T-56 Swap on a Mustang GT ???

[Tripoli]

After 98,000 miles, my T-3650 synchros are finally starting to go bad. I seem to be losing 4th gear. I'd like to take this opportunity to make a few major changes/upgrades to the driveline. I'd like to put in a T-56 and a new clutch and flywheel. I only have a limited idea of what all this entails. I need some serious advice.

I've heard from a place here in Dallas that the swap requires switching to a hydraulic clutch. If that's true, I need to know what all is involved. I'm hoping there's some kind of kit you can buy that gives you everything you need. I've installed and bled a hydraulic clutch on an F-Body, so I'm sure I can handle the work, but I need to know what to buy. Aside from the conversion kit, I need to know what kind of clutch/flywheel to get. I'm leaning towards a steel flywheel, and I'd like to get a clutch that'll put up with drag racing on slicks, but is still somewhat streetable and will give me a decent service life. (I'm not looking for comfort at all, just good performance with a clutch that isn't on/off.)

I currently have a carbon fiber driveshaft on the car. I'm told it'll be too long with the T-56 installed. What length do I need? Can I have my carbon fiber one shortened?

Where can I get a T-56 for a reasonable price? I'm not opposed to buying a used and/or rebuilt one. My car should be putting down around 315 RWHP in a couple weeks after my cam install, but I'd want to have the transmission be able to handle upwards of 800 horsepower for the mods I hope to add over the next few years (rebuild, Kenne Bell, heads, etc.). I'm told that a fair number of people run this kind of horsepower on a stock T-56, but I'm sure there are a few upgrades that y'all might recommend.

I suppose I'll have to get a new shifter. Could use some advice there. I have the Steeda Tri-Ax on my T-3650 and I love it. I'm told the Pro 5.0 is a popular favorite for the T-56.

Do I have to change any of the mounting hardware for anything?

Will all the electronics from my T-3650 plug into the T-56?

Will I have to change my computer settings to properly calibrate my speedometer?

What kind of clutch alignment tool will I need to get?

Thanks in advance for your help. Links to any guides related to this are always appreciated, of course, as are links to good places to buy these parts.

 

[Mach1Run]

I had mine done by a shop here in town. I dont think youll need a new clutch. When they did mine I needed the transmission itself, and a shifter to go on it ( MGW ), then they modified my existing crossmember, and sent the driveshaft to be shortened, and I believe the wired the reverse lockout to the brakes. Took them about a week and a half to source the parts, which they got cheaper than I could find, then 2 days to do the work. I can find the number if you want it since Im in the dfw area if you wanna call someone whos done it.

 

[Trav4011]

I use a Viper Spec T56, Spec clutch/flywheel for Viper Spec trans, Stock trans mount modified to bolt to the T56, Stock Cobra driveshaft with smaller 8.8 flange swapped over (uses a common Napa u-joint), and a GM coolant temp sensor plug, wired into my brake light switch (on the pedal) to control the reverse lockout. When I hit the foot brake (along with the clutch), I can shift the car into reverse.

Travis

 

[maximos]

When switching to a T56 one thing you're going to want to pay close attention to is the way your exhaust fits with the T56 in it. I had a MAC Pro Chamber H-Pipe and it would not fit because of the cross member being moved back a few inches. I tried just a regular Mac H-Pipe and it fit however there was a flange that was hitting the cross member so it is sitting VERY low. I spoke to a couple guys at D&D Performance and BBK and they both confirmed that Longtubes with BBK's Short H-Pipe would fit. But when doing a conversion like this you're never going to get a "true" fit unless there is some custom fabrication involved.

I would call D&D -- they'll be able to answer most of your questions.

 

[SaleenGT2001]

T56 is nearly a direct swap. the viper spec one (like mine) requires a 26 spling clutch. the cobra ones are a direct bolt up. no hydraulic clutch is needed. i would recomend putting in a better clutch while your in there. my Mccleod has been great. i've used it with my old 3650 and bought another for my viper spec.