47 replies to this topic

[hatchssv8]

For continuity

L31SLR wrote

Looks like your having fun hatchssv8! From the pictures it looks like you have not had to widen or cut the trans tunnel yet. Did you look at aftermarket bell housings and find that they were not suitable? If the shifter ends up at the cover plate you can see in the top picture that does not look like too major a modification. How/where did you source your T56 gearbox? Can you give me an approx price you paid for the box?
Cheers for your help.
L31SLR Charlie
Maybe we should look at starting a T56 into LH/LX thread! Maybe the mods can help us move what we have started here into a specific thread?


Charlie,

To answer your questions

Yes I am having fun
The tunnel definately does not need widening (except to make room for the RLO solenoid at the extension housing), not 100% sure if the trans will contact the tunnel top when it is finally in position.
I did not look at aftermarket bell housings as the mods to the original are minor I believe (I will confirm as I go along)
The shifter (gear lever) will end up in same position as M20/1, which means I will also refit the console in its original position

I will need to mod the trans xmember, trim the trans casing of some metal (non structural), use an aftermarket shifer, and shortened prop shaft

I did not buy the T56, I did a trade with a Getrag would you believe.

If you need to buy a T56 I may be able to source one for you. Sounds like you want to join in the fun.

Cheers, Max

Edited by hatchssv8, 13 March 2007 - 11:13 PM.

[antelopeslr5000]

Possibly the input shaft length but definitely spline count would differ between the two.

[FastEHHolden]

I don't know but a way to find out would be to see iff there are 2 part numbers for V8 bellhousings in the VT range..as VT had 304 and gen 3.

[makka]

Are the bolt patterns different between the 304 and Gen III blocks?

I am pretty sure that they are both turbo pattern

[hatchssv8]

Bellhousings for both utilise 6 attaching bolts to the engine block. However, the gen3 pattern differs from the usual turbo pattern as used on the 5L block.

The lower four bolts (and the dowels) line up the same for both. thr top right bolt position is not used on the gen3 block. it moved to a position 'top centre'.

Basically when you put a T56 bellhousing from a VT/Y/Z gen3 on to a Holden 5L block, the centre bolt sits right next to the dizzy.

I am in the process of modifying such a bellhousing to suit my 5L. will post some pics tomorrow.

Max

[antelopeslr5000]

Hi Max,

I was told that the starter motor is also on the opposite side of the Gen III compared to the Holden 5 litre. Is that correct or have I been misinformed?

[hatchssv8]

As promised.


This pic shows the usual 6 bolt configuration of the 5L Turbo pattern block. the white paint shows the outline of the gen3 bell. note that is does not cater for the top rh bolt.




gen3 bell attached to 5L block




top centre hole in bell which needs to be removed




removed!!! (easiest part of the conversion/modification)

[hatchssv8]

removed section of bell and replacement on the left (top rh hole)


bell sections from donor. these will be trimmed and used where other sections of the bell needs to be modified.


shaded sections which need mods. 1. the triangular wedge for the top rh hole, 2. removal of metal to accommodate the starter and 3, removal of existing starter 'hump', (this will allow more room for the exhaust)

1.


2.


3.



this is not a mod I would attempt if the bell was made of steel.

Charlie,
1. Haven't checked, will do tonight. If not, it does seem very hard job to make it fit
2. No. I will use 5L flywheel and a suitable clutch assy for the T56. The Gen 3s are internally balanced, so cannot used gen3 fly on a 5L (correct me if I am wrong ppl)
3. Hydraulic as per VY/Z
4. Keeping this under wraps for the moment. All I can say is that I have a design and it works.

Thanks, Max

[hatchssv8]

OK some more updates.
Here are the pics of the converted bell housing (90% done). Only need to 'clean' the welds, smooth the inside area around the starter and give the housing a lick of paint.











As you can see I have trial fitted to the block and it all lines up well.

Max

[antelopeslr5000]

It's all looking good Max.

[LS1LX]

Looking the goods there

Edited by LS1LX, 03 June 2007 - 10:36 AM.

[hatchssv8]

Quick update...............Trial fitted the complete box again to the block. This time I fitted a crank to the block to establish input shaft/crank compatability.

Holden spigot bush ID suits 15mm input shaft. No problem here.

The problem is that the Holden crank flange protrudes further away from the block than what it does on a Gen 3. Result is that the input shaft splines hit the crank spigot bush bore. The bore is deep enough to accept the input shaft, but not large enough for the splined section.

I toyed with my options to correct this and decided I will put a 8mm spacer between the bellhousing and the gearbox. (This has been done before by another person on another forum. Thank you so much for sharing your experience) Unfortunately he found out the hard way.

Will post up pics when I can showing the spacer and how it fits up.

Cheers, Max

[hatchssv8]

My original thoughts were to use an electronic conversion box from Castle Auto, round the $400 mark from memory. The other option was a modified extension housing fom Mal Wood, who tell me they can supply a modified extension housing with the forward most shifter position, and be able to use the standard Torana speedo, which to me sounded far better.

Since I am going injected with an 808 ECM or similar, I would much rather put the $400 (it wont cost that much) towards modifying a LX speedo. Convert it to electronic or just use an aftermarket speedo as others have done here. A lot more 'cleaner' and much less components requiring alteration.

I will look at jigging the clutch pedal to work out the require clutch master angle to the clutch pedal rod (or some kind of arrangement like that). I have not yet seen one set up in a LX which has the remote resevior in the engine bay and the clutch master in cabin. Would anyone like to share their thoughts on this one?

Cheers, max

[antelopeslr5000]

Hi Max,

Unfortunately I don't have any detailed photos of the clutch setup in the cabin, just a few of the reservoir in the engine bay.








I'll try and get in contact with my mate who's looking after the car and see if he can take a few photos of the clutch setup.

[Dr Terry]

Hi Guys.

I know you've already done a lot of work on this, but it would be easier to use the correct bellhousing for the job. I think the crank protrusion will still cause some grief.

HSV used the T56 behind the 5.7 stroker V8 in VR, VS & VTI & it uses a unique bellhousing for that application. It will do this conversion perfectly, but it is not listed in the normal Holden parts listing. This bellhousing lines up with the turbo pattern as seen on the 5.0-litre Holden blocks & also allows for the passenger side starter motor. SBC & Gen 3 (& 4) all have their starters on the driver's side of the motor.

Dr Terry.