How do you mate any manual transmission to an LS engine, and what about an LT1 T56?

Why you can't just bolt the old bellhousing on: an LS and a small-block Chevy share the bellhousing bolt pattern, but the depth is different, so an old small-block bellhousing puts the transmission in the wrong place. The fix is a bellhousing built for LS dimensions.

Your bellhousing options (Speedway):

• Factory LS T56 bellhousing — designed for LS dimensions; the original easy route.
• Steel LS adapter bellhousing, GM "Muncie" pattern — takes early 3- and 4-speeds like the Muncie, plus GM-spec T5, Tremec TKO and TKX. You can run your old 4-speed now and upgrade to a 5-speed later without buying another bellhousing. Works with a stock or aftermarket flywheel.
• Steel LS bellhousing for T56 / TR6060. Note Speedway's T56 bellhousing won't work with a '92–'97 LT1 T56.

You'll also need a clutch, a flywheel and a hydraulic release bearing; kits bundle the release bearing, bellhousing bolts and clutch.

LT1 T56: Speedway's steel LS T56 bellhousing specifically does not work with the '92–'97 LT1 T56, so confirm a bellhousing solution for that exact unit before buying — or use an LS-era T56.