I'm about to put a new transmission in my 1990, and am seriously thinking about either the tremec 500 or the t-56, what will I need in order to install these? Can I reuse my Centerforce clutch in either of them? with the t-56 will I need a different clutch or drive shaft? thank you
The clutch depends on the input shaft of the new trans. If you have a 10 spline clutch then it won't work with a 26 spline TKO or T56. As for fitting the T56, you will have to get a shortened d/s and different cross-member. From what I remember, it may require some cutting if you have subframes. Check out D&D as they have a whole kit for installing the T56 in a stang: http://ddperformance.com/T56 Kits.htm
the basic T56 has a 10 spline input shaft so you can use any clutch for a T5. the Viper spec however is a 26 spline..i have the basic kit from D&D and it comes with everything you need...the transmission crossmember relocation brackets come to fit around subframe connectors...everything is very good quality...the conversion is straight-forward and all you have to remember is to wire the Neutral Safety Switch together or youll never get it to start. i did it in my garage with 4 jackstands and a floor jack.
With the TKO you will need to modify the crossmember, just grind down the spot welds so you can move it back and forth, either remove the exaust hangers to the midpipe or relocate them further back, and in my case, the driveshaft will fit but is too long, the yoke is pressed against the tailshaft. When my car gets back togeather, I will need to shorten it a lot, as well as a different crossmember because the K-member I have moves the engine back another inch.
The T-56 is awesome. .5 overdrive, you could run a hell of a gear. I don't understand why they can't make the TKO 500 or 600 with a really high overdive like that since 5th is just a highway gear anyways. Wouldn't it be great to run a 4.56 gear 1st through 4th, but then put it in 5th and cruise at 80mph at 2000rpm?
Yea but why have 5 gears when u can have 6! I have a T-56 in my garage with 7k Miles on it that i picked up for 1500$ straight up, along with the Driveshaft and an MGW Shifter.