Manual Transmission & the LS1

[CougarRugby]

Alright, I finally have a 02 LS1 engine for my 2002 silverado, along with most of the parts I need to swap it with my 4.3.

I'm wondering about my transmission though. Its the original, 5-speed manual, and I'm not sure if it'll handle the LS1. Would it be better to go with the 6-speed or drop in an automatic transmission (which would be expensive as hell I'd imagine)?

[farmtruc]

I haven't shopped for one in a while, but the standards seem to be just as much as the auto's.
Just my opinion, i'd put an auto in it, if it's built you have just as much control over the gears and if you plan on taking it to the track, you'll have much more consistant and easier launches. However, most ppl say a standard is a lot more fun. I do see some pretty quick standards at the track.

allen

[CougarRugby]

mmmm..... Track.....mmmmm

I don't want to swap my engine only to find out that my manual transmission has been reduced to hamburger meat by the high power of an LS1.

Would my transmission just link up with the new engine, or are there parts I need to get to ensure a proper fit?

[RedHeartbeat]

I don't know why people like the stick shift so much. Ask anyone at the track which transmission shifts the most repeatable and quickly and they all say that you cannot beat an automatic for hitting your dialed in time. Sure, a stick is fun to play around with but it has a human factor on the other end of it that makes mistakes, misses shifts and over-revs engines at times. Just admit you are human and you want predictability at the track and get a well built automatic.

[Sleeper]

is it track only? or 90% street? street i assume, go for fun factor in a t56. if you raced every weekend for money or bracket raced for consistancy, then i'd go for an auto in your case.

[6gear]

Your 5 speed should work fine and you can probably use your flywheel and clutch assembly. This will eliminate the need for a gear change and a new driveshaft. You can later on go to an auto if you like or a T56. I like manuals because it seperates the men from the boys, if you lack cordination and like to do a lot of repair work then go to an auto. Just read in this forum about transmission problems the auto's have.

[GMCwantsLS1]

Originally posted by GREG_92_C1500_2001_LS1_A4@Feb 17 2004, 10:39 PM
I don't know why people like the stick shift so much. Ask anyone at the track which transmission shifts the most repeatable and quickly and they all say that you cannot beat an automatic for hitting your dialed in time. Sure, a stick is fun to play around with but it has a human factor on the other end of it that makes mistakes, misses shifts and over-revs engines at times. Just admit you are human and you want predictability at the track and get a well built automatic.

Don't tell everyone that, I want to be the fastest at the track! J/K

[badseed91]

It just depends on how good you are at shifting it. You have the 85mm Getrag tranny. Those are pretty tough but i have seen a few behind v-6's with broken shafts in them. As long as you are careful shifting untill you get your 6 speed you should be alright thats if you can use it. I have the same tranny in my truck and i shift the hell out of it and it has held up for over 250,000 miles. I presonally would hold of on the tranny until you can afford the 6 speed that is from Kiesler automotive. They have a front shifted t 56 for your truck that the shifter will be in the stock location.

[RedHeartbeat]

I love the manual when pre-running but the automatic is the only way to go if you have to commute in stop and go traffic. On a good day it's 40 minutes to go 23 mile but some days two hours with the foot on the clutch. At least that how it was until I installed an automatic. No problem now. I do miss the solid lock of the manual but I am installing a hard wired switch to lock the converter soon.

[gm novtd]

i'd put in the 6spd. m-trans personally. i mean, how fun would it be on the freeway tearing cars apart.