dwtjr3

Anyone have a write up on it?

I'm considering a t 56 and wanted to know if there is any of cutting of the fire wall involved or stuff like that.

uberstang1

Easy swap

motorman524

VERY easy. I believe Jazzer did a write up on a t56 install, not sure where to find it. No cutting of the firewall. The only drilling you have to do is so you can move the stock crossmember/trans mount forward, takes about 10 minutes. I believe a t56 is longer and requires a different crossmember/trans mount, though. There is a myth going around on several forums that it's a difficult process, buy a car with a manual in it, whatever. I think that's just regurgitated information that people swirl into nonsense.

I copied and pasted this from my build thread:

Here is my full swap list. This is for a TKO500/600 swap. It would be slightly different for a T56, T45, or 3650.

Ford Racing aluminum driveshaft
Spec aluminum flywheel(comes with dowel pins)
Lakewood scatter shield
RAM HDX 11" clutch (come with new throw out bearing)
Ford OEM clutch fork
Fortes trans mount shims
1999 manual trans harness
2001 clutch pedal assembly
Steeda quadrant
Ford OEM clutch cable
firewall adjuster
Pro 5.0 shifter
TKO 600
leather shift boot/ black shift ****
31 spline yoke
pilot bearing
Dallas Mustang SpeedCal

Things to know:
I replaced the rear main seal(because I was down there). You have to re drill and move the the crossmember forward about 2" forward(Can't remember exactly how far, but you'll know when you're trying to bolt the crossmember up.) You'll have to get a tune to turn off the shift points for the automatic. You can use any manual trans harness from 99-04, but I went with the 1999 because the T45 uses the same reverse light connector as the TKO 600. I spent roughly $2700 on everything.

If you follow this exactly, you should have a manual in about 10 hours if using a lift. It's a pretty straightforward swap and definitely the best thing I've done to the car yet. The exhaust is a close second though

dwtjr3

Ok cool. I really want a 6th gear for cruising

And I am talking to a few Cobra guys about a trade so he parts should be easy to get.

A manual is just more fun to drIve imo and since it's not a drag car I'm debating on switching.

motorman524

I wish the TKO600 had a 6th gear. With my stock 2.73 rear end and cruising at 70 MPH, the engine turns at right around 2600ish RPM. When I install my 3.73's, I think I'll be in the neighborhood of 3000-3200 RPM.

I totally agree on a manual being way more fun. The manual swap is the best thing I've done to the car. It adds a whole new dynamic to the experience IMO. Good luck on you're decision.

cliffyk

A well-built slushbox can be as fast and even faster (think big $$) than a manual--but there is no way in you-know-where it will be as much fun to drive--ever.

I drove a friend's Porsche with a paddle shifter and it was really neat for a while, and then it oddly and quickly became annoying. I was not prepared for that, until I realised it was just a plain ol' ECT seducing me into believing that I was in control--when I really wasn't.

A lot like the drive-by-wire throttles on the newer Mustangs...

dwtjr3

I have a svt contour as a DD and that is a 5 speed car n it is fun to drive.

I definitely think Ima go T56 ove the 4 r70

dwtjr3

Could I use my current harness if i tune the car?

I am talking to a guy with a termi about a tradee, should I see if i can get his wiring harness or should I keep mine and get it tuned?

And I can calibrate the speedo on a dyno right?