new Tremec T-56 Magnum transmission

[Michael C Henry]

I just read about Tremec's new T-56 magnum trans that is suposed to be good up to 700 ftlbs. The new KIT CAR BUILDER magazine, June 2009, Add is on pp 15 lower right and the article is on pp 24 and 25. I Went to the websites listed and nothing concerning the new magnum transmission. Tried to go to local dealer listed as DarkHorse Performance and hit a stop.. I'm curently running a big input Ford top loader 4spd trans with the 8 bolts holding in to a steel scattersheild bellhousing behind a 427 FE sideoiler engine. I'd like to find out more about the possibilities of a swap to gain those extra two overdrives. I have no experience with the Tremec transmissions. I'd like to hear about how hard are they to shift? How much of the equipment I allready have would I have to be replaced? How much would it move the shifter? Will it fit in my tunnel? I have a lot of questions at this point to ask.
Additional information : 3.56 Jag rearend ,BF GOODRICH P255/50 ZR16 tires 427 sideoiler, Dove alluminum Super Canadian Cobrajet heads, Dove inline 2-4 Tunnelwedge intake manifold, Comp Cam solid lifter cam with shell lifters tubular pushrods and Dove roller rockers, 2- 600 cfm holley carbs and those little S&H aircleaners. Mcleod alluminum flywheel w/steel heatd sheild for 12" clutch,11 1/2" Mcleod clutch and pressureplate. The steel scattersheild is three parts (plate on back of engine and the formed upper and lower, and actually cut to fit around right frame rail tube. Fork type throwout arm. Everything is so tight I have to wedge the transmission in the tunnel to the rear attach the upper formed part of the scattersheild, assemble the clutch then bring the transmission forward and attach it to the scattersheild.