Motor/Trans 67-72 C10 Advice

[devildriver6]

Hey all... Been around for a long time, but I'm finally committed to building my dream truck of 35+ years.

I have a question though. More like looking for others opinions...

I'd like advice on which model/year car or truck I should be targeting when looking for a used donor for a LS/T56 combo, other than a Corvette.

And what should I be on the lookout for to make the swap more smooth?

Sorry for any ignorance in this post... I'm "knowledgeable", but no expert.

[Accelo]

The Corvette is not the best donor for a T56. The transmission is in the rear and too expensive to convert. The CTS-v, Camaro, GTO are the obvious choices. The used T56 transmission are 2/3 of new pricing. Don't leave out new to keep your options open. Also remember their are two basic versions. The model that bolts up to the old style SBC and the LSX version. The input shaft and bell-housing have to be replaced to switch them over and is not typically done for that reason. The LSX versions bring more money but both are expensive. The newer TREMEC TR6060 is also an option. Maybe you will get lucky but almost every part-out is already missing the motor and transmission as their popularity makes them expensive and somewhat elusive.

[Joyridin]

A 5.3l and a T56 are probably going to be the easiest to find. Get a later T56 from a Camaro or Firebird. I have a GTO T56 in my car and they have different gearing due tot he weight of the GTO. I like it, but many do not.

5.3l are pretty plentiful and you can get them for cheap. The problem with most LS based engines out of cars (not crate engines) is they have been out of production for a while now, so many have a ton of miles or need rebuilt. You can find Gen 5 engines for decent prices with low mileage, but it will cost more to do the conversion.

[devildriver6]

Originally Posted by Accelo

The Corvette is the last donor for a T56. The transmission is in the rear and too expensive to convert. The CTS-v, Camaro, GTO are the obvious choices. The used T56 transmission are 2/3 of new pricing. Don't leave out new to keep your options open. Also remember their are two basic versions. The model that bolts up to the old style SBC and the LSX version. The input shaft and bell-housing have to be replaced to switch them over and is not typically done for that reason. The LSX versions bring more money but both are expensive. The newer TREMEC TR6060 is also an option. Maybe you will get lucky but almost every part-out is already missing the motor and transmission as their popularity makes them expensive and somewhat elusive.

I appreciate the insight!

[devildriver6]

Originally Posted by Joyridin

A 5.3l and a T56 are probably going to be the easiest to find. Get a later T56 from a Camaro or Firebird. I have a GTO T56 in my car and they have different gearing due tot he weight of the GTO. I like it, but many do not.

5.3l are pretty plentiful and you can get them for cheap. The problem with most LS based engines out of cars (not crate engines) is they have been out of production for a while now, so many have a ton of miles or need rebuilt. You can find Gen 5 engines for decent prices with low mileage, but it will cost more to do the conversion.

Thank you for your reply. This gives me something to think about for sure!

[Ziegelsteinfaust]

Like mentioned above. T56's are expensive, and for that price I would go new.

A 5.3 bored to 5.7 with a TBSS intake is a great budget option. This is what I was looking to do when I decided to stay with my gen2 LT1 350.

If you look for gen2 LT1 6 speeds. Be careful they are not cheaply rebuilt as I have heard.

[LS short box]

The only way I would buy a 5.7/T56 combo is with full papers on their recent rebuild from someone you trust. Last 5.7/T56 in the Camaro was 2002.
Consider a TKO 600 five speed?

[mongocanfly]

i got a nice low mileage LS3/TR6060 out of a 13 camaro for not to bad a price..i could probably double my money on it now

[garyd1961]

You may want to consider an L31 vortec, looks more traditional and has more low rpm torque.

[Accelo]

A lot of good suggestions. Running a Vortec will save you a lot of money.

Most LS1,ls2's may have high mileage but that doesn't scare me especially if I can hear it run. Most the failures are on the rod bearings or camshaft.
The bore typically do not wear much. They are a very reliable motor especially in stock form. I changed the camshaft and added a LS6 intake and headers and made 354hp at the rear wheels with an automatic. Short story is it went from 350hp at the crank to 354hp at the wheels for under $1000. Considering 20% loss with the automatic it's roughly 415hp at the motor.

The extras add up quickly;
I have to mention the tune which was $550 extra.
The fuel tank, lines, and pump were over $1000.
Good news it it starts and runs flawlessly and can get over 15mpg on the highway.

Figure out the cost, for the LSX change over, and add $3000 to that and you might be close to the actual cost! I tend to forget things like radiator hoses, air cleaners, throttle cable, cooling fans and the relays to run it all.
Cheers.