So the T56 Magnum install is underway. Now I know why they call it the Magnum. Summa bish is huge. Sitting next to the TKO-500 here.
I'm going to chronicle the install here. I didn't find a whole lot of installation details with pictures online, so hopefully my experience will help others. Aligning the bellhousing with the Magnum is a little different than other transmissions because the bellhousing doesn't have a concentric circle that can be used to dial it in. The front plate of the transmission needs to be removed and then bolted to the bellhousing without the rest of the transmission behind it. First thing is to remove the detent bolt and spring.
Once that is out, removing all the bolts on the plate will allow it to be removed. There are two pry spots on each side of the case that make removal with a screwdriver easy. Here's the plate off the trans. I already scraped off all the RTV that was sealing it to the case.
Inside of the mighty Magnum.
I then bolted up the bellhousing with just the flywheel installed. You can see why it's not possible to index this bellhousing without the front plate.
I put the front plate in place and noticed it was crooked. After talking to some people, I'm told this is normal and that transmissions typically favor the driver. I had to stop at this point anyway because my dial indicator base is too thick and wont let me install the plate because the input shaft sleeve sits too close to the flywheel.
Speaking of the input shaft sleeve, there is a lot of information on the internet that the sleeve needs to be shortened when using a twin disc clutch.
After some measuring, I only have 1/8" clearance to the sleeve once both clutch discs are installed. I'm going to shorten the sleeve the 0.20" that I have seen recommended online.
The webbing of the front plate also needs to be trimmed back thanks to the extra space that the twin disc takes up. The clutch fork hits the plate in certain areas. The green spots are marked up for my machine shop. I'm going to have him shorten the sleeve and machine down those spots at the same time.
Once the sleeve is machined, my dial indicator base will actually fit so I can get back to aligning the bellhousing.