Bart

Can you post some pictures?? That would be great if you could. What cobra kit do you have FFR, ERA? How much did they charge you for the kit and did you install it yourself? If you did install it yourself was it hard to install it?

Thanks SnakeBoy

I have no pictures other than the "after" shot I took when the car was stored at the Bondurant museum. But I am tracking it at a NASA event this coming weekend and I will see if I can get a better interior picture. It's in Phoenix.

http://a5.cpimg.com/image/05/E7/2494...-02000180-.jpg

The car is a race modified FFR by Levy Racing. They made a removable rear section to accomodate the longer length of the transmission and also had the conversion done at a local machine shop. It requires drilling, etc. I think Keisler made up a manual based on my job.

The car has an IRS, so if you are using a live axle, the driveshaft may be too short for the required movement.

I think the cost was less than $400 for the kit itself. Give Keisler a call.

Keisler Automotive?
 

Has anyone contacted Keisler lately? I've been calling them for two days without reaching a human except for reaching one that quickly punted me.

I've been attempting this mod on my own and have decided it's over my head. I also like the idea of not cutting the shift rod if their kit makes that possible.

Thanks,

T56 shift position & Keisler
 

Hi, I spoke to Keisler in December 2003. They seemed somewhat reluctant to sell the "kit" but eventually told me that a batch of the kits were being made up and that I would be contacted when they became available, sometime early 2004.

Billimey

I spoke to them about a month ago and they said that they were waiting for feedback from the several people who have done this conversion. I also had a very hard time getting a real person on the line to talk to. I did talk to the owner at one point and he is still reluctant to send out the kit. He did say that I could send him my transmission and he would do it right away. I checked into shipping and it was going to cost me about $250 to have it shipped out and back. So I decided to wait for the kit. Hopefully it will be done soon because I am ready to put it in the car now.

Bart

Did the person who did your work give them any feedback? How do you like the shifter in the forward position? Also how do you like the 6 speed? What rear end gears do you have. I have 373's in mine.

Thanks SnakeBoy

The work was done by Levy Racing. It was pretty straight forward. I love the 6 speed. The shifting is great, short throws, very precise and a great feel.

I have 373's also. But my choice was decided by my engine and track considerations. But I guess you can't go wrong with any choice with a 6 speed. A gear for every occasion!

Bart,

An earlier post mentioned that the Keisler kit leaves the rod to the original shifter location. Do you know if they cut the rod and replace the h pattern mechanism with something that then holds the rod to the original location or does their kit somehow avoid cutting the rod altogether?

Sorry for the detailed question, I haven't been able to speak with them and am attempting to move forward on my own. I can't see anyway to do it without cutting the shift rod ( other than doing it externally )

Thanks,

Sorry. Although I did the research and bought the kit, Levy Racing did the work.

I had no trouble getting in touch with Keisler Automotive Engineering. I would keep trying. Let him know about the interest on this site.

Hi, it seems that a number of people want to do this conversion, at least 3. Let me suggest that we approach Keisler as a group, with anyone else who is interested and and if they want our business, place an order. If not then is there anyone else out there, i.e. In Australia who can facilitate this. I am ready to buy will anyone help me.

Bill Orr

I am in Australia and more than willing to try and help as I too will need to modify the T56 shifter for my car.
I was going to do the conversion same as Aussie Mike did with his, how can someone in australia help?
Is Keisler Automotive Engineering in Australia?
Do they have a web site?

I would be willing to go to Keisler as a group to get the kit. Maybe that will give them some motivation to move forward with making it available.

www.keislerauto.com
 

Their website is www. keislerauto.com

I would be interested in a kit if anyone is able to setup a deal. I haven't had any luck contacting them. There was a mention earlier that tremec has the parts to do this. I have an email into their tech help address, if I don't get a response I'l start calling them.

Boxhead,

If you search the forum on t56 you should find a thread that mentions a place in australia that does this mod.

Tremec references Keisler
 

I called Tremec's tech line. They do not have a kit, they do refer you to Keisler. He said to keep calling, they are very busy there. I guess there is alot of business in putting 6 speeds into old cars.

talked to keislerautomotive
 

I finally got through! Unfortunately they do not sell the parts now. They will do the mod for $499. I assume that included the shifter but I didn't ask. I think the price and shipping probably makes it worth my trying to finish it on my own.

If anyone hears differently than this, I'd apprectiate hearing about it but for now I think I'll dig the cutting wheel out and see what happens.

Thanks,

Keisler Front Shifted T56 for Fords
 

Dear Listers,

In surfing the net, I came across your discussion board with this thread regarding our product.

We are in the process of making our patent pending front shift conversion a "kit". However, it is a formidable job as it requires special tools to press off the 5 & 6th gears, etc. We have workstations and special fixtures to perform these processes. One of the components is in the final stages of tool-up. We have already received samples and test fit. Once completed, a kit will become a viable solution. However, we are quite backed up, and I don't forsee this kit being available until late summer/early fall.

If you are interested in a correct T56 for your Cobra, we need to know which engine combinations (5.0L, 4.6L, FE series, 460 engine, etc) & torque (475 or 650) you would require. We can supply these in aluminum and SFI steel clutch housings, and for either mechanical fork, cable fork or hydraulic release bearing configurations (my favorite). We stock all of the transmissions and componetry.

Please contact us directly at x1 or my extension x203.

We have just a handful of T56s in Cobras now, and I believe you would love the transmission. We have two standard and 1 custom gearset available.

Of course, we also make a close ratio, short throw TKO 5-speed also with 2.87 1st and choice of .82 or .64 5th.

t56 shifter relocation
 

After a year of inactivity due to work and the birth of our first child, I decided to send this off the Keisler. I'll post again when it comes back.

KEISLER Front Shift for T56
 

Yes, we do these front shifts for T56 for 5.0/small block and 4.6/mod motor.

We also have a 5-speed overdrive version for the same engines, plus 390, 427, 428, 460 engines.

Please call 865-609-8187 x1.

Thank you,

Shafi Keisler, Pres.

Mr. Kesiler,

Hopefully you still do the front shifter mod on any t56? That is what the transmission is on it's way to you to have done.

It's order #450-117.

Thanks,

Thank you. Yes, we do this to any t56, new or used.

I sent my t56 out to Keisler on 2-13, it arrived back here today, 2-22. No problems, I'm impressed.