The T56 transmission is one of the best and most potent. It is most commonly found in high-performance vehicles such as the Chevrolet Camaro, Corvette, and Dodge Viper. The T56 has a reputation for being a very tough and reliable transmission. It is also one of the most popular transmissions among car enthusiasts and gearheads.
It features a six-speed gearbox and can handle up to 700 horsepower. It is a very popular transmission for drag racing and track applications. The T56 is also available in a seven-speed version which is even more powerful and can handle up to 750 horsepower.
The after-market support for the T56 is excellent. Many companies make parts and upgrades for the T56. It is a very popular transmission to build, and there are many different ways to do so.
However, there are many different variations of the T56 transmission. This can make it challenging to determine which transmission will be compatible with your vehicle. In this article, we will compare the different variations of the T56 transmission and their compatibility with different vehicles.
Case
Externally, the T56 is almost similar in every aspect except when it comes to the Corvette. The transmission used in C6 and C5 bolts into the rear end housing at the output. The input links to the torque tube, which contains the prop shaft connecting to the flywheel and clutch. Because of this, the Corvette often comes with a different midpalate that seals the front of the transmission.
The bell housing is also different on the Corvette. It is not compatible with any other vehicle. The output shaft on the Corvette T56 is also different. It has a unique spline count that is incompatible with any other vehicle.
However, the seven-speed variant of the T56 can be found in the Cadillac CTS-V. The CTS-V comes with a different bell housing and mid plate. It also has a unique output shaft incompatible with any other vehicle.
Shifter Location
Different chassis have different shifter locations. For the Corvette, it is obvious that the shifter mounts on the torque tube and not the transmission rail. As such, it has a different shifter rail. The F-body connects directly to the transmission on the tail housing. This is the case with the GTO, only that it is offset and pushed back. The shifter handle is behind the tail housing, thus requiring a unique tail housing. The 2010-2015 Camaro SS and the 2008-2014 CTS V also used this setup.
It is recommended to mount the shifter directly to the transmission, as is the case with the F-body, for the best feel.
Tailhousing
The T56 transmission uses a variety of tail housings. The aluminum housing used in the Corvette, F-body, and GTO is the most common. This is a robust and lightweight housing. It is also the weakest of the bunch as it can be bent if not careful when installing or removing the transmission. The cast iron housing is much stronger but also much heavier. It is used in the CTS-V and the 2010-2015 Camaro SS.
The aluminum housing is often used in drag racing applications as it is the lightest weight option. The cast iron housing is often used in track applications as it is the strongest option.
Clutch
The T56 transmission uses a variety of different clutch setups. The most common is the single disc setup. This is used in the Corvette, F-body, and GTO. It is a robust and durable setup that can handle much power. However, it is not recommended for street use as it can be harsh and not very forgiving.
The dual disc setup is often used in drag racing applications as it can handle a lot of power and is durable. However, it is not recommended for street use as it can be harsh and not very forgiving.
The triple-disc setup is the most powerful and durable. However, it is not recommended for street use as it can be harsh and not very forgiving.
The quad disc setup is the most powerful and durable. However, it is not recommended for street use as it can be harsh and not very forgiving.
Input Shaft
The T56 transmission uses a variety of different input shafts. The most common is the 10-spline input shaft. This is used in the Corvette, F-body, and GTO. It is a very strong and durable setup that can handle much power. However, it is not recommended for street use as it can be harsh and not very forgiving.
The 26-spline input shaft is often used in drag racing applications as it can handle a lot of power and is durable. However, it is not recommended for street use as it can be harsh and not very forgiving.
The 30-spline input shaft is the most powerful and durable setup. However, it is not recommended for street use as it can be harsh and not very forgiving.
Output Shaft
The most common output shaft in the T56 transmission is the 10-spline output shaft. This is used in the Corvette, F-body, and GTO. It is a very strong and durable setup that can handle much power. However, it is not recommended for street use as it can be harsh and not very forgiving.
The 26-spline output shaft is often used in drag racing applications as it can handle a lot of power and is durable. However, it is not recommended for street use as it can be harsh and not very forgiving.
The 30-spline output shaft is the most powerful and durable setup. However, it is not recommended for street use as it can be harsh and not very forgiving.
In summary, the T56 transmission remains one of the best transmissions ever produced, and for the right reasons. If you are looking for a transmission that can handle a lot of power, is durable, and has a wide variety of options, then a rebuilt T56 is the transmission for you. However, if you are looking for a transmission for street use, you might want to look elsewhere, as the T56 can be harsh and not very forgiving.
