I started the T 56 ( 6 Speed ) install in my '71 Cuda today. I am pleased thus far. I cut the 4 speed tunnel on the side in order to raise it. I am using the '02 Camaro version of the T56. The shifter is close, I hope to get it right on with a off set shifter. The Tunnel will be a little taller but I hope it will be very close in appearance. The Transmission mount came out very close I am Making the crossmember now. I did cut some ears off the top of the T56 to allow more room. I will past pics soon if I can. I hope to Get a driveshaft balanced well enough to be able to runn a 4.56 rear gear, with the 1 to .50 final drive ratio it will be like a 2.28 rear gear. The Driveshaft speed will be greatly increased.

cool. i've done the same thing with my Charger.
required pretty big changes to the trans tunnel.

underneath

Here is a few Pics Of the '71 Cuda T56 6 Speed / 5.7 Hemi

2 I think this Tunnel reshape is coming along as good as I could expect. I hope it resembles the factory floor once it is finished.

3

4

5

great work

we haven't got that far yet, we're prepped for paint pending some final engine compartment mods.
Carpet and interior is all being custom made,

That is one slick installation you're doing. Good job.

How did you modify the torsion bar crossmember i.e. cut it to clear the T56 and then refabricate it to prevent any structural rigidity in the frame of the car? Does anyone know if the new Challenger shifter will attach to the older T56 transmission?

I am planning on this install in my Challenger and will follow the progress closely. Thanks for writing this up.

did u have to make an adapter plate for the chevy T56 to mount to your engine or did you buy one? Are you going BB or SB?

we made a strong support, very very thick steel structured/supported accordingly:

Darren , that looks very well done , the purists would be rolling over in their graves

Do I spy a CHALLENGER Dashpad in there ?

..yeeessss (sshhh!)

Thanks, that seems to be the popular method for the cross member (for those that are still using torsion bars). Looks great.

I used the Quicktime 8074 Bell housing $535.00 to bolt the 5.7 hemi to the t56 6 speed on the Cuda. An offset shifter puts the shifter in the correct location, I did cut the torshen crossmember I used 1/4" steel to fab it back. also the tranny crossmember is really beefed up to help carry the load.

Hi SB,
Do you have a set of photos to show off your work? Any idea if the challenger srt8 bell housing will work in the cuda body?

edit: oops, I meant to ask about photos showing the bell housing installed around the stiffening member near the firewall (you guys realize how many times I've re-written that statement? lol)

Quote:

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I used the Quicktime 8074 Bell housing $535.00 to bolt the 5.7 hemi to the t56 6 speed on the Cuda. An offset shifter puts the shifter in the correct location, I did cut the torshen crossmember I used 1/4" steel to fab it back. also the tranny crossmember is really beefed up to help carry the load.

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