TrueGS300

I've had a lot of bumps on the road to my 700-800whp goal build. It seems like I hit that goal finally the other day only to have another auto trans failure. Even a built 800whp rated one which failed instantly with any real power going through it. My irritation with that aside... I'm done playing games and looking into a Tremec T56 Magnum swap. Unfortunately there is much less support for this as compared to the more popular/cheaper CD009 swap. Of course I'd like to go CD009 for the same reasons, but I see from the available sources that it becomes almost as expensive as a T56 with all the upgrades needed to hold my power level. Believe me, Collins having a nice swap kit is very tempting.

My reasons for wanting the T56 are pretty important though. It's common knowledge that it is a much stronger trans in stock from, and the gear ratios make a lot more sense for the GS300 with it's 3.92 final drive, especially for a street car/daily driver. I've read how close the gears are in the CD009 and you would need to shift at an annoyingly fast rate. This is fine for a drifter type build but not pleasant for a driver. And the T56 has a very tall 6th gear making it a very low RPM cruising speed for great fuel economy when just cruising. Consider that this is the trans used for many high end/high power cars like the ZR1 Corvette etc. So the gears can take you to much higher speeds and maintain low RPM cruising. Not that I care to go that fast, but with high power, the gears being taller won't feel long at all. All in all I think it's a way better trans for a DD. Thoughts? Arguments?

Consider too, my reason for the 800whp goal in the first place was the limiting factor of the auto trans I trusted to hold up. My engine is built to handle 1200whp and I can install a flex fuel sensor and run e85 relatively easy at this point and make an easy 1000+whp. Which I will do if I do the swap. Why not right? So that being said, I am leaving CD009 territory pretty quickly.

Just looking for input, thoughts, opinions on this. And does anyone know a company making a coprehensive swap kit like Collins, Serialnine, and SupraStore have done for the CD009? I've found Grannasracing, but they just seem to offer really just the trans and bellhousing and available clutch kits, not really a full make it easy kit with clutch pedal/master/shifter/crossmember/ etc etc. And I don't want a hard time figuring out ring gear setups for the starter or other odd issues people don't think about until they get held up mid install.

KyleH

iTrader: (1)

If I were going manual, T56 is the way I would be going for reasons similar to those you've given.

Check this link: https://www.grannasracing.com/collec...14149723127871

Includes cross member and shifter along with the adapter and a number of items needed. You'll still need to pick a clutch (they have them) and the other "manual swap" items (pedal, master).

TrueGS300

I did find them and filled out their online question-air/quote this morning, waiting for a response. Will see how much this realistically costs all items considered.

firelizard

iTrader: (1)

I can't answer about the T56, but I will add that the GS400, GS430 and pre-2004 SC430 & LS430 have a compatible 3.266 rear end.

SpectraBlu

iTrader: (1)

I bought the Grannas kit back in August 2021. It was 8k for the whole kit. It comes with everything for the swap, including crossmember, and 1 piece driveshaft. You can get it cheaper depending on what options you go with. I went with the Tilton ST246 twin disk clutch. The only thing you really have to figure out on your own is the mounting of the clutch pedal, everything thing else is plug and play. Unfortunately I can't share my experience installing it since I haven't even pulled the 1uz yet. I'm on a 6-8 month waiting list for my wiring harness/ecu, so I'm going to enjoy the V8 for a few more months lol. If you have any more questions, let me know. Joel is excellent with his customer service and I'm sure he probably already got back to you with a quote.

TrueGS300

Yes I got a quote from him promptly. It’s just shy of $10,000 USD. Really have to consider it. That’s quite an investment. But oh so fun I’m sure..

captainva

iTrader: (1)

https://hlspeedshop.com/products/98-...utch-pedal-kit

This place sells a kit for easy clutch mounting. I have no experience with it but I did see one person on facebook say that it worked well for them.

OkiStash

If I was dropping 10k I'd look at a v160 lol. Just to avoid adapters and what not. But I guess the magnum t56 should be strong enough to handle pretty much anything.

TrueGS300

Whatever I do will have to wait. Which sucks because I have invested a lot of time and money into this car already and each time I get close, something else happens. Time and money that needs to go to other things in life. I really just wanted to get back into it as my daily driver and it was so close this time. But another $10,000 and a good couple months of putting other things on hold to do the work is not feasible at this time. I'm a 2nd year first-home owner with a great many projects to get started on. I can't keep convincing my wife that the car will finally be complete this time and then I'll get onto other things lol. So sadly it's going to sit for a year or two and lose my interest again.

KyleH

iTrader: (1)

V160 would be nice but the parts are getting so scarce, given the option between the two, I'd go with the one that will have parts available for years to come. Sorry to hear she's going to have to sit, but that's how it is sometimes and completely understandable.

SpectraBlu

iTrader: (1)

I hear you man! I'm also a 2nd year first time homeowner and am always having the same conversation's, especially after we had to replace our well pump and the rest of the water system last month. Luckily I've been saving up and buying parts over the last 3 years. Keep your head up, we'll get there eventually lol