My T56 install
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,812
Likes: 4
From: Gig Harbor Wa
My T56 install
A lot of you have been asking how I did this without hacking the car up too much. First of all, since I am using an all aluminum engine (block and heads), I was able to move the whole engine and transmission assembly forward about 2". This is in relation to where the bellhousing and engine bolt together. I did this for several reasons, one of which easier installation of the transmission.
My 1970 was a 4-speed car so the crossmember is not removeable. After doing some measurements, I drew up some plans for a trans mount. I made it out of 1/4" steel and had it welded to the bottom of the crossmember. It uses a standard corvette trans mount.
With my transmission now sitting a little forward, The shifter comes up right in the middle of the console. I need it to be a little more on the driver's side for the opening in the console. I cut the top off of the T56 shifter and the bottom off of the muncie shifter. With a little spacer, they were welded together. The T56 shifter bolts on from the top. I cut a square hole in the top of the trans tunnel to facilitate easy installation and removal.
Now that the trans was in, I needed to connect the driveshaft and hookup the hydraulic clutch. Even with the trans sitting a few inches forward, the driveshaft still had to be shortened by about 3 inches. Gives you an idea of just how big this tranny is. I had a local driveshaft shorten it and install two new spicer u-joints. They also provided the yoke wich is the same as a TH400 if I am not mistaken. All this for about $170.
The hydraulic linkage connects to the pedal in the same place as the old mechanical linkage. The master cylinder passes through the firewall in the same position as well. I made a bracket, drilled a few holes, and the clutch was all hooked up. The pedal travel is the same as before and you would have no idea there was a six speed by looking at the interior. That was one of my goals from the beginning.
My 1970 was a 4-speed car so the crossmember is not removeable. After doing some measurements, I drew up some plans for a trans mount. I made it out of 1/4" steel and had it welded to the bottom of the crossmember. It uses a standard corvette trans mount.
With my transmission now sitting a little forward, The shifter comes up right in the middle of the console. I need it to be a little more on the driver's side for the opening in the console. I cut the top off of the T56 shifter and the bottom off of the muncie shifter. With a little spacer, they were welded together. The T56 shifter bolts on from the top. I cut a square hole in the top of the trans tunnel to facilitate easy installation and removal.
Now that the trans was in, I needed to connect the driveshaft and hookup the hydraulic clutch. Even with the trans sitting a few inches forward, the driveshaft still had to be shortened by about 3 inches. Gives you an idea of just how big this tranny is. I had a local driveshaft shorten it and install two new spicer u-joints. They also provided the yoke wich is the same as a TH400 if I am not mistaken. All this for about $170.
The hydraulic linkage connects to the pedal in the same place as the old mechanical linkage. The master cylinder passes through the firewall in the same position as well. I made a bracket, drilled a few holes, and the clutch was all hooked up. The pedal travel is the same as before and you would have no idea there was a six speed by looking at the interior. That was one of my goals from the beginning.
