T56 to AU V8

[jamess]

Hello everyone,

I am looking at manual gearbox options for an AUI V8.

I am worried that the T5 just won't last. I have been quoted $1900 for a full conversion ECU to tailshaft from a local wreckers using a AUIII box.

I saw this on EBay and wondered if anyone here has used this T56 kit?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/ADAPTOR-P...item43ad2d0c07

What do you guys think?

[b2tf]

what makes you think it wont last? unless you have massive power plans i reckon it will.

[jamess]

The box in my T3 had to be rebuilt and that car was pretty much babied. There are lots of threads here about failing T5s. Its a lot to spend for a box that has a history of breaking.

[blownv8au]

Astro a5 kit. t56 is still expensive to do even though you can get a brand new t56 nagnum for under $4000.

[MarkT83]

Hmm its not that expensive, Granted mine is a i6 but i did my conversion for just over $3000.

If you go down the track of the adapter you would need to be carefull what holden box you go for.

Quote from another forum

the T56 to 5L housings are $710, including a sandwich plate. You also need to change the starter motor to a 2 bolt starter. Generally a Hi-Torque starter is the best choice, as they are more compact to clearance on the steering arm and exhaust.
We also have just received some T56 to 4L bellhousings from QuickTime, which suit the LS1 T56. The particular T56 you need is from a 6L VZ. Part numbers TUET6000 or TUET6300. These have a shorter input shaft than the earlier GEN3 T56's. You can use your standard crossmember (needs redrilling for the mount), mount, change of shifter, spigot bearing with 15mm ID, clutch plate, ratio box for the speedo, slip yoke and tailshaft shortened, and hydraulic clutch pedal setup. I also beleive a spacer between the bellhousing and box will be required (which we also have) as the slave mounting seat is quite high on LS based T56's. If you have 3.45 diff gears, just use it as a 5 speed. The Australian LS based T56's should not be doing less than 2000rpm in the overdrive gears. To put it simply, it stuffs them!!
The LS T56 rarely is broken. The main downfall in them is the choice of 5th/6th ratio, and the 5th/6th gear design on the mainshaft. Those issues can be eliminated with a ratio change to close ratio 5th/6th (same as the BA/BF Ford T56).

[jamess]

What is an Astro A5 kit?

[jamess]

I found it here and the net. No good news for an AU box yet...is the solution to run a Mustang set up?

[MarkT83]

Originally Posted by jamess

What is an Astro A5 kit?

Its basically a strengthened gearset for a T5 supposed to handle big power alot of mustang guys use them.

How ever food for thought
V8 t5 3rd gear on the Left vs T56 3rd gear on the right


I dont see how all the strengthening can help the difference in size

[blownv8au]

Yep theres no doubt the t56 is the stronger box but it all comes down to what you need it for. i was running a t5 behind my blown 8 and it still took a fair bit of abuse to break it and thats mostly from slaming it into gear. if you don't abuse them there not to bad. i'll more than likely get another one when i rebuild my other 5l and drive it abit more sedate and it will have nearly double the power. if you are going to have 400hp plus and drive it like you stole it or just want the **** factor so be it but i wouldn't be spending $5k plus on an extra gear unless you need it.
$3000 is unrealistic mostly you will just get the box for that. $1k for clutch and fly wheel, $1k for tailshaft mods, then a $1k plus for bellhousing kit with hydo clutch setup and a starter motor. it all starts adding up. if you use second hand stuff and bolt it to the same kind of motor it came from ie 4l then yeah i' sure it could be done cheaper.
have a look what mal woods chargers for a t56 conversion $8k, i think i could do it for around $6k+ and i have looked into it a few times. you won't do it for $3k unless someone is giving you the box on a windsor.

[MarkT83]

Tail shafts ar not 1K, I had mine built for $350 to suit an AU I6 with a T56 from a bf turbo.

as for hydraulics pedal from ford is $170 and master cylinder is $200 ish

Melwood bellhousing to suit windsor is $710

T56 boxes pop up on ebay low k used ones for holden V8 $1500 - $2500

Clutch kit and flywheel packs are $800 +

Easy to do for under 6K if you do it yourself and its not hard

[blownv8au]

I round up because there is still other little things like starter motor, hydro clutch line, slave cyl, and it still ain't $3k for the V8. oh and add a slip yoke to the price of the tailshaft to.

[borry]

Could also get a VERY decent Auto built for that kinda money - faster shifts, more reliable times.... just a thought

[jamess]

Originally Posted by borry

Could also get a VERY decent Auto built for that kinda money - faster shifts, more reliable times.... just a thought

???? This is a manual box thread???

[sd1800]

That $1900 you got quoted for a parts & labour T5z conversion is a very good price....

Not so long ago I bought a T5z and Flywheel for $1400, decided I didn't want to do the conversion and sold it for the same price.

[jamess]

No labour!!

[My32Doors]

Try this link - sure to find something good http://www.malwoodauto.com.au/index.php?page=ford