skip the synthetic fluid but I think I'm still going to flush it out. The other question I have is about the various electrical hookups. I'm using an LT instead of the Ls so I won't hook up the reverse lockout but I still have to have the selonoid in place. Can I get one at an auto parts store? Same question for backup lights and speedometer. Thanks again

The LT1 should use the same hookups at the LS1 for the transmission wiring. You want the reverse lockout solenoid to function properly...... Trust me. Its a real pain to run out to the car every time the other half wants to take your malfunctioning hotrod to the store :p

As far as cleaning it out- read the post above. If the fluid was that bad to begin with, it probably needs rebuilt. Do you know what fluids are in the solvent? You are dealing with paper synchro's designed to handle one kind of fluid :)

I know I can use the backup lights connector. The speedometer connection is electronic, the Miata has a mechanical speedometer so in order to use the T56 connector I'll have to change either the speedo or change the T56 tailshaft (I'm not gonna do that). I have no idea how I can hookup the reverse lockout switch. The LT is using a carb with MSD ignition system. No ECU. What power source would I use for the lockout switch? Additionally, I don't know where to get any of these switches. Not having any luck finding them on line. Thank you for your help.

HOORAY!! I found info I needed on Camaro web site.
GM part numbers: Lockout 19133262
speedo con: 24232088
backup switch: 14069600
Available from gmpartsdirect.com.

Lockout can be connected to brake lights wiring. Cool!!

Or you can run it off a momentary push button switch. As far as the speedo, Nathan's right up is the best in town for it.

If your going to be using a carb, why not go to the actual 350 so you can stay away from the fail prone Opti?

I hooked my reverse lock out to the brake lights and it works great.

I honestly would not put a used T56 in a car again without the recomended upgrades. Carbon synchros (then run synchromesh). Reshape synchro teeth on gears with die grinder Steel 3-4 shift fork. Bronze fork pads. Bronze shift cup. Move the reverse shift fork up the shaft 0.125 inches to get it to fully engage into reverse and not want to pop out. Check Interlock plate part#156 in tremecs manual for cracks.

MX, You're using a highly modified LT, with NOS, right? My engine uses a Dart 4 bolt main block, stroked to 383 inches, aluminum heads, forged crank, pistons, roller cam, dual plain intake.....They rate it at 500hp (crank, I'm sure) so about 350whp.....my point is that this trans came out of a 5.7 Z28. If I had the doe I'd sure have your recommended mods made but I'm hopeing that it will stand up to some minor hot rodding. All of you guys have been great in sharing your experiences. I really appreciate you taking your time to offer help.

CHPM....what is an "opti" and please tell who is Norm, Thanks

chpm....what is an "opti" and how do I find Nathan? Thanks

Are you just re-drilling the fork? I've never heard of this, but have dealt with a few T56's that would pop out of reverse, yet the synchro was in near perfect condition (even when I tried putting one in reverse instead of 5th at 140mph).

Opti = Optispark. The LT1's Achilles heel

This is the post I put on m.net http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread...&highlight=t56 with a link to a good thread on the subject.

I bumped it up because that is something a LOT more people should be looking at :)

2 1/2 years later and it is still working great. It now easily engages into reverse and stays there without holding it in. I also think that my earlier problems with the interlock plate had a lot to do with pushing so hard and trying to force and hold it in reverse.

I have some GM parts numbers that may help others with their T56.....
Speed sensor: 24232088
Speedometer connector: 24232988
Speed sensor bolt: 11561025
Reverse Lockout Solenoid Seal: 12523293
Reversse Lockout Solenoid: 125233300
Reverse Lockout Mounting Bolt: 12523302
Reverse Lockout Assembly: 191133262
Reverse Lockout Connector: 12101857
Backup Light connector: 14069600

gmpartsdirect.com prices are unbeatable.

http://www.gmpartshouse.com/

This place is a bit more expensive, but shipping is WAY quicker.

You'll notice GMPD will goose you on shipping.

Rolls-Royce is preparing to test an upgraded version of its venerable T56 turboprop to boost performance of the Lockheed Martin C-130, as well as cut fuel consumption by up to 12%.