Hello i just picked up a t5 tunnel from a junk yard and wanted to know if anyone has used this method to put a t56 in an automatic car? If this a decent idea ? or just a fools errand? Also some one had said the t56 sits 2" further back is this true? any incites welcome.

 

I have an auto car that I converted to a 5 speed years ago and now to a t56 last year. I cut the auto floor using a cutting wheel. Then rounded and painted the edges. For the 5 speed I used the shifter boot as a template for the cut. It's true the t56 is 2 inches further back. I had to trim the back of the cut and make a filler plate for the front. I feel like swapping the tunnel is a ton of work that isn't necessary but to each their own. Either way you're gonna need to cut. The auto tunnel will be less work because you can cut the hole just where you need it. As a result you'll have a smaller hole to work with after.

 

The T-56 hole needs to be about 1" to 1½" longer, toward the rear. Just about enough to remove the reinforcement back there.

The manual hole has the advantage that it's already set up for the boot.

The T-56 locates the mount about 2" farther back or maybe a bit more. Requires an aftermarket crossmember.

 

I like both of your reasons.. I do not plan on putting back the factory console and if the hole has to go back another two inches then i can plan on it.. also i don't plan on using that whole trans tunnel just enough to make it functional and maybe a little pretty. and yep got the holley crossmember.

 

My trans required trimming back to the center console bracket and I trimmed it back quit a bit also. I tried to use the old shifter boot bolt holes but it wouldn't work. The shifter boot required being moved back also. I used my factory t5 boot. You may have better luck w different boots. I have a magnum f t56 w a tick shifter. There are other setups that have the shifter in different places. If you really wanted you could cut the boot mounting area back 2-2.5 inches and fab up a patch in front of it. Then use the factory boot. On my car, the back of the shifter mount surface on the shifter/trans came up to the spot on the tunnel where the flat area transitions to the round tunnel area.

 

I cut back to around here. I followed the contour of the metal if that makes sense.

 

Awesome .. because that bracket has to go anyway. Thank you

 

I didn't cut back quite all the way to that bracket. Left it unmolested. Since it's what the console attaches to, it needs to stay.

Cutting the minimum necessary allows the stock T-5 boot to fit right and cover the hole completely.

 

You said you are doing away w the center console. What are you doing there? Something custom or bare bones?

 

Had to cut back for clearance, trust me I was less than pleased having to cut more. The bracket actually sits just over the mounting lip of the boot. I don't know if it's an issue w the magnum f for a LS motor coupled w a SBC or what. It seemed to be 0.5-0.7 inches longer. Either way it's worked great and no issues w contact anywhere.

 

90% sure i will go bare bones.. putting in an ls3 416 stroker with the t56.. will go with the vintage air , so getting rid of all the old air con and heater core. will either use the space where the console meets the dash as a place for the vintage air or fab up a cup holder to fill that spot.

 

Thats why i was wondering about this tunnel piece, I can move it back after trimming and weld the whole piece into place and in my mind it would look cleaner.But thats why i am asking , nothing is cut yet. Ask many questions till you can get what works best for you I say.

 

That's cool. You're probably best getting it all in. This way if your engine mounts move stuff and the trans isn't as long you may not need to cut/move much.

 

Using the Detroit speed ls motor mounts.. according to there website it moves the engine back 3/8's of an inch from a sbc.. so we'll see, been buying parts for the last 3 years got at least 1 more than off to the races ,so to speak.

 

Well i'll be dipped.. more options.. He say he doesn't know if it'll work because i have DSE ls mounts but for 20 bucks I'll try it.
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