Viper 6 speed in a challenger

[ragtopdodge]

anyone else do this?

Curious how much cutting one REALLY had to do???

 

[1 Wild R/T]

anyone else do this?

Curious how much cutting one REALLY had to do???

 

What? You don't believe the hype?   

[jvike]

I did the SST Perfect Fit T-56 back in January. Here goes..


Unpacking, here is the T-56 with the modified shifter. It operates the rod coming out of the rear.


Close Ratio version.




Brand spankin' new!


My first job was installing the pedals. Everything came with the kit. I had some issues with the clutch rod hitting the brake switch bracket, but it was fixed with a washer at the bolt (now shown here).


The 4-speed trans hump was as easy as laying it on the floor and draw around it, and cut 1" inside the mark. All the instructions was very good.


The cut.






One of my priorities was to check the bellhousing runout early, so the project wouldn't stall. I needed to correct it using .007 offset pins.


I've been inactive in the forums for some time (years), but the car is still running hard


Welding the 4-speed hump.


Removed most of the interior, but used these weld/grind protecting mats on the dash, windshield, and headliner.


Detailed instructions also on how to make the mark to cut the torsion bar crossmember.




Pretty straight forward really..


The new transmission crossmember will mark where you have to drill the new holes.




Welding the end plates to the torsion bar crossmember. These plates had welded on them guides for the new bolt holes, so the frame won't collapse when you torque them. Unfortunatly I didn't take a picture of them.


Here are the paper templates used to determine the cutting to expand the tunnel to fit the T-56. The template uses the shifter hole as reference.


Shown here is a rather large hole that is cut in front of the 4-speed hump. The floor had to be raised to fit the transmission.


Transmission being fitted for the first time. Had it in and out a bunch of times.


My buddy/welder checking for clearance. Seen here is a cut that is made along the whole 4-speed hump to raise it. This metal strip was the only thing not included in the kit. Also seen is how the floor has been cut along the top of the 4-speed hump, and sectioned in three pieces.


Seen here, next to the cut floor, is the patch to cover the big hole in front of the tunnel. Also the big cardboard templates laying around are used to determine the shape of the tunnel. You place them over the tunnel and bend the metal to fit. Very easy.




The supplied pre-bent patch in front of the tunnel.


Transmission fully fitted with the tunnel spot welded together for the first time to check for clearance.

[jvike]

The patch panel that lies on the top of the transmission tunnel was also supplied.


There are lots of welding to do, but I think the whole opearation was pretty straight forward.


Getting there, primed, but I could have done a better job on grinding down the welds. 


Applied seam sealer.


Done!


The 340 got a chain tensioner, fuel pump eccentric and a new chain cover.


I opted for the Ringbrothers clutch reservoir, nice piece.


Steel flywheel and pilot bearing is in.


Time to do the final install


SST's own cluch, but it is a SACHS unit. Very happy with it, light engagement. I upgraded to a 550 hp clutch, so I'm set for future upgrades 


T-56 Magnum with the throwout bearing installed, also a nice piece.


Installed! Even though every bolt was supplied I went out and got ARP bolts for the flywheel and clutch for peace of mind, and I got me some 12-point ARP bolts to mount the transmission to the bellhousing for some extra bling (that nobody can see) 


We've all been there 


The reverse lockout it controlled by a box that read a signal from the speed sensor on the T-56. I made a little wiring harness and taped it with a cloth type tape that is water resistant and used by Audi/VW for exterior use.


My 3.23 geared sure-grip 742 house was swapped out for this Moser built Nodular 489 house equipped with a a TrueTrac and 3.91 gears.


Good stuff.


This is about 3 hours after the mailman delivered it. It went straight to the paint booth for a coat of paint.


They will send you a driveshaft after you supply the measurements. I upgraded to aluminium.


Done and done! Interior next.


I bought a new floor carpet in cutpile with the mass-backing option. Mold fitted, very nice. Also got matching floor mats.


I got myself a new 4-speed console from Roseville Moparts, the old auto console was cracked and was not a 1970 console.


Finally it was done!


Let's go!


I love those three pedals!


The dash mounted reverse light was not included in the kit. Along with the clutch pedal switch. I managed to source one and get it restored by Brewer's Performance Inc. I got to give a huge shoutout to James Zimmerman aka Calicuda70 for helping me out with that whole ordeal. It isn't easy sitting in Norway and try to buy parts of the moparts board with a dude in Chicago who don't have paypal. James helped me out, I paypaled him and he send a money order to the dude in Chicago. BEFORE I EVEN MANAGED TO COMPLETE THE PAYPAL TRANSFER! Like 10 mins after I asked him on Facebook if he could help! Thanks buddy! Shows how good these web-boards are 


The pistol grip did not say Hurst on the side, but is a real nice piece.




1-2-3-4-5-6

The kit from SST was very good, and complete, even oil and brake fluid. Good instructions and good parts. My brother installed a T-56 in his 69 Mustang a couple of years ago. He got his kit from American Powertrain. Their kit was not so complete, the instructions was not as good as the SST, and there were no instructions at all on modifying the transmission tunnel. But the installation was less complex in the Mustang, we just had to raise the tunnel and weld in some wedges. The Clutch throw out bearing was also a better design with the SST. Also the American Powertrain kit lacked pedals, shifter, clutch and flywheel.

This was was one of the best things I have ever done to the car, worth every penny! The car is a totally new experience, and it almost feels like you got another 100 horsepower. The 3.91 also woke the car up. The shifter is smooth and very short throw. It's so much fun!

[70chall440]

Awesome thread

[ragtopdodge]

Wow, good job!

How did the console fit like that if the whole tunnel was raised???

[jvike]

How did the console fit like that if the whole tunnel was raised???

I added 1/2" of foam (Dynaliner) under the carpet on top the tunnel, right behind the 4-speed hump. There was an airgap right there. The rear mount is in the stock location.

[70chall440]

How do you like the seats (maybe I already asked this)... I have the same seats being redone for my Cuda presently.

[jvike]

I love them, one of the best things I did to my car. I used brackets from Planted to mount them. http://www.plantedtechnology.com/products/seat-brackets/plymouth.html?SID=4t2itcfk6to6qu91nep6no7pl1

The distance to the thighs are a bit short with the 14" steering wheel, but it works for me.

[70chall440]

Those are pretty cool, I made my own using factory brackets but they sit about the same.

[brads70]

Awesome thread

  Looks great!