T56 Problems???

HotRodChassis · #1 (**permalink**) 05-06-2005, 11:56 AM

I own a hot rod shop, and am wanting use a T56 in a '51 Ford Shoebox I'm building. I called Keisler to order one, and the rep there told me the T56 was junk, and that putting it behind a 5.4L DOHC Nav motor was not a good idea. Also, the rep at Victor Ford (my Motorsports dealer) said something simular. That the 300+ HP from the Nav would eat the T56. Both said TKO was a better option. My argument is that the Cobra(2003), Viper, LS1, WS6, Vanquish all use the T56. So how are these companies not being inundated with service warrenty work if the T56 is junk. Have any of you guys experiance poor performance or constant breakage with this tranny?

Kevin Tully
Owner
Hot Rod Chassis & Cycle
(630)-930-7078

Gatorac · #2 (**permalink**) 05-06-2005, 01:00 PM

I've never had a problem with the T-56. I put one in a 92 Mustang with 450 rwhp. I had an 03 Cobra with one. It is basically the same tranny in the C-5 Vette too and I have one of those now.

The Viper spec T-56 is built a bit stouter then the standard Ford version. You can get a Viper spec T-56 for a Ford.

HotRodChassis · #3 (**permalink**) 05-06-2005, 02:41 PM

Thanks for the input. I didn't think they could be that junk with so many manufacturers using it. Any body else?

Badger · #4 (**permalink**) 05-06-2005, 03:08 PM

The T56 is actually a more modern design than the earlier TKs, which use older brass synchro technology. According to the tech guys at Rockland Standard Gear in NY, where I purchaesd my T56, the clearances are much tighter and more critical in the T56, so you cannot run heavier oil. (Some people have done this as they've had issues with gear whine in the upper ratios, but that is not the fix! Get the transmission "blueprinted" and it'll run silent. Rockland has data on more than 1000 hp being run through the T56s, so they are very strong. The advantage of the six speed on the road is really appreciated. If I were buildiing a car just for track work I might consider the TK as it is lighter, less expensive and shorter, so there is less drive-shaft angularity in a chassis where the engine sits rearward. T56s are excellent transmissions...you just have to make sure the set up is right. Badger

Badger · #5 (**permalink**) 05-06-2005, 03:11 PM

The T56 is actually a more modern design than the earlier TKs, which use older brass synchro technology. According to the tech guys at Rockland Standard Gear in NY, where I purchaesd my T56, the clearances are much tighter and more critical in the T56, so you cannot run heavier oil. (Some people have done this as they've had issues with gear whine in the upper ratios, but that is not the fix!) Get the transmission "blueprinted" and it'll run silent. Rockland has data on more than 1000 hp being run through the T56s, so they are very strong. The advantage of the six speed on the road is really appreciated. If I were buildiing a car just for track work I might consider the TK as it is lighter, less expensive and shorter, so there is less drive-shaft angularity in a chassis where the engine sits rearward. T56s are excellent transmissions...you just have to make sure the set up is right. Badger

koupe377 · #6 (**permalink**) 06-16-2005, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by HotRodChassis

I own a hot rod shop, and am wanting use a T56 in a '51 Ford Shoebox I'm building. I called Keisler to order one, and the rep there told me the T56 was junk, and that putting it behind a 5.4L DOHC Nav motor was not a good idea. Also, the rep at Victor Ford (my Motorsports dealer) said something simular. That the 300+ HP from the Nav would eat the T56. Both said TKO was a better option. My argument is that the Cobra(2003), Viper, LS1, WS6, Vanquish all use the T56. So how are these companies not being inundated with service warrenty work if the T56 is junk. Have any of you guys experiance poor performance or constant breakage with this tranny?

Kevin Tully
Owner
Hot Rod Chassis & Cycle
(630)-930-7078

Those guys must be on heroin

justbetter · #7 (**permalink**) 06-16-2005, 04:13 PM

Kevin have a look unter the Australian Cobra Club forum for Garrett's gearbox - The Autopsy
Ive run a T56 for the past 18 months and it finaly let go only a little though.
With 550HP a the rear wheels on further investigation Aussie Mike has found the problem and the box is on the mend with the new parts from good old USA.

Look at the thread, also if you look at my picks too you will see that Aussie mike has also moved my shifter stick up further, this may suit your application to in a ROD. More pic's look at Auusie Mikes pic's too

Regards Garrett

CaspersSVT · #8 (**permalink**) 06-23-2005, 08:13 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by koupe377

Those guys must be on heroin

No kidding, go to a REAL perf. shop where they actually G/A/S about your ride. That's nuts what they're saying, no offense. Just my opinion, be careful.

Ant · #9 (**permalink**) 06-26-2005, 03:32 AM

Doesnt the Viper T56 have a 30 spline mainshaft and other improvements over the standard non Viper T56 of 27 spline?

Do any of you guys run a trans cooler?
I intend on doing short type sprint races of -
5 laps of a 3mile course!

Michael4yah · #10 (**permalink**) 07-16-2005, 10:02 AM

My 04 GTO is in the shop now with tranny problems. 1st they didnt torque down the clutch properly at the factory and it came loose. Ive always had problems in cold weather shifter 1-2 or downshifting 3or4-2. Ive got a feeling this might be the tip of the iceberg. Im building a cobra now and if I go with anything other than a toploader I think I will use a richmond 6 spd.