Have a 69 Rs with TH350 and am going to a 5 or 6 speed manual. I have not made any decisions on gearing or which transmission to go with. I’m looking for all the tips and any help I can get, really hoping to find someone here who has done this so I can get all the pointers. Thanks in advance

 

Leaning towards 6.0 ls engine

 

Well if you're going LS power then a T-56 6 speed with a hydraulic clutch is a no brainer,stock stuff behind an LS from 1997 on in Camaros and in Corvettes until 2014 when the Vette got a 7 speed.

 

Do you know of a kit that would simplify this swap at all? I know we’re going to have to at least cut a hole in the floor for the shifter, have you done this?

 

I have not done one but there's many that have,you could call or email these guys,I have their adjustable clutch master in my car.
https://www.tickperformance.com/

 

Thanks I will

 

You should be replacing a section of floor not just cutting it. If you do not have fabrication skills you are going to want to get a full kit. You may need to weld sheet metal or know someone that does. Or you could use screws or rivet but that is not something I would consider in a nice 1st gen. Search this on Youtube "69 Camaro LS T56 swap". Or variations of that. Once you find the kit you are serious about then add the manufacture to the search. If it is a popular kit there will be "how to" videos. Make sure you verify anything you see in a video with the manufacturer.

Things to keep in mind.
Your max HP, The old school T56 from a Camaro/Firebird is only rated up to 400 HP. That not a great way to rate the power a transmission can handle. torque would be better but that is the only information that is easy to find. Also if you where running slicks with a locker rear or driving habits could mean you need a stronger trans. We had one member that seemed to be able to break any everything in his drive line in a V6 camaro. You may want to look at a TRO T5 new aftermarket transmission. Depending on what you are doing with the car you may not even need 2 overdrive gears from the T56. To get into a good power band on a 6 speed you may need to get the car up to 140 MPH before shifting into 6th gear. 6th gear is a gas saving gear that allows me to run 2000 RPMs at 75 MPH. If you put a decent sized cam you will find you motor will not like running 2000 RPMs.

You want to avoid Corvettes built after 97 as the transmission is combined with the rear. 97 was also the first year for the LS design. I think you would be looking at the 1998-2002 Camaro/ firebird T56 Mid 2000s T56 Magnum (Cadillac or SSR) or the T6060 from 2010 up they put in a bunch of cars but mostly the Camaro SS. Any way you do it be ready for sticker shock.

 

Thanks

 

Just my opinion but for the money the LS2 T56 setup out of the 2005-2006 GTO or the CVT is the mid level price point. It has your 6.0 but in Aluminum. Kit for the trans install kit with headers for the engine install get a stand alone ECU and harness form Holley. Plug and play. Still need a little research. There are some things that you should do to the LS motor while you have it out.

https://www.hawksmotorsports.com/use...2-drivetrains/

 

Looking at the Gm connect and cruise ls3 with t56