Instruments

[Merv and Sharon]

Thanks Jamie. The instruments look really great. I have decided to stay with black faces and chrome bezels for the more trad look. That may mean Smiths, as VDO don't seem to do chrome surrounds. Warwick Harrison has advised that Abel Instruments can do that to the VDO, however. Much cheaper as well.

The engine looks fantastic. I am going to use the same engine early 2008 with the Tremec 56 (6 speed) 'box. Did you get that too? What kind of money are they asking for the engine and 'box combination?

Merv
(Sunshine Coast, Qld)

[BMK]

Nvenm8

Jamie,

Look nice...

The carbon fibre dash with the gauges will look a treat.

[Nvenm8]

Bernie, thanks My dad and I definitely like the look...

Merv, If you're going for the traditional look, black is where it's at. We were quite tempted by the smiths reverse sweep 0-300kph speedo, but black gauges on carbon fibre don't look as nice imho.

Re the Engine: The LS2 seems to go for between 8 and 10k depending on who has stock and who is doing what deal. Although with the advent of the L76/L98 that may be a better option, especially if you have read this months Motor

Re the gearbox: We haven't decided yet as I really don't like the shift on the T56. Although I am told the Ford T56 as fitted to the XR6T and the XR8 etc is much nicer with revised syncros and gear edges. I'm currently investigating the possibility of using a 6sp Getrag V160 from the MkIV Supra, it's got nicer ratios and a much nicer change. But I have a feeling that we'll end up with a T56, and I'll get used to it.


Jamie

[Merv and Sharon]

Thanks Jamie. I am going with a simple, black and traditional look (black body, carpets, door covers, dash and rollbars, with no side pipes and black centre Halibrand type wheels; seat colour TBC). Thus the VDO gauges seem fine and excellent value as Otto instruments here in Brisbane can put on chrome bezels and even screen on a red zone on the Tacho. Smiths say they don't bring in the reverse sweep speedo now as there was no interest in it and it is not ADR compliant (not that that is an issue in the final washup!).

Cheers,

Merv

[Merv and Sharon]

Also Jamie, what don't you like about the 6 speed box that comes with the LS2? I gather that is the T56? I have not tried it but hear that it is a bit heavy but has a great 6th speed ratio (0.39) that mates well with the Nissan GTR diff (4.3). I did the sums on the final speed/revs and it looks good. Warwick has developed a shift extension that keeps the 'stick straighter as well.

Merv

[hsv300]

Merv I got my shifter on my T56 moved by Mal Woods http://www.malwoodauto.com.au/ he has pics on his web site + in my gallery. He uses a Hurst shifter and I think it cost about $830.00 looks and feels great.
cheers Greg

[Nvenm8]

Sounds like the VDO's are the right option

I have driven a HSV with the T56 and found it incredibly slow and heavy, it's actually a common complaint amongst HSV owners. I am not expecting the change to be as nice as my gtr but I was kinda expecting something a little less "puts flame suit on" agricultural.

While I haven't driven a XR6t or an XR8 with the Ford revised T56 all reports say that it has a much nicer shift, although not 100% sure about ratios with the gtr diff.

I spoke with someone at holinger and they say the Ford box is better due to double syncros and revised gear face, so if the Getrag box falls into the too hard basket I will be chasing the ford T56.

Also of note is the T56 Mal Wood produces for Cobras with the shift moved to a center position to get around the normal T56 problem of requiring double jointed elbows

Std T56 shift position


Cobra Modified center shift



Jamie

[sambo]

Just make sure with the relocated shifter that you're not knocking your fist on the dash going into 3rd. I hear it's pretty tight with the Harrison.

[hsv300]

Plenty of room ( I hope) Warwick suggested this mod.
cheers Greg

[boxhead]

I have carried out this mod myself and it is a very nice fit in the Classic Revival (Thanks Mike)

[Aussie Mike]

I've been doing a center shift conversion on the T56 since 2003. Quite a few Cobras and other cars around the country have my boxes in them now.



Cheers

[Merv and Sharon]

Looks good Mike! I guess that it will mate up to the LS2 motor. I am buying the new motor and 'box later this year. I understand that the T56 now has a 0.39 6 gear ratio. Is that your understanding as well? How much for the center shift conversion and does it lighten the shift action?

Merv
Sunshine Coast Qld

[Rob. Smith]

Originally Posted by Merv and Sharon

I will soon take delivery of a rolling chassis from Warwick Harrison and have been thinking about all the things that one does at this stage.... One of which is which instruments to use. I guess the short answer is anything that gets it registered, but I was thinking of a set of Smiths' gauges (Tacho, Speedo, fuel, oil press, and water temp). I have heard that these are more expensive than the VDO ones but is that true and have others found the Smiths sets easy to install?

Merv

G'day M&S.
I was too enthuastic and keen when I bought my "Original Smiths Gauges" from Europa Spares In England. They were truly original gauges and very nice but the import tax was RUDE ! I later was informed that if I had not spent over $1000 the import tax would have been considerably less.
Ring and talk to the customs mob and they can tell you stuff you can't get anywhere else. If I had known earlier I would have bought some bits first and the other bits later and avoided the extra import tax. You live and learn....but it's nice to get a lead from others.... Don't hesitate to ask !

[Nvenm8]

Well there you go I've been looking all round the country and Mike has already made it (I actually should have guessed )

Hmm decisions