Sorry, I thought you had a 5 speed. I cannot speak to the T56 because I've never had one apart.
I do know that almost all manuals are a constant mesh design, so I would imagine that the "blocker rings" you speak of are fancy synchro rings. I've only had a few manuals apart and they all had constant mesh gears with synchro assemblies to perform the shifts.

I still think that you probably have a pilot bearing issue, if you have found the clutch to be in working order.

I would also try changing the fluid in the transmission before spending a whole lot of money; I have seen HUGE results in my own vehicles and in my friends' with just a fluid change.

If you DO decide to replace the pilot bearing, it requires removal of the trans, so you might want to consider replacing the clutch/ turning the flywheel while it is apart.

Are you planning to do this work yourself or taking it in to a shop?

Either way, it looks like your car is DEFINITELY worth the effort and money...I'm jealous!

That's an AWESOME Camaro!

Keep us posted! (No pun intended)

 

Gorn is right,of course though.
If the engine is not running and it is STILL tough to get into those gears, you might be looking at an internal issue, but I would still change the fluid before a teardown.

My T5 did the same thing and it was the pilot bushing. That's why I felt so sure at first.
Trying to get it into first, then going to second, then back to first, you are using two synchros on the same assembly to slow down the main shaft to get into a gear.

1 and 2 are on the same synchro assembly, just like 3 and 4 and 5 and 6. That's why they are next to each other on the stick as well.

I don't know the T56, so I'm not sure which shafts which pairs of gears are on.

But I agree with Gorn. If your clutch isn't the problem, please look into the pilot bearing/ bushing.

Good Luck!

 

the owners manual says the manual tranny does not require a fluid change, it gives the 100,000 mile interval for the auto, but the manual says it doesnt need it. I find that crazy because as the gears wear, metal is put into the fluid which accelerates the wear. I had mine changed at 30,000, it was a new t56 put in a few years ago.

Why does the t56 require Dex-III? I thought manuals use a gear oil, like 75w90 or something like that.

 

Some do, some don't. GM (as well as others) use ATF in their manual trans because it allows easier shift in cold weather, slightly better fuel mileage, and allows the dealership to only have to stock one fluid on their shelves there by saving them money. I believe there's also the case where GL-5 rated gear oils "eat" away any soft metals in the manual transmission.

Despite what the manual says, I'm the type that'd still replace it none-the-less.

 

The manny tranny in my Jeep specfies using synchromesh transmission fluid. The stuff I used is formulated to work with GM transmissions as well. I'd prefer using this over ATF myself: Synchromesh Trans Fluid

 

So, did you get it figured out??

If so, what did it turn out to be?

Thanks!