T56 into a 67 Coupe: Surgery required

[JC6715]

Hey everyone, just wanted to post some pics up of the install of a T56 into my '67 Coupe. I am using Lakewood's Muscle mounts on stock frame mounts, and a 302 block. I am getting close to the proper angle, but need a little more clearancing...

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<img src="http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v687/jczj15/T56install3.jpg" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"><br><br>
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[Nosboss]

Couldn't you have lowered the motor a little bit more to get the same effect?

 

[JC6715]

Already had the motor mounts so didn't feel like buying different ones. But yeah, if you got adjustable mounts or lowering mounts you probably wouldn't have to cut as much, if at all.

I know 69EFIvert just dropped in a T-56 and had lowering mounts and he didn't have to cut the tunnel at all, just a trim around the shifter. So there you go...

I'm obviously not going for a stock restore and it's just a coupe, so i didn't mind cutting it up. Plus I'll have more ground clearance when it's all said an done.

 

[DK832]

Plus I'll have more ground clearance when it's all said an done.

Exactly, doing it right instead of having header flanges scraping along the astfalt.

 

[Nosboss]

I like the idea of more ground clearance. My longtubes have hit the ground more than once with the stock motor mounts! I have been thinking about shortubes for a while now. The T56 will be nice too.

Keep us posted with pics! I want to see the metal fab work.

 

[latamud]

Couldn't you have lowered the motor a little bit more to get the same effect?

When I did my car, I lowred the engine 1" and still had to raise the trans hump 2". My oil pan is 3/4" off the ground, it scrapes, the header flanges scrape and the bellhousing flange.

 

[Shakin66]

Not to highjack your thread but I dont want folks with 64-66 models to think its as easy as lowering the engine....On my 66 you could have never gotten the angle correct without raising the tunnel, even if you lower the engine 2". I had clearance (oil pan & header flanges)issues before the swap and have since moved into a neighborhood with speed bumps so the tunnel had to go. I am also not of the opinion that you cant modify a classic in the name of performance. There is nothing like a close ration 6 speed in an old hot rod.
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[68EFIvert]

As JC6715 mentioned I just got done doing this swap. I used Ron Morris lowering motor mounts and made my own crossmembers. I am right at 3 degrees for a pinion angle. I am using Headman Long tube headers and wish I would have purchased shortys now. Not becasue the drag a lot but you can see them from the side of the car. I have had the headers scrape one time. It was on an enterance to a parking garage that slanted up rather dramatically and then went flat all of a sudden. The flanges (only 1 actually) barely touched. I havent touched on any speed bumps. I usually go over bumps pretty slowly so that I don't.

The only problem I am having now is finding what length speedo cable I need. My current cable is about 12" short. Time to pull it out and measure it so that I can go to the parts store and get a new one.

 

[Shakin66]

Yea, let me know what you find out on the speedo cable that is on my winter list along with the back up lights.

 

[68EFIvert]

The speedo cable for my T5 was 58" and I found one at the local parts store that is 72" which will be perfect for my 68. The backup light was simple. The plug I had for the T5 was long enough to go on the other side of the tranny and plugged right in. I got lucky with the VSS wiring as well. It was exactly the right length. I didn't have to cut and splice any wires. That may be the only thing on this whole build that went as I hoped it would.

 

[daddy oth]

interesting subject...i have 351c boss sitting in my garage someday it will end up in a '66 coupe (currently with 306 w/ t-5) couples of questions for ya:

1) will t-56 bolt up to 351c?

2) what years and model is the t56 out off?

3) what about flywheel,harmonic balancer?

i think 351c has 28oz. maybe a list of parts needed would be nice

thank you all

 

[latamud]

1) will t-56 bolt up to 351c?
Anything you can bolt behind a 302 and 351W will bolt up behind a 351c. Careful of 157 and 164 tooth flywheels matched to bellhousing and starter, clutch kit.
2) what years and model is the t56 out off?
You should search, they are in Fords, Chevys and Dodges.
3) what about flywheel,harmonic balancer?
Use what works with your engine.

 

[68EFIvert]

daddy oth, Here is a thread I did on another forum about my install. It should have many of the details you may want to know about.

Started my T56 conversion. - Vintage Mustang Forums