I am currently converter my 84 Trans Am to a T-5 setup and will later down the road when money allows it goto the T-56, I was wondering what I'd need to do...are the bellhousings different, shift placement different, need a different driveshaft???? what is needed?

 

The bellhousing is different, but the bolt pattern is the same.

Driveshaft is the same.

Shifter placement is the same, but I think you have to enlarge the hole in the trans tunnel slightly.

Will need the hydrualics for the T-56, slave and master cylinder.

 

The clutch is completely different and also the crossmember. The torque arm, driveshaft and shifter location (the 6-speed is about 1 inch further back, but it comes through the console in the same place) is the same. You will need the right mount, shifter, bellhousing, clutch and hydrailics to do it right. You might as well buy the Spohn torquearm/crossmember when you do the 6-speed, their adjustable torque arm mounts to the crossmember which is a huge improvement. When you look for the t-56, find one that comes complete. The other thing to keep in mind is your speedo. Your 84 has a mech speedo in it, and all of the T-56's have electric pickups in them. You could convert to an electric speedo, or buy the $300 JTR tailshaft housing that converts it to a cable. JTR is the only place I've ever seen one though. If you go with a later T/A style instrument cluster, you'll need the Dakota Digital buffer box (which is a bitch to get dialed in) as well. Those are the basic problems I had with my conversion so hopefully that will help.