81 Vette LS1

**Whitfield** · 01-28-2009, 10:34 AM

I'm looking at swapping an LS1 into an 81 Vette. What would be the best manual transmission to go with, that wouldn't cost $5k? What other mods would be needed to make the swap? Thanks!

**Wesman** · 01-28-2009, 11:06 AM

Originally Posted by Whitfield

I'm looking at swapping an LS1 into an 81 Vette. What would be the best manual transmission to go with, that wouldn't cost $5k? What other mods would be needed to make the swap? Thanks!

I would try and get an LS1 with a T56 trans coupled to it as a package. That way you don't have to go and try and find a transmission to match, just drop it in an go.

I'd try ebay, there's always at least a few LS1/T56 combos packages floating around for reasonable prices.

**Ryans99LS1** · 01-28-2009, 11:21 AM

ls1/t56 combo is the only way to go IMO. I swapped a t56 into mine and the whole swap cost about 2k. so i bet you could find whole combo for 4-5

**Whitfield** · 01-28-2009, 11:25 AM

Originally Posted by Ryans99LS1

ls1/t56 combo is the only way to go IMO. I swapped a t56 into mine and the whole swap cost about 2k. so i bet you could find whole combo for 4-5

That's what I was hoping to hear! Thanks!

**bigrondownhiller** · 01-28-2009, 01:26 PM

Just check the dimensions on the t56. It might be too big for the tunnel. What tranny is in it now?

**Whitfield** · 01-29-2009, 05:45 AM

Originally Posted by bigrondownhiller

Just check the dimensions on the t56. It might be too big for the tunnel. What tranny is in it now?

Thanks for the heads up. the stock 3 speed auto is in it now. After I saw your post I spoke to someone with an LS6/T56 combo in an 81 vette and he said it was a tight fit but no modifications were needed for the tunnel.

**vetteemt** · 01-29-2009, 08:27 AM

You well want a LS1 and T56 from a Camaro or Firebird. They came with throttle cabled throttle bodies and not fly by wire that’s in the LSX Vettes. It’s pretty simple to attach your old carb throttle cable to the end of the TB cable on the LS1 and just pull it back through the firewall and attach it to gas peddle. If your 81 vette is a manual then its not to bad to hook you the clutch peddle to a T56, but if you don’t have a peddle all ready, I highly recommend getting a LS1 with a 4L60E Auto transmission, it makes the install so much easier. 81 Vettes are still the 3rd Gen C3 body style. From the factory in 68-75 with the big block the put Turbo 400s in with room to spare. I would not worry about the room issue. Also the 81 cross member did not come with dual holes in it to allow dual exhaust, but 68-79 cross members did, so you might just want to find and buy an older cross member and just make your own transmission bracket for it.