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I have read of several people that have swapped a T-56 into a Starion on several sites including this one. But the other day I read a post on this site saying that the T-56 won't fit in the manual transmission body even using a sledge hammer to make room. So my question is, with regard to the manual transmission tunnel, how much work has to be done to make a T-56 fit? Is it just an issue that the LS-1 (long input shaft) won't fit and the LT-1 (short input shaft) fits when a hammer is used? Or is there some other issues? Thankx.

Been around here for nearly two years now, but been working on a couple other projects. Now it’s time to start my build. I recently read on here that there is going to be a National meet next fall, so here I am inspired, motivated and launching my build now in hopes to have it completed before the fall meet. I bought my 1988 Conquest, Fiji Blue, Black Leather Interior, 5spd almost two years ago for $550 and haven’t touched it since. Oh, I should mention that it is rust free. Wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with the car. It did not have an engine, and sold the transmission to another member here about a year ago. I’m going with the K.I.S.S (Keep It Simple, Stupid) approach. I’ve had a ton of concepts of what could be achieved and some cool upgrades that I would like to do. However, in order to get this project finished in time and within budget I will need to remain focused and not adapt the “I might as well do this if I’m gonna’ do that” thought process. The overall strategy is to get a base engine and transmission in, get the car road-worthy, work out any kinks and issues and head out to the National event. Then later go to work on upgrading and modifying the different systems (brakes, suspension, paint & body, etc) as time and budget allows. Engine: It will get an LS-based engine; just not sure which one yet as budget will ultimately determine what I can afford. All aluminum would be great in terms of weight, but that would raise the budget. Besides, if I later have the desire to install a power adder (supercharger, turbo, twin-turbo) the cast block, from what I understand, will be stronger. Transmission: T56. Is there really any other choice? I could go with a 4l60/80, but what’s the fun in that? I’ve always appreciated the sense of control a manual transmission delivers. I would like to take this opportunity to thank those that have inspired and motivated me to this point; Everyone here at SQC, my sons Clay and DJ; Both of which are car-nuts too. Clay has a build thread of his ’73 El Camino with a 5.3 over at LS1tech and DJ has a build thread of his ’78 Celica GT over at Classic-Celica.com. Outside the family, motivation has come from a few other Conquest/LS builders such as Convette (has a build thread on here), Boosted88tsi (has a build thread on here), and Matt, whom I believe built the first LS1 Conquest that I know of. Matt is a mechanic that works at a well-known performance shop here in Charlotte, NC. I believe there was another Conquest/LS swap about the same time, but if I recall correctly, it was set up strictly for drag racing. Thanks, all! Clay’s http://ls1tech.com/f...no-ls-swap.html DJ’s http://www.classic-c...iewtopic&t=2001 Anyhow… enough rambling, let’s get this build started. -Dan

http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/pts/3510969179.html Times are hard right now, gonna have to get rid of it.