Hi,
I have an 88 IROC with a Universal T56 transplant. Car was
originally a T-5. Just installed a B&M Ripper PN 45053 for the
universal T56. The shift lever now sits so far to the right I
can't use rightmost gears after reassembling console.

As the lever is not a bolt on I am considering having it cut
and rewelded at a better angle but wanted to see what others
have done.

Any one out there have a better solution? different shifter?
console mods?

Thanks,
Jim

 

A good idea would be to call the company who built the tranny.

 

Got any pictures of how it looks in there?

 

Tom,
I have a picture I can send but have not been able
to figure out how to do it through the message
board.

What I can tell you is that the shifter appears to be
designed for a transmission which is roatated sligtly
towards the driver side of car as it would be in a stock
4th gen. The universal T56 sits straight up so lever is
off to the right. I would guess offhand your firebird
would have the same problem I am having. The shifter
also sits much lower. The **** barely clears the top
of the center console but seems to be high enough.

Since it seems to be the only alternative to the stock
shifter that I have found I will probably go to a machine
shop and have the lever cut and re-welded.

I will post pictures if I ever figure out how.

Jim

 

See where is says Attach file:? Click browse and find the picture saved on you pc.

 

Tried the attatch image once before and it didn't seem
to work but here it goes again.

Pictures are of trans in neutral position.

 

Did your shifter look like this? Here is the left side view:


Here is the view looking directly at the front:


Check your e-mail

 

OK, here are the pic's of his shifter intalled in his Camaro. Sucks, this shifter is way off for a 3rd gen. I don't understand, as the "aftermarket T-56" is designed specifically and wholly to replace a T-5 in a 3rd gen Camaro. So why does B&M market a specific P/N for the "Aftermarket T-56" when it doesn't properly fit a Camaro?

Here is the top view:


Here is a side view:


Thanks for the pic's, Jim!

 

Most likely that shifter is actually for a Mustang t-5. All those t-5's are straight up.

 

I have the Ripper in my 89 with a T-56. It came with the transmission, so you should just use the part number for a 4th gen camaro and it will fit fine. Mine goes up a little, then curves toward the driver side. It is in perfect position.

Tim

 

The stock t-5 shifter has the correct base but the 18* bend to the right makes it hit hard. I just put a aftermarket t-56 in my 87 IROC. I bent an old Hurst indy handle and attached it to the shifter base that came with the trans about 18* left and opened the bolt holes so I could lean it back about the same amount. Works perfect. Hieght and position are perfect. The 93+ t-56 shifter WON'T fit. Mine is on the way back to jegs now. b&m lists a shifter for this but they did not do thier homework cause they send a ford shifter. It mounts to the trans but barely sticks out of the console. The closest thing I could find when I still wanted a short throw was the t-5 base with a 93+ handle from hurst. It should fit real close but hurst won't sell both parts together. You can buy the t-5 shifter from whoever and send them the incorect handle and they will trade you for the t-56 handle from a 93+. Put the 2 together and you will have a hurst billet shifter that is in the right position and 1/2 inch taller. This aftermarket t-56 is not well planned and if I had it to do again, I wouldn't. By the time I got it on the road I was 3 grand out for an extra gear between 4th and 6th. It was a real cool idea till I went through all this crap just to get it in the car.

 

I saw some of you guys are running 383's with a T-56. Where did you get your flywheel? I cant find one that will work with the aftermarket T-56/383 setup.

 

Hayes billit from Summiit racing equipment, for 1pc. rear main seal.
Great price too. Can't remember to part number though.