'93 Formula 700R4->T56 Swap ?s

[93formulalt1]

So, I've decided to do a T56 swap, and I have finally found a way to pay for it.

Here's what I know. The 1994-1997 T56's used in F-Bodies were mostly identical. They are the same as the 1998-2002 T56's except the LS1 T56's had a longer input shaft. The PCM in '94-'02 vehicles interacted with the T56 transmission, whereas the '93 had a slightly weaker version of the T56, and the PCM didn't control the transmission at all.

This is where my questions come in:
-1994+ T56-equipped vehicles had the "Skip Shift" feature that we hear so much about, while the 1993 T56 did not. Is it possible to use a 1994+ T56 transmission in a 1993 vehicle? Will I need to get a "Skip Shift Eliminator", or will the lack of input from the 1993 PCM eliminate the "Skip Shift" feature?

-The T56 transmission has a different spline count for the VSS (Vehicle Speed Sensor), is there a device or solution to correct the Speedometer?

-Are there any special considerations that need to be taken into account for the 1993 model year specifically? Any additional parts needed? Any parts normally used for '94-'97 that I won't need?

[c0ncEpT]

You don't even really need a "skip shift eliminator" Just a few simple resistors will work just fine.

[my95z28]

A 98-02 t-56 will not bolt up to a LT1 car. The lt1 t-56 uses a pull style clutch, while the ls1 does not.

[93formulalt1]

A 98-02 t-56 will not bolt up to a LT1 car. The lt1 t-56 uses a pull style clutch, while the ls1 does not.

The LS1 T56 also has a longer input shaft. I'm looking for the full setup from a '94-'97. That's why I need to know if I need to correct the speedometer or correct the "Skip Shift" issue. I figured that without the input from the PCM to deactivate that "feature", it might be active all the time, disabling 2nd and 3rd gear. . . See what I'm getting at? I haven't yet found a 1993-Specific swap guide online, so I'm just trying to figure out what needs to be taken care of. I'm also assuming that this situation will simplify the splicing/modification of the wiring harness as well, considering all I'll need to tap into is the lighting, cruise control, and neutral safety switch harnesses.

Anybody know of a good deal on a full '94-'97 T56 setup for a Trans Am/Formula? I need everything from the pedals, hydraulics and transmission to the upper center console and shift knob. . . Should be able to spend up to $2200.

[93formulalt1]

Alright, I looked at the resistor CAGS fix on InstallUniversity.com, and it looks like the resistor goes to the trans wiring harness to trick the car's PCM into thinking it is activating the CAGS solenoid, not the transmission. Thus, if I simply leave that part of the harness out, it won't effect me like it effects the '94-'97 guys. Even if it did, the resistor and stuff to fix it for the '94-'97 guys is only about a buck to do, or you can be stupid and buy the SLP Skip Shift Eliminator for $30. . . But why would anyone do that when $.80 and a trip to Radio Shack would do the same thing. . . lol

I think to correct the speedometer for the different transmission AND for my bigger rims/tires, I'll order a mail order PROM chip to get a little more juice out of my car while I'm at it.

[Virtue]

i doubt those vette wheels are throwing your speedo off more then a few mphs, my 18s didnt but a couple if any

[c0ncEpT]

As long as your tires are the same height as stock it doesn't matter how large the diameter of your rims are.

[1BADAIR]

you will have to reflash the pcm to an m6 program and fix the speedo at the same time
http://www.afrashteh.com/tranny_pics/T56.htm

[93formulalt1]

you will have to reflash the pcm to an m6 program and fix the speedo at the same time
http://www.afrashteh.com/tranny_pics/T56.htm

In 93, there was NO interaction between the tranny and the PCM. There was no different tune for an M6 or an A4, because neither was electronically controlled. Most people don't know the differences between 93 and 94-97 F-Bods, which is why I'm always getting into arguments with people when I say my car has a 700R4, and they think they're smarter than me and say, "No, you're stupid, it's got a 4L60E." 700R4=NOT computer controlled, 4L60E=Computer Controlled.

I won't need a tune to make the transmission work, I've covered that already. I simply need to get a wiring harness from a '93 M6 car or hack apart one from a later year.

I was going to get a new PROM chip made, I can get it for like $175 from PCMforless. I just wanted to see if it was worth it, or if the amount of calibration needed to correct the speedometer was negligible. I guess I'll just wait until I get the truck sold and finish the rest of the swap. I'll do the t-tops at the same time. . . I can't wait, these two things are what have been making me want a different car for so long.

[93formulalt1]

Anybody know of a place where I can get EVERYTHING needed to do the swap? I know there were a couple of websites that sold the kits, but the ones I remember are all out of business now. . .

[93formulalt1]

Well, I found the full conversion with a new clutch and all parts needed for the swap for $1,000 shipped. I'm just waiting for the truck to sell or my loan to come through, then I'll be buying the parts. Anybody going to be up to driving down to help out?

[93formulalt1]

If I get a PROM chip made by PCMforless, and I specify that I'm doing the M6 swap and need it to calibrate the speedo, will that correct the problem with the VSS?

[Camaroz2894]

where did you find you conversion kit at? private owner

[Will]

Well, I found the full conversion with a new clutch and all parts needed for the swap for $1,000 shipped. I'm just waiting for the truck to sell or my loan to come through, then I'll be buying the parts. Anybody going to be up to driving down to help out?

I don't know how much use I'll be, but I may be able to provide some muscle for the operation.

[93formulalt1]

Thanks for the offer, but I'm not going to be able to pull this off this year, my Winter Beater fell through, it's going to take time and money that I don't have to fix it. I'm selling the truck next week and picking up my new DD/Winter Beater the same day. At least it's going to have a manual trans, I just feel like I have more control over a vehicle with a manual trans than I do over an automatic.