Thinking about dragging my 73 into the shop for a T56 Magnum comversion
 

I've had this car for a while and have not done much with it. I was thinking of putting a T56 magnum in it. I saw there are hooker trans hump weld in tins but no mention if they work with a console. Id be interested in hearing from any one that has done this conversion. I have a column, 3 pedal assy and the right crossmember sitting in storage. I would need everything else. I just finished a 400 "butchers special" from parts i had shelved. it should go 500-550 hp w/o power adders. I am waiting on my turn for the local dyno.

I put a T56 Magnum in my 70. I had to cut up the floor and modify the factory console. Had to flip the shifter to the forward position, which put it over a big gear and makes it prone to leaks. Bowler has a shifter that won’t leak, but it’s expensive. I love the transmission. But if I had to do it again I would buy a TKX. Building a similar car with my son and that’s what will go it it.

In order to get all of the drivetrain angles correct you need to cut the floor for the T56 magnum. Although that really isn’t a huge deal since the floor could be returned to stock with some welding. That being said I’ve been told the TKX fits very well in the stock tunnel. The TKX isn’t as strong as the T56 magnum, but that probably doesn’t matter to most making under 700hp.

I highly recommend you look into the TKX. Fits without any floor pan modifications, fits stock console location, and driveline angles work out good.

It may not have a double overdrive, but what the TKX lacks in the 2nd overdrive, I feel it makes up with its non intrusive install.

I put one in my 71 with a Gen V LT4. It handles the power fine, and shifts like butter.

Here’s an interior pic.

Stan

Had this conversion done on my '73. It was an auto with the console. My mechanic told me it was hard to do but the only hole he cut was for the shifter.
Here is a link on the build. Focus in on posts 12 through 16.

https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...=839167&page=3

Had the same transmission installed in a '70, but the conversion was already done for a Muncie 4-speed. Turned out the Muncie was a core. took it out and installed a T-56. Again the only cut was the original hole for the Muncie.

I know the fitment was correct as both cars drive very well.

Lastly, had a t-56 put into my '70 GTO. Was a factory 4 speed with nothing cut to my knowledge to install the Tremec.

Thanks for all the replies and link to the build.

Scarebird,

Never did a formal thread. I finished it 3 years ago. It was highly frowned on on this site at the time to remove the Pontiac power. I respected the culture at the time and participated about other topics.

I have posted some in the last couple years about it here. I’m sure you can find some info by searching my posts. I’m more than happy to share more to anyone interested.

Stan

I couldn't get the driveline angles anywhere close to where they needed to be without cutting the floor for the T56. In part, this may have been due to the fact that my engine sits 1.5" further back than the factory location, and the car's ride height is about 2" lower. Even without these mods, I suspect the tail of the transmission would need to be pointed down quite a bit for it to fit an uncut trans tunnel...I don't know for sure, for I mocked everyone up after the mods were done...But if it points down too much, in addition to figuring out if you can adjust your pinion angle enough to make it work, you have to think about how this might create interference issues with headers, fan shroud, etc.

I get it. I’m sure people frown on my 70 TA build. In the end it can all be returned to stock or close to it. LT4 is a great engine. T56 is a great transmission. I think it’s a fantastic build :cool2:

Stan65 & R70Judge,

Don't let the comments from other people get you down. The car belongs to you not them. Do with it as you see fit. The way I look at it is the build is for you not them. They can only wish they had a car like you guy's.

Enough said.

Jim

x2 on your thoughts regarding the TKX...I believe it's around 35lbs lighter than the Magnum as well.

I love the LT4 in my '18 ZL1...must be awesome in your 71! I looked into putting one in a '79 a while back, but there didn't seem to be much off the shelf stuff for that swap so we went with an LQ4 (now 408) to keep things simple. Did you have to fabricate much yourself to make it work or has the aftermarket caught up?

When I first started putting things together in 2015, there was a few companies embracing them. I have a Detroit Speed subframe. I used their motor mounts for an LS. I just had to fab the aluminum flat plate part to replace the ones for the LS as I didn’t want to stack adapters. It was pretty easy.

The headers, I worked with Jim at Ultimate Headers to create the first set of Detroit Speed subframe with a LT swap headers. We shipped them back and forth 4 times to get the tight to floor fit I wanted.

The FEAD, I bought from Drive Junky. Wasn’t cheap, but it worked great and everything fit.

I have a Holley pan. That was easy.

I used the GMPP controller and harness. Once again, easy and it behaves with the tuning you would expect from an OEM.

For the trans setup, went with a Quick Time bell housing, and a center force DYAD clutch setup. I also used an American Powertrain Hydramax throwout bearing setup. All to fit a TKX behind a LT. (Some of the build pics have a TKO in them. I was very unhappy with the shift quality above 5K so I swapped it for a TKX and have been 100% satisfied.

For the throttle pedal setup, I used our own Scarebirds pedal mount bracket for a LS. They fit exactly the same

For the fuel system, I used a Ricks Restomod tank with a ZL1 pump. (Works perfect with the GMPP fuel pump controller that was part of the GMPP controller package).

I did A LOT of custom fabrication, but I wanted an OEM look. Most wouldn’t be necessary to just be a functional car.

Very nice. Love the nod to Pontiac blue. Build what makes u happy and screw the naysayers

Very nice Stuart!


Still around Toledo area?
We'll be back there today for a couple months.


:)

Holley has the 70-74 Camaro/Firebird Hurst T56 Magnum conversion crossmember on sale for $72.95 right now! It retails for $457 :eek:

I just ordered one to hold on to for my T56 Magnum conversion later. Get them while they last!

https://www.holley.com/products/driv...parts/67510015