Ls1 camaro's are faster in the 1/4 stock with an automatic
=)
automatics don't cost a lot to rebuild, factor in your lil t56 transmission, stock oem quality clutch and labor is around a 1000 bucks. Then you also have to rebuild those, new bearings, synchros, input or output shafts... which are also expensive for a t-56.
you can take a th400 with the right parts its stronger then a t56, and will be faster for sure in a drag race as with a car with all the other variables the same besides the transmission.....
i work at a transmission shop