First off, yes, i've been doing my homework on this for like 3 hours strait and have two pages of notes written down. Now i just need to get some questions out before my brain goes to mush.
1.Mechanical vs hydralic, what are the advantages and disatvantages for each? I'm leaning toward mech. since i dont have to have and extra resevior under the hood.
2. The LT1 t56 is mech and the LS1 t56 is hydr. , correct?
3.Are there any changes in the years of the LS1 trannys?
4.So from what ive gathered, i can use the lt1 t56 w/ the mcleod plate and a 10.5" clutch or the ls1 t56 w/ out the plate with an 11" clutch. Is that with the ls1 bellhouseing missing a bolt hole, or with a muncie bellhouseing?

Now i'm not sure how much sense these questions make, my brain hurts and im on hydros(got my wisdom teeth cut out), so just kinda steer me in the right direction. I'm not about to buy a tranny at the moment, but would like to get one within the next few months, thanks.

both use hydaulic clutch, the only difference is one is a pull clutch and the other is a push clutch.

The Mcleod plate is used to adapter the t56 to bolt onto the Muncie style bellhousing. Then you can use the 11 in clutch with your stock style set up. but you must use the LS1 t56 with extruded mcleod pilot bearing.

Here is a great thread on using an LS1 T56 and the stock linkages...

http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=98387

Thanks for the replys guys. I'm trying to get an idea of how much this project is gonna cost me and if its worth it.
Here is a great thread on using an LS1 T56 and the stock linkages...

http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=98387

That link has to be #1 or #2 of the best t56 info pages i've seen(todds was really good to IMO)

Yeah, it is good. Todd's is very good too. But I think his is LT1 version-specific, IIRC

All my stuff is LT1-specific. spinmaster has some good info on using various bellhousings and clutches with the LS1 T56s. I know nothing about them.

1.Mechanical vs hydralic, what are the advantages and disatvantages for each? I'm leaning toward mech. since i dont have to have and extra resevior under the hood.


I use the stock hydro. clutch system on my LT1 style T-56....the resevior is very small and can be hidden with little effort.

Ok, so if i use the Lt1 style: i need the t56 bellhousing, hydralic setup, flywheel, and clutch? How do u get the lt1 bellhousing to bolt up to a non lt1 block? From what i read from the other post hyperlinked aboved(not todds), they said just stay away from the lt1 t-56's. But i like to know my options and i'm trying to price my options right now and see how much bang for the buck i can get.

the lt1 bellhousing will bolt directly up to an older SBC.