Remember my example of my 03Mustang cobra, that is 448 RWHP and 460 torque, (real numbers), car weights almost 4,000 lb's. I have had it to the track (road race and drags) 5 times and the trans. performed flawlessly. An aftermarket shifter is helpful my group seems to prefer the MGW shifter; I think it is worth the investment.
There are drag racers in my Mustang club running 615 HP who use there cars as daily drivers and drag strip cars, and guess what they use the stock T56.
You have to be realalistic, the huge HP numbers advertised by the engine builders are achieved on the engine builder’s dyno, using his headers and maybe with out accessories, then there’s the loss through the drive train. I would bet that once installed in your BDR with BDR headers and the drive train loss, you would see numbers in the 450-475hp ranges. Then remember you have a 2,500 lb car. The t-56 is more that adequate for the job.
You did not mention what size tires you are running. I say this only because if you are running 15-inch tires you will surely break loose before any damage occurs to the transmission, even using a t-5.
PS I started with a 3:15 rear but changed to a 3:73, a good compromise and I still have a useful first gear.
If you want to see the t-56 in action in my Mustang check out
http://video.google.com/videoplay?do...q=dave+and+jay