How much is too much? & T-56 install

[Hankl]

Well, I have the older IRS, and I'd still go with the TKO because of the drive shaft length,
it can be a bit too short with the T-56. One of the Coupe owners just posted that with a
T-5, .63 final with 3.27 Rear gears, He's turning 1750 RPM at 70 MPH. That would translate
to a Bus Load of shifting a close ratio six speed just to reach highway speeds.

As to HP, 400-450 is more than enough in one of these Coupes to impress anyone.

Hank

[HCP 65 COUPE]

I agree with Hank a 6speed is over kill heck the original cars had top loader 4 speeds and 385hp and could nearly get to 200mph at Leman's. 400-450 at the wheels will be well into super car territory with 3-4-5 or 6 speeds I think most chose a 5 speed because its an easy install parts are available and it has a street oriented over drive. The T56 has a double over drive that IMO is a complete waste in a light weight car. If I had it to do over again I might consider a close ratio custom 4 speed with a .8 or so over drive and a very tall 1st gear.

[turbonut48]

Use C.S advice: Enough is enough, too much , is just right !

[wirelessnut]

I've been pondering the same problem as David. I've decided to put in a Coyote motor(400+ HP) with (3.55 Torson) final. I would like the T-56 double overdrive for highway use (.50 final). Good MPG on the highway. I've used the Tremec AP to look at the difference between the TKO and the T-56. I know I would never see 6th gear unless on the highway tough.

[proauto]

I plan on installing the T-56 magnum 6-speed. I chose that for two reasons. First, I wanted the 2.66 first gear instead of the 3.27, which is the most common in the 5 speeds. Second, with the 2.66 first gear trans, it's a close ratio gearbox similar to the original top loader. I wasn't really concerned about the overdrive gears. With such a light weight car, I felt that the steeper first gear would be more usable without having to quick shift out of first gear. I'm also running a 3.55 rear gear.

[loeffler1]

With this amount invested in motoring what do you care about mileage? You'll be doing a lot of lower gear driving anyways just to hear the sound. I bet I don't get 10 MPG rumbling through towns in lower gears. I figure the lost savings in gas mileage is worth the extra smiles in lower gears.