Transmission switch

[78formula78]

ok i have a 78 firebird formula that i just picked up and its got a 350/350 combo thats stock right now but i wanna put in a 400 and t-56 i know how and what all i need to do to put in the engine but im not positive about all that imma need to do to put in the trans mission i know it would be eaiser to just put in the 4 speed but i want those 2 extra gears and if im gonna do it i might as well do it right, what im asking is can somebody tell me just how difficult this project is and if theres some place i could find out some info on the steps involed.


ohhh and i just wanna say that this is my first post so go easy on me

[Trash man]

gonna need to make sure its a chevy 400 as the BOP bellhousing was different, prob gonna have to custom fab up a crossmember for the tranny and the flywheel. ur gonna need a 2 peice one(bigger bolt circle) compared to the 1 peice ones. im sure there is more that im missing.

[78formula78]

Yea i was planning on a chevy 400 cause then i don't even have to worry about engine mounts and then im just changing from one small block to another small block and i figured i would need to fab a crossmember. i know there are ppl out there that have done a swap like this cause its not that much of a crazy idea

[Injuneer]

McLeod makes a "universal" modular, SFI-rated bell housing that allows the T56 to be bolted to virtually any engine. You do need to use the "LS1" version of the T56, not the version that was used in the LT1 F-Bodys.

http://www.mcleodind.com/index.asp

[78formula78]

well that'll make that easier but what about the crossmember am i gonna have to make it myself or does somebody have something i can "make" work?

[gregz]

Buy a Magazine

Just got my new copy of Car Craft.....Feb.2006. It has a story about changing from an auto to a stick on a f-body. It has suppliers names and web sites. Hope it helps

[78formula78]

thanks man looks like imma have to pick myself up a copy

[fastTa]

As far as the crossmember is concerned, many people have found it successful to simply modify the TH350 crossmber. Google it and I'm sure you will be able to find something with details.

[78formula78]

thanks man if i can just modifiy what i got that will save me some $$$ and hopefully it won't have to modify it to much