82IROCZ

Im planning on installing a Magnum T56 and pretty much have everything figured out except for the Crossmember. Other than being told I need to custom make one, I have found ABSOLUTELY NOTHING in the way of a aftermarket crossmember for a Magnum T56 swap. Due to the fact that my car is torn apart, for me it would just to be easier and cheaper for me to just modify something instead of paying someone to custom make one. I did some digging for some info and if the info i found is right, the measurement from the back of the block to the crossmember mount on a 93-97 T56 is 25.5in and the same measurement for the magnum is 26.6in. My plan was to use a crossmember for a 93-97 t56 swap and just modify it since its only an inch off. It would also make things easier due to the fact that i want to mount the torque arm to the crossmember and spohn does that all in one shot. My question is, is my information accurate? Also, has someone done a magnum t56 swap and can add some suggestions on the situation? I want to make sure my idea is possible before i go and buy the transmission or any other parts so im not wasting money on trial and error.

82IROCZ

****UPDATE***

For anyone who is actually having trouble with this swap themselves. I talked to steve spohn of spohn performace and he explained to me that the reason he has not produced a crossmember for the magnum is because tremec is supposed to produce a Magnum T56 that is dimensionally the same as the 93-97 f body T56 in the near future. I have not been able to find any info about it but they apparently have been stating this for over a year. If anyone knows any information about it, please dont hesitate to leave your comments.

jmd

iTrader: (4)

Remember the "direct swap" aftermarket T56?
Except for the unique input shaft, existing production parts were used and just machined differently (front adapter plate, tailhousing)
They really didn't do that much to build those different from production transmissions except advertise it as direct swap based solely on the speedometer drive and bellhousing adaptation. Custom crossmember and shortened driveshaft were required.

Beyond that, the Tremec trend seems to be to go with the Ford 31 spline output shaft on the TKO line and Magnum models. So you'll likely end up with slip yoke / u-joint work regardless.

I'm going to be pessimistic and say that the dimensionally same-as 93-97 LT1 T56 Magnum will not be built. And I agree with the following:
If you want something that is a known quantity, the T56 (with upgrades) is still an excellent choice.

82IROCZ

If i felt like getting a regular T56 and spending the time and money to build it i wouldnt bother with a tremec but obviously i dont feel like doing that. PLUS, why spend the time and money buying and building a trans when i can just buy one that i dont have to worry about shifter fitment and speedo issues and can handle 700lbs of torque and never have to worry about it breaking. Also just to make it official, i spoke with tremec directly and the told me that the dimensionally 93-97 T56 magnum WILL be produced. It is currently in the works and they are working out the details. They know just as well as us that installing the current magnum in our cars is a pain in the ***. I was told to check back with them in a few months and they should have some info on getting one.

jmd

iTrader: (4)

I build them and know the differences. I completely understand the "I have to have this specific part" and have been there myself. Hopefully this isn't one of those "promised for a long time but who knows when it'll happen" things for your sake.

Maybe I should build more custom transmissions.

Jim85IROC

iTrader: (2)

Any update on this? I'm getting ready to buy a trans for my LS swap, and the T56 Magnum is at the top of my list right now, but I'd like to learn more about an f-body specific version before I pull the trigger.

82IROCZ

I have not recently talked to tremec about this. I will be calling them in the near future but you can always call them yourself. They will have no problem answering any questions you have.

Pocket

iTrader: (24)

Why not build your own crossmember? They're not that complicated

82IROCZ

well considering the fact that i will be having a crossmember mounted torque arm, thats more work than i really feel like doing. not to mention the fact that the torque arm regardless will make things more complicated. The current magnum right now is absolutely huge so if i have a chance to make things roomier and less complicating by waiting a bit, i will. If i had a bunch of steel lying around i would try it cus as long as your measurements are good, you're right, its not that complicated. I just prefer to buy a crossmember from someone who has the right tools for the job and not macgyver one together with the tools im limited to.

82IROCZ

**UPDATE**

I spoke with Tremec and unfortunately they now have no clue what im talking about with the new transmission and that the only magnum they will offer is the one they currently have. Complete bullshit. So, again i talked with Steve Spohn of Spohn Performance. He will make a produce a crossmember for the Magnum T56. He just needs a car and a magnum to mock one up on. I would volunteer my car but, i dont have a trans. If anyone farther along in thier project than me and is willing to volunteer their car for this, call steve spohn at 1-888-365-6064 and update this thread as well. im sure there are more than a few people that are curious about this.

jmd

iTrader: (4)

I'd hold out for the direct fit one.

82IROCZ

According to Tremec, they wont have one. That is why i posted the update. Unless the guy was bullshitting me and didnt know what he was talking about, which is possible, we are stuck with making the current magnum work.

porkenstein

iTrader: (1)

I just talked to Spohn. I was told that the cross member for the t56 lsx works fine on the magnum. Not what I have heard so don't know what to think now. Any comments appreciated.

85MikeTPI

iTrader: (2)

That's correct.. Some good info here:

http://www.pro-touring.com/showthrea...new-T56-Magnum

But if trying to adapt the Magnum to a non-LSx motor, all bets are off...
You'll need to modify the Xmem, driveshaft length, torque-arm,etc..