Modify T56 shifter position

[jjl]

Hi, I am new here and may be a little (or a lot) on the dark side for you guys, but here goes.
I have a 73 vette and have a T56 trans to put in it. I need to move the shifter position which is currently way at the back, to the middle position.
I have read a few posts on this site that cover this in general terms and reference someone called Aussie Mike. I do not wish to bother him as most of the posts seem to state that he does not address this topic any more so it is best if I do not aggravate that situation.

If anyone has any details of how to do this modification and where to get the necessary parts, I would greatly appreciate help. I emailed Keisler and all they wanted to do was sell me a 5 speed and kit ready to bolt in. This was not what I wanted.

Thanks and keep up the good work, especially you guys using the L76 motors

[RICK LAKE]

jjl Try either of the 2 above for the swapping of the position on the shifter. If not try and goggle it. someone would have the change setup. I know 1 change is with an external shifter arm that hooks to the orginial spot and has the shifter mount forward. You would need room in the tunnel for this swap. You will have to watch the driveshaft angles. Rick

[Roush #1]

jjl,
I used the new MGW shifter. It has a much shorter throw than the stock Tremec or aftermarket Steeda and feels much more positive. I then turned the shifter handle around so it extends forward.
This will put the shifter handle location avout 7 inches forward of the stock location.
Hope this helps.

http://www.lastcallracing.com/mgw-t56.html

Jody

[john chesnut]

Mike Forte of Forte performance parts out of Mass makes a pretty slick set up to move the shifter forward for the T56. It moves the shifter about 11 inches forward. This put the shifter in the perfect location in my scratch built Cobra. The price including shifter and knob is around $500.

[vettestr]

Welcome JJ,
You told us the tranny was a GM T56 but is it the GM (011) Aftermarket version or removed from a GM? This is an important ? as the aftermarket 011 tranny has many user friendly options like a mechanical speedo, different ratios, no auto up-shift and modified adapter plate to allow scatter shield install etc... Also check for a 15 degree rotation as mounted.

The GM and aftermarket tranny allow the shifter to be rotated and moved about 3 inches on center but I think you want to move to the modified position. Check out this web site as between 3 inch gain on shifter and offset lever you may be able to save a ton of time and $$. http://steeda.com/products/steeda_tr...tremec_t56.php It is a Ford page but check full product listings.

I also push the outboard push slave from Compton instead of the internal HYD. throw out bearing. Pulling everything for a leak stinks !!! not to mention needing replacement disc and maybe Pressure plate if oiled down. Use a 1 inch bore and a 3/4 " Master Cyl. for great pedal feel. This is what I run in my personal car and a nice set-up for sure.

[jjl]

Thanks for your help.
I am not sure which trans I have exactly. It came out of a GM car (commodore), but in Australia, so it may be different to what you have in the US. I have enclosed a picture of it.
Will this bellhousing bolt up to the 350 or is it easier to use the std bellhousing.
If I use one of the shifters from Steeda Autosports, do I have to modify the trans at all or do I simply remove the plate in the center of the trans and bolt the new shifter into place. I have pulled that plate off and I imagine that I would have to modify the shifter rod somehow to accept the ball at the bottom of the shifter. Sorry these questions are really basic, but this is somewhat new to me. I have not played with these trannys before, but I am itching to get this in place and cut down the fuel usage. Thanks