Innovations, like engine swaps and custom builds, allow enthusiasts to seek raw power and to seekeness. Moreover, this unique mechanism offers powerful performance and gives individuals a smooth and special manual control. Nowadays, people seem curious about mixing a Tremec T56 transmission with a BMW M70 V12, which is getting a massive buzz in the automotive industry.
This article will mention everything about the M70 with Tremec T56 BMW mixup, from a clear description to an approximate estimate of the process cost.
A Quick Introduction to the BMW M70 V12 and T-56
The M70 is a 5-litre naturally aspirated V12 renowned for its flawless delivery and mechanical advancements. According to the sources, BMW’s first production V12 was introduced as a legendary 12-cylinder engine in the late 1980s. It possesses advanced features, like dual ECUs and fly-by-wire throttle, making it a popular choice.
Known as a six-speed manual transmission, the Tremec T-56 has impeccable applications in many high-performance vehicles. The transmission was earlier built by BorgWarner but was taken over by Tremec in 1998.
How To Swap a T-56 into a V12 BMW?
Mating a BMW V12 engine with a Tremec T56 transmission can be challenging, but it is a worthy enough project. Moreover, it requires careful understanding of the motor parts, planning, and tuning, which will help you have a unique experience. You need to get the right parts before heading towards the process, including:
- Tremec T-56 Transmission (particularly from Cobra, LS1, and other Magnum models).
- Custom Flywheel/ Flywheel Spacer.
- Custom Machined Bellhousing/ Bellhousing Adapter.
- Crossmember or Custom Transmission Mount.
- Clutch and Pressure Plate.
- Master Cylinder/Hydraulic throw-out Bearing.
- Shortened/Custom Driveshaft.
- Standalone ECU/Wiring Mods.
- Modified Shift Linkage.
After you have the equipment listed above, your next step is to remove the old transmission from the M70. Start the process by eliminating the automatic gearbox and disconnecting all wiring, linkages and mounts. Next, you must bolt the adapter plate to the engine and install the flywheel. If everything seems fine, mount the T-56 by bolting it to the adapter. You can fit or modify the transmission tunnel or add a brand-new crossmember and mount.
Connect the shifter and pedals carefully by aligning the shifter and installing a manual pedal box and clutch master cylinder. Rewire the reverse lights and neutral safety switch, ensuring the wiring is done correctly. Ensure that the T-56 perfectly fits into the shape by building or shortening the driveshaft. Lastly, drive and check the car, clutch and shifting for any issues. If required, you can tune the ECU to ensure it is idle and working correctly.
Indeed, the M70 never came with a manual transmission. But the M70 T56 swap guide requires proper understanding of the tools, adapters, driveshaft work, mounts, ECU/wiring modifications. Most importantly, you must ensure the BMW chassis (E31, E32, E34, etc) has room to perfectly fit the T-56, which is physically larger than many transmissions.
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Reasons to Pair the M70 V12 with a Tremec T-56
Tremec T-56 incorporation into the BMW M70 V12 is special because it merges two robust and different engineering philosophies. BMW’s luxury performance with Tremec’s raw transmission made it a special collaboration that many automotive enthusiasts love.
BMW M70 engine swap with T-56 is a massive innovation, as the M70 has only been paired with automatic transmissions, like E31 and E32. But, the swap gives enthusiasts a unique touch of manual-shifting V12. Additionally, the T-56 has been built to handle over 350lb-ft of torque and used in muscle cars like the Viper. Incorporating T-56 into M70 gives complete control of an engaging driving experience.
When talking about T-56 market availability, it can be noticed that it has a massive aftermarket support. From enormous clutch options to rebuild kits, finding its parts is much easier than rare BMW manual gearboxes. If T-56 and BMW V12 manual swap results appropriately, it becomes track-worthy. The improved gear ratio, manual control, and torque capacity make this setup worthy for weekend racing and street driving.
Building something like an M70 with a T-56 provides a joyful experience and is special. The swap-up will set your vehicle apart from the crowd and will get tagged as a deeply rare and respected innovation in the industry.
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How Does a BMW M70 V12 and Tremec T56 Swap Cost?
According to the sources, the BMW engine swap project is a rare and premium build. The uniqueness makes it a WOW, but it appears to have increased pay, depending on factors like whether you prefer DIY and getting rare parts. Here is an approximate cost that a M70 and T56 swap can require:
| Swapping Process | Total Cost (Approximate) |
| DIY | $3,700 to $8,600 |
| Professional Build | $4,400 to $10,400 |
It can be seen clearly that both DIY and professional building methods are costly, but they are worth the price. The engine swap will deliver the smooth and unique experience that most car enthusiasts dream of. However, the Tremec T-56 transmission upgrade into the M70 is affordable than buying a factory-built V12 supercar.
You can reduce expenses in many ways, including fabricating your mount/driveshaft if you have welding experience. Additionally, consider a used T-56 from Viper or Camaro that could save you money by a considerable margin. Using OEM BMW clutch components and a factory ECU can help you immensely with an affordable classic BMW engine swap experience.
Is the BMW M70 and T-56 Swap Beginner-Friendly?
Honestly, the swap is not beginner-friendly as it requires experienced individuals to plug in and mount the components correctly. This swap can be done by experienced individuals who have done engine swaps or transfers before.
If you are the one who worked earlier in custom shops or builders and know about the process, you can do it under supervision. Although it is a costly and time-consuming process, the setup is a rewarding and fun project.
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The Final Talk
As M70 never appeared with a manual transmission, the BMW engine swap project is an exciting yet pricey journey. Before you proceed to any step, ensure you understand the parts, wiring, and mounts well.
The price can be reduced if you do it yourself and consider the used components. It is suggested that the process, especially the wiring process, be researched appropriately to ensure safety and proper fitting.
FAQ’s
Is the BMW M70 a Manual Transmission?
It is evident that BMW M70 isn’t available with a manual transmission and uses an automatic transmission. Some individuals innovated with a manual transmission on the M70 engine, but it isn’t a factory configuration. Similarly, this M70 and T-56 swap is a true example of the automatic-to-manual transmission innovation.
How Much Power Can a Tremec T56 Transmission Handle?
T-56 is known for its durability and 6-speed manual transmission in the automotive space. Its power-handling ability generally depends on its version and can vary significantly. According to the sources, the Tremec T-56 can handle up to 450 to 750+ hp; the range remains an approximate figure.
Is the T-56 and BMW M70 Engine Swap Cost-Effective?
Traditionally, the swapping isn’t budget-friendly as it requires many vehicle parts and components that increase the bill. In such scenarios, you can reduce the price range by using second-hand components and considering factory-made ECU. However, swapping the ultimate T-56 and BMW M70 would be luxurious and premium.
Is Tremec Automatic or Manual?
Based on the reports, Tremec is a manufacturer of manual transmissions and it doesn’t design torque-converter-based automatics. Recently, Tremec has stepped into the DCT (dual-clutch transmission) world, like using the Tremec TR-9070 DCT in the C8 Corvette.
