DanZ51

I'm finally knee deep in my T56 install in my '86. As per the Pro Street Customs T56 adapter instructions, the forward bolt holes on the "C" beam need to be elongated 3/4".

This concerns me a bit. Has any one who's used this kit had any problems? I fear the modified hole may cause movement of the trans under load. Am I just paranoid?

My idea is to weld up the holes then re-drill them in their new location. (Of course, my TIG only does DC so I may have to farm this out).

Black89Z51

While reading your post, I thought about welding the holes up. I bet you could get them filled by a shop for around $50. I think you will definitely have some unwanted movement if you just go and elongate the holes. Do it right the first time. Fill them and drill them.

Steve85

What prevents the movement, the interference (fitment) of the bolt and the holes or the clamp/friction load of the mating surfaces created by the tightening of the bolt?

I honestly have no idea what I'm saying but it sounds all engineery.

85MikeTPI

FWIW, it seems that they aren't drilling any holes in the adapter bracket now, for just those reasons..

C409

...... The transmission is solidly bolted to the engine ... the engine is bolted to the chassis through rubber insulated motor mounts that tend to prevent any fore and aft motion of the engine / trans ... and the differential is also bolted to the chassis .................. methinks you have a too active imagination ... but weld away incrementally so as not to remove all of the hardness of the C-beam by applying too much heat in a localized area .................

383vett

Looks like some sort of Rube Goldberg device.

MotorCity_87_C4

Looks like the mouse bait is the Granola bars.....

383vett

Oh, I get it. Attract the mice with the granola bars and smash it with that thingy.

LD85

You can slot the holes and then add weld to the unused area, I have done that before on the ZF,,, or you can weld them up and re-drill them

dclafleur

Nothing to add just following the discussion..

85MikeTPI

Car parts and kitchen tables are a match made in heaven.

This is what Pro Street Customs (aka TommysSpeedShop) T56 adapter is shipping like now.. So instead of elongating aluminum C-beam holes, you get to drill through 3/8 steel plate..

dclafleur

So you no longer change the holes on the C-beam? Interesting, I might have to borrow a drill press though, somehow I think my cordless drill won't be able to get through that...

85MikeTPI

My thoughts exactly..

The bracket was requested unpainted because I wasn't sure if I would need to clearance it around my larger SSR (32spline) T56 tailhousing.



Other than drilling through a support rib, it looks like it will work.. I'll POR15 coat it after drilling the C-beam bolt holes.

DanZ51

First, thanks to all for responding.

85Mike, I didn't even notice that the bracket didn't have those holes drilled until you mentioned it (and I went and looked):bb

So does that mean the "C" beam holes are not moved now? Or...? I think Pro Street needs to update their instruction sheet a bit. I also see that they altered the bracket (dropping the driver's side of the bottom plate). My kit didn't include the "top nut assembly" (now it just nuts). How do you figure out where to drill your new holes, without getting anything out of alignment? (I see a potential to screw this up). Maybe it's time to give Pro Street a call and get the straight skinny on this.

The driver's side of the adapter bracket "wing" is welded on at the wrong angle and doesn't line up with the trans bolt hole. I can fix that, but I shouldn't have to.

dclafleur

Hmm, are they still the only source on these brackets? I'm torn because I might see if I can get some people to help me fabricate something up if it has too many issues. I wonder if it's possible to view their instruction sheet online.

85MikeTPI

I believe they are the only ones selling retail.. I asked him to
rectify the apparent change and lack of notification and was told
to F-off in not so many words.

"Just send it back and I will refund All your money
I have other people that have ordered the bracket I can sale it to."

I didn't receive any instructions, or I wouldn't hesitate scanning them and posting them though I doubt they'd amount to much.

dclafleur

Well it might end up being a case of just having one made up for me locally than. I've got ready access to the tailhousing of my T56 and if I have to drill the holes myself anyways than there's not much more than cutting and welding.

DanZ51

85MikeTPI

The "wing" on mine was mis-aligned also, but not as bad as yours. I had to carefully pry up on it and attach the bolt.

The jig must not account for the metal bending during the welding, and I doubt there's any QC.

DanZ51

I re-welded (TIG'd) the "wing" in the proper position. Ya, the QC is kinda weak. Alot of the welding on the bracket looks kinda lacking as far as penatration.

I was able to contact Tim at Pro Street Customs. It's my understanding that the "C" beam won't have to be modified depending on where the bracket holes are positioned. But I have to test fit the Trans, Bracket, and C-Beam into the car to determine the exact hole location. Doesn't really make sense to me (seems more like a manufacturing short cut).