the test drive.
It was amazing. I was very happy with the transmission and the engine. It shifts very well. I love the bcool fans, they make the motor so much quieter.

I have driven other t56's and they did not feel as solid as mine. I may be incorrect but I think this has to do both with the fact this is a viper box, and more importantly with the optional hurst shifter. I think I could shift with my feet it feels so stout. The only draw back is that (keep in mind I used to work offshore and now carry granite for a living) it takes almost all the strength in my right hand to put it in reverse, my dad uses two hands.

I really like the motor it is very quick for a small block. It winds up very quickly. It will spin the tires through the first three gears with almost no effort, it has more to give, but I didn't want to redline a fairly new motor. I went with dual chamber flowmasters so it is a little loud.

Now for the bad news. I have a 3.08 rear gear which means I am able to hold first gear until almost 40 mph. It is difficult to launch, but it is fun from 15 mph on. I would like your opinion on rear gears. I also would like to hear your opinions on the sound of your 4.10 gears.

I know on some of the latter cars you must notch the front lip of the tranny tunnel, but on my 74 the tunnel held the transmission just fine. The only clearance issue was where the yoke exits the tranny. Which brings me to my second question does anyone know where I can buy a two piece rear yoke for a viper t56. I have recieved a positive response from fortes and matt williams, but no definites.

 

John, I also have the Viper/GM 6-spd, where'd you get your shifter? As for the tranny slip yoke, I got mine from Mark Williams Enterprises, #39102, slip yoke, rapid release, Mopar/Liberty, 2-pc., 30-spline, $215., fits perfectly. Mike


[Modified by stinky, 5:52 PM 2/22/2004]


[Modified by stinky, 5:53 PM 2/22/2004]


[Modified by stinky, 6:06 PM 2/22/2004]

 

As for reverse: Sounds like the reverse lockout is not bypassed. Stock T56 applications use a solenoid that energizes when the car is stopped to allow reverse. When the car is moving the computer turns the power off to the solenoid and it is almost impossible to get into reverse. If Keisler didn't bypass this for you, you will have the symptoms you describe. I had a T56 in my Camaro and reverse was no harder than any other gear.

 

In the camaro above I had 4.10 gears and thought they were perfectly matched to the T56. 6th gear is a 0.5:1 so it turned about 2000 rpm @ 80mph.

 

Congratulations!

I would agree with Zwede on your reverse lockout. My ZO6 has the T56 and is very easy to shift into reverse - if the car is not moving. I really don't care for the shifter feel with the ZO6, but the Hurst unit is supposed to be first class. I have given serious consideration to changing it, but there is always something else in life taking priority.

The fact that you are shifting out of 1st just below 40 seems to me that you have a pretty steep 1st gear already. Do you really want to shift sooner? My Z shifts out of 1st at about 45. First gear is all tire smoke. I use the car as my daily driver making countless stop and starts during the day. For me it is absolutely no problem. If I feel lazy or catch the trans unable to engage first when the light changes, I simply use 2nd. Very easy to pull away in 2nd.

What gear does your 1st have? My Z has 2.97:1 with 3.42 rear gear. My 69 with ROD 6 speed has a 3.27:1 1st gear with 3.08 rear gear. Overall, the gearing is just about the same between the two.

Chuck

 

Chuck, if this is the Viper box, first is 2.66

 

White74--- I'd like to go a ROD 6 speed or the Keisler T56 setup in the future, so I have a few questions. How hard was this kit to install? Did Kiesler supply everything that you needed? Does it require any mods? Thanks in advance :cheers: