jonmcintyre

Hey everyone. I have an 86 z28. Auto. Plan on doing the switch to standard. I have an Ls3 I'm dropping in the car as well. Just a few questions first. I know a lot of these threads have answers in them. Which is where I learned a lot of this stuff. But they can be very over whelming at times. Would jus like one centralized post for my questions. Answers and pictures are appreciated. (Especially pictures)

1) Is the Ls t56 the best bet money/install wise here ? From what I read. Front plate. Bell housing. Input shaft all would have to be changed ? Some people also saying that the ls1 is "weaker" than the lt1's. Any input ?

2) 3rd or 4th gen pedals ? Which is easier to install/better and why?

3) has anyone used Hawks swap kit before ? Any positive or negative feed back?

4) what are you guys using to cut the hole for the master cylinder. Holesaw? What size? How do I know it's in the right place?


Wiring an electrical is really my weakest attribute. Dumb it down as much as possible please. This is where pictures come in handy. Ima visual guy.

5) From my understanding. Yellow and Purple go straight to the pedal. Blue and Green go to the connector on the Passenger side of tranny for brake lights. The reverse lock out is what I'm really struggling with. Need all your help with that. Also reading that one of these needs to be grounded to work ?

Last one

6) getting my speedo to track the correct mileage/speed how does that work? Going to buy new speedo(digital). Would mechanical be easier ? I see some things about a VSS from Dakota. How exactly does that work ? Is it jus plug an play into the tranny ? Additional wiring? How do I know it's actually working properly speed/mileage wise ?


Thank you in advance for all your answers. Sorry if some of the questions seem dumb.
Also any tips or tricks for easier install would be helpful. Thank you!

jmd

iTrader: (4)

Plate/bell/input are used to convert a 94-97 LT1 T56 to LS1 style.
Internals interchange between them and 98-02. If an early box is bone stock and never been rebuilt, it could be weaker, but if gone through, it might be identical to an 02.

MoJoe

iTrader: (5)

1) The LT T56 is a bolt on, but you are limited to the pull style clutch. It worked for the factory, even with upgrades. Unless you are going to 400+ HP, you are likely covered. I think converting an LS to LT style is an expensive way to end up with a pull clutch. Spending a little more for a scattershield (Quick Time RM-6023) will let you run an LS T56 with a standard flywheel, push clutch and any concentric hydraulic bearing.
2) 4th gen pedals require minor mods; cut off the gas pedal, slot the top bolt hole. You don't have to jack with the stud size or location (which could snowball into pedal ratio, master:slave ratio, etc).
3) n/a
4) Hole saw + die grinder. The 4th gen pedals will put you close, but can flex a little bit. Research threads and measure carefully.
5) a) Cut blocking spring and man-handle it. Or, b) wire to brake light circuit (con: extra wear and tear, and can hit reverse at speed). Or, c) get a Samoco module for $100-ish...More info here. Or, d) get an EBL P4 for easy tuning with built in reverse lockout control.
6) Look up Alloy and get the tail housing converted to mechanical drive...

Additional swap reading...

jonmcintyre

awesome thanks man!

jonmcintyre

1) so me goin to be running an ls3, it d be better to grab one from a ls Camaro so I wouldn't have to convert anything, if I'm reading that correctly?
2) 4th gen pedals don't have to mess with the stud size or location , so youre saying with the third gen pedals I would have to? was reading its better to buy new hydr. any idea where? also which would you suggest be the easiest fit?
5) for that samco module, how exactly does that fit in with the rest of the wiring?
6) if I have an electrical guage is there an option for that or is it jus mechanical?
thanks for all the help!

jonmcintyre

ive read what seems to be like evry thread of this auto to t56. cant figure out how to get the speedo(electric) to read correct mph and mileage

MoJoe

iTrader: (5)

Would have helped if I noticed you are going LS3, and actually read your whole post...

1) Yes, getting an LS T56 would be easiest, and probably cheapest in the long run. Piecing a swap together will nickel ($50) and dime ($100) you to death to collect all the parts. However, LS T56 seem to be selling for a premium over LT T56s, so if you find a LT T56 cheap, it might not cost more to convert to the LS3. But... you then have to add a bell housing and other parts...

I would assume the cheapest route will likely be to find a 98-02 Camaro/Firebird being parted and get as much as possible... flywheel, clutch, hydraulics, bell, trans, shifter, pedals. Maybe even with the engine (resell), wiring harness (LS1 <> LS3?), gas tank (pump, charcoal can), pedals, etc. Sell off what you don't need.

2) One stud is bigger than the other, but I don't remember which way, so you'd either have to a) drill out the master eyelet to fit over the larger stud, b) fabricate a bushing to fit the bigger eyelet over the smaller stud, or c) mix and match third gen master with 4th gen slave. My preference would be to go all 4th gen. Then you simply purchase parts for a "2002 Camaro" and don't have to remember what you mixed and matched... Because, as far as the pedals, hydraulics, clutch and trans are concerned, you are driving a 2002 Camaro, and not an 86.

Now that i've re-read your post... With the LS3 and electronic speedo, #5 & 6 become non issues...
5) reverse lockout - the LS PCM will control that. Just run the appropriate wires from the PCM to the T56 reverse lockout solenoid.

6) electronic speedo - This should be programmable. A quick Google says the LS PCM puts out a 4000 pulse per mile (PPM) signal. Just connect the VSS+ and VSS- wires from the PCM to the speedo and program the speedo to 4k PPM.

jonmcintyre

dope that all sounds a lot easier! thanks! ill jus have to figure out how to program it