Hi all!

I have a 1986 Monte LS "sleeper" with a 454 @ ~450 HP, Holley 750 DP, and a 7004R. Yes, I've been playing. ;-)

Anyway, I want to swap to a manual. I was originally thinking a D&D T56, but the price is a bit steep. I am wondering everyone's opinions on T5 versus T56 and Viper T56 vs normal T56.

Note, I have a stock rear (flame me on the lack of posi, I know...I know - I actually like being non-posi, and I love the ~ 40MPH/1K in overdrive). I do have an SS rear with whatever ratio those came with sitting in storage from when I was considering posi. Feel free to try and convince me I would prefer it (bear in mind my love for low RPMs on the highway).

Some of my thoughts...
Assuming as much as 500 ft/lb torque, can I even run a normal T56?
Would the gear spread on a T5 be better for me than having an extra gear? (My engine power is reasonably flat and wide)

Thanks!
Greg

 

T56 all the way, on Horsepower they did a 502 T56 setup, plus think of how fast it would be with that extra gear, and I like to shift

 

Ive got a 87 Monte with a 454 big block and i run a 350 turbo with a 2 1/2 inch thick aluminum bell tech bell housing with a ford nine inch with a mini spool and 3:7:3 gear ratio, i have a manual valve body in right now but for driving on the street i am going to change to an automatic valve body, may not help you with a setup but maybe it will, i havent run this car yet, fresh motor and tranny, not quiet done with it yet but i should be in a couple of weeks, ill let ya know how it goes and welcome, i am a new member also so i cant post pics yet.

 

heyy! welcome to the forum! sorry but i cant help you but other members most def will be able too =)

 

Ok...you got me there. I also like to shift ;-) And deep down, I really do want the six speed.

So....do I need the extra stiffness of the D&D/Viper T56, or is there some middle ground?

The $3600 for their T56 + all the incidentals will probably price me out of this for the moment. I still need to get pedals, address the drive shaft, etc. Everything that goes with a conversion to manual. On the other hand, if there is a T56 that will do the job solid for a lower price point...green light. I guess I am not sure if there are "grades" of T56 trannies or pretty much stock -v- D&D/Viper.

@Mike03R1: Cool, I am interested in how it goes. I considered a manual valve body but decided I'd rather go 5 or 6 speed if I am going to go any sort of manual and if I can afford it. My decision is part because a friend located someone local who seems to be a master in clutch setup on his high-HP cars and in part because the local automatic tranny shops here are incompetent.