[mazdaspeed7]

I searched, but did not find a definitive answer. What is the difference between the GM and Ford T56, specifically the bell housing? Are the trannies the same, but with different bell housings, or does the bell housing attach differently? Pretty much, I want to know what it would take with the bell housing to make a GM T56 work on a Ford motor. And are the input shafts the same(diameter and spline count)?

One more thing, somewhat related. Do you need a different pilot bearing?

 

[Christoph]

Adam,

I have wondered the same thing as I have a GM T56 sitting in my basement.

I sent an e-mail to D & D Performance a couple of months ago regarding this issue. To make a long story short, they advised it would be cheaper to purchase a Ford specific T56 rather than convert the GM T56.

If you find out any different, PLEASE, post the results here...

Chris

 

[John in Houston]

Differences:

1. depth of bellhousing / bolt pattern is different on F-body & Ford T56.
2. Input shaft is completely different.
3. Output shaft is different (but could be handled with the correct DS yoke).
4. Tranny is setup for hydraulic throw-out bearing.

By the time you machined the bellhousing, swapped out input/output shafts & converted to the 'Ford Style' throw-out setup, you could have bought a new Ford T56.

Hope this helps.
John.

 

[mazdaspeed7]

What exactly is different about the input thafts? From what Ive seen, the diameter and cpline count is the same. The bell housing is not a problem at all. The GM bell housing is shorter, correct? Then use a spacer, and that will fix the bolt pattern problem also. As far as hydraulic T/O bearing, I wont be using this in a mustang. Its going in an RX7, along with a 351W. The RX7 already uses a hydraulic clutch system, so its just a matter of getting a hydraulic T/O/ bearing, which I was already planning, blc it really simplifies the clutch system on the swap.

Do you know if there is a difference in the input shaft where the pilot bearing goes?

Bottom line, I have to do a lot of fabricating whichever tranny I choose for the swap. I want to do it right the first time. I already need a custom driveshaft, speedo cable, and tranny mount, regardless of which one I choose. Machine shops dont scare me, and I have a hook up, so it wont drain my wallet either. and I can get a GM T56 cheap.

 

[Michael Johnson]

This link may answer a few questions: http://www.fortesparts.com/tremec/t56.html