6 speed in a 71 mustang?

porkchop

Founding Member
Aug 17, 2002
101
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Waxhaw North Carolina
Hey guys, its been a couple of years since I have posted with this account, apparently I thought it would be easier at one time to create a new account rather than request my password. Anyway I am working on clearing out my garage so I can get working on my 71 Mach 1 again. Well I want to hook up a 6 speed to my 351 C and I want to know what the best route will be. I checked out an article at fordmuscle.com about putting a Viper T-56 behind a 460 in a 71 vert. So I know there is the T-56 route and there is also the Richmond 6 speed option as well. I believe there used to be someone on here that put a Richmond 6 in his mustang at one time.
So what my goal is to have a 6 speed in my mustang that can handle some power, right now I have a 351C with a little more power than stock, but later I hope to be putting down somewhere around 500 HP and somewhere around the same for torque to the rear wheels. So I will need a beefier tranny.
So I know with the T-56 there is the Viper tranny, the one out of camaros, and the Cobra tranny, They all have different input shafts correct? 26 spline, 10 spline and I dont know what the viper is but with all of them do you have to worry about the length Also the output is different but that does not seem to be as big of problem. Are the shifters on these different models in the same location or not? I know with the T-56 I will need to lower and back up the engine a bit and change out to a different crossmember and cut a little bit in the transmission tunnel. I have been checking out tickshift.com and DDperformance.com to see what they offer
Ok the Richmond option, I really dont know what it takes to get on of these in a stang (fitment cutting etc.) , I know there are many options as far as gear ratios and everything. But how do they perform, do they shift nice I know it is more like a 5 speed with a single overdrive compared to the double overdrive of the T-56, but how do they handle power?
So with all that jumbled up mess, I need some help sorting out my options and I need to be educated more on The Richmond 6. Are there any other 6 speeds out there that could work? Have any of you guys done any of these swaps and if so what way did you go. Thanks, Rob
 
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What are the shifting charictaristics of your Richmond 6 speed?
From what I have read on other sites, some seem to feel the Richmond may be a little harder to shift, and does not like to be speed shifted. Another comment is that the transmission physically fits fine, but it is the shifter that can cause problems, due to it being externally mounted like our old toploaders.
David.
 
Yeah what is your Richmond like? I I am looking to have my Cleveland Erving IN the 7 k range. Is the fitment nice as far as the crossmember and the engine position? As far as the shifter it would be nice to have the shifter a bit further back If possible. Let me know what it was lke to get a Richmond in your 71. Thanks, Rob