kiwi, You're not entirely wrong. In 96 the vette used a ZF- 6 speed, in 97 they went to a T-56 trans axle. But the T-56 comes in many variations. It was a Borg-Warner design that was bought by Tremec, and now by Keisler, I think? They were used in Mustangs, Camaro/Firebirds, GTOs, Vipers, and sold as aftermarket. So they have all different inputs, outputs, gear ratios, total case lengths, torque ratings,etc..
I've been putting them in Hot Rods for years, and have a 98 LS-1 style in my salt flat/drag car, hooked to a 572 BBC via McLeod scattershield,,,no problems.
The 93-97 LT1 style is probally the easyest to hook to a SBC, and has a better (closer) gear ratio. Only thing I'm not crazy about is the "PULL" style clutch. Most common failure is the aluminum 3-4 shift fork, that's easily replaced with a steel one.
osti, I was at the hospital yesterday, where my chest x-ray revealed I have pneumonia. So I'm grounded and have to stay inside next to this computer for a while. Next week I should be able to get out and back to the shop and check, I'm sure I have a couple of the LT1 style in stock.
RICK