this is probly all over here, but id like answers specific for my case, i have an 86 trans am with tpi motor and t5 5 speed, i want to swap to a t56, i already have a vss and buffer from the 86,, will that work the same with the t56 vss? , i have a new stage 2 clutch in my 86 now, will it still fit in the t56? what about drive shaft, crossmember, torque arm , wiring clutch pedals, cylinder ect,,, is it a big deal to swap? lots of$$ involved? worth the time and money?

 

You haven't read the "My T56 Swap Thread" at the top of this forum.

Do that and then come up with specifics for your car.

Reading is fundamental.

 

Lots of questions but I will try to answer one by one.
1st question about vss buffer I am not sure. I would assume you would still need a converter of some sort.
2nd question If you are going to use the satock LT1 bellhousing then the clutch can not be reused. you have a push style clutch and stock LT1 is a pull style.
3) The drive shaft, torque arm and mount, clutch pedals and most wiring is good.
You will need to adapt your reverse light wires to the T56 wires and hook up the T56 reverse lockout to a switch or brake pedal if you so desire. The 3rd gen pedals can be reused but
most are using the 4th gen hydraulics however you will need to remove the bushing for the MC to pedals or enlarge it some to fit.
The cross member will not work. One would need to be gotten from Spohn or Hawks for the T56 swap.
Otherwise you can use your shift plate and boot. You will need to lengthen your hole about 1 1/2 " and shim some so the inner boot still covers the entire hole in the floor.
Is it hard? No if you are familiar with changing a clutch. Yes the new T56 is heavier so you will probably want to use a jack.
Is it worth it? I would say yes for several reasons but it is entirely up to you. First it is a much stronger transmission than the T5. It has better gear ratios. 6th is .5:1.
Try to find a 94 - 97 but a 93 will work. These are from LT1 4th gen cars. I would try to find a complete conversion swap from someone or at a minimum complete tranny, bell housing, shift fork, shifter, flywheel, clutch (though probably be replacing it) and bolts. Then buy the hydraulics and crossmember and speedometer adapter after.
I have 900 into my swap with a good flywheel and clutch but still need hydraulics and the dakota digital speedo adapter. I have read that anywheres from 1600 to 2500 seems to be the average cost to swap. I will be making my own crossmember based on some of the custom fabbed ones shown on here with the corresponding comments taken into consideration.
Read the My T56 swap thread at the top and search for the 'T56 Swap' thread by 88fastgta and read up. It is good for info for parts and some costs.
One final thought is that if your engine is a 2 pc rear main seal you will need a different flywheel than the LT1 flywheel (it is for 1 pc rr main).