Manual tranny (again)

[Master]

Just an FYI: Planning, we hope, to swap out the icky-box this winter. Hoping to use a manual comparable to what is in the new Shelbys. As it has no trouble handling the 600 odd foot pounds of torque generated by the supercharged 5.4 litre, I suspect it should hold together quite nicely in my ride. Assuming, that is, that it bolts up properly. Fingers crossed. Will let you know how it goes.

[snowbird]

Just curious: Is your 5.4 from a 5.4 block or a bored and stroked 4.6 to 5.4 ?

[RR|Suki]

I have been thinking of this as well, seeing as the new cobra weighs almost as much as we do

[CRUZTAKER]

Ewww...;)

Good luck!

And lesson number one...
two...
three...
four...

.....


From the last guy that tried this.

Have cool looking tow car witha trailer following you at all times.:P


Actually, as long as your'e not an ass to the masses in person.
We'll love you none the less.:up:

[BigCars4Ever]

Bodurant has done this to several PI cars with worked 32V motors and beat the piss out of them for drifting classes. You may want to do a little research on CrownVic.net. A few members there have done the conversion to a 5 speed too.

[Master]

Hey Snowbird - Sorry if I misled - I'm still using the 4.6 at present, but will no doubt be overboring and going forged all at the same time. No sense in going with half measures since my goal is to have a trilogy atop the beast within the next couple of years.
Planning on trying this once I take the MM off the road for winter. Should give us a few months to work it out. We'll spend many days on the dyno, I assure you, to ensure that this thing is as smooth and bulletproof as possible.

[juno]

If it's related to the 3650, don't!!
Go with the t56 6 speed. It's the only decent stick put in a mustang in the last 10+ years.
Plus it's in the viper, vette and several high powered exotics.

[Zack]

A stick shift plus drag radials do not mix in a Marauder.
You have been warned!

[Master]

Warning registered! Can't help it. You just can't use an idiomatic on a track. I stand a better chance of leaving the slushbox in a heap at the road circuit than the manual. Then I would, indeed, need the sag wagon. I'm no fan of drag racing anyway, so there won't be any 5000 rpm launches attempted. Ever.

[04MEMA]

Hey,
Having spent the better part of this year driving around some of the most powerful production mustangs with 6 speed manuals - I have to say I wish that someone had a refined kit for installing one in a Marauder. Something as well done as a Trilogy blower - but for installing a 6 speed. Trans, clutch, pedals, hydraulic assist, tune, drive shaft, installation instructions - the works included.

I love shifting and working the clutch. It makes me feel more into the experience - it is more exciting for me. And blipping the throttle is sweeet!

Now. For all you fellas that have a good feel for this - what do you think a kit like this would retail for - one that was done right? And how many would be willing to pay for that?

Jeff

P.S. not sure if I'm hi jacking the thread, apologies if so!

[Master]

Feel free. I'd say this is on target with my original thread. The kit, shoudl one be produced, would be Tres expensive! Unless everything was made from junkyard parts (which I'm sure no one would want), it would be well over 10k. Just the T56 (which I just picked up on e-bay for 2k) retails for about 6k new. What is really sad is that Ford could have offered this for the same price as the original sad-omatics and pocketed some extra cash in the process. Instead, we're left with a multi-thousand dollar bill and dubious results to do it ourselves. I'd say a kit is out, but if our set-up works, then we'll publish every detail of the process.

[Master]

PS
I plan to try adapting the automatic lever to the shifter to make the car look stock. The O/D button will activate the NOS relay and the gear selector lock-out button will be the "Go" button. Ahh, one must dream.

[Zack]

Why dont you just drop your car off at Paul's High performance, write the check and pick it up when its done?

[Master]

I thought this was the fellow who had trouble keeping the manuals together in his car?

[RR|Suki]

I thought this was the fellow who had trouble keeping the manuals together in his car?
Yup that's him

[Zack]

I thought this was the fellow who had trouble keeping the manuals together in his car?

Yeah, but he has the tried and true recipe for the install.
His work is not bad, nor is the manual tranny he installs.
It breaks when you launch at 5k+ with slicks and a 4500lb. car.
Aside from that, this is a no-brainer for the swap you desire.

[HAULNSS]

As an owner of a T56'd Impala SS.....do it. Do it and don't look back. :D

I have nearly 40k on my T56 swap and still love driving my car, especially on the road courses. I swapped out the stock 3.08's for 4.10's which netted a best MPG of 33.3 with many tanks in the 26-29 mpg range. :eek:

There are probably over 200 B-body's with the T56's now, and each one has a new found love for their cars.

When I started mine, I was a little nervous. No one in my area had done it so there was nothing to compare it to or ask for help. Granted, I used a kit from bigfastcar.com, it still was a big decision back in '02. I just kept telling myself...."It is just nuts and bolts".

On my setup, I have many open track miles (7-8 events at over 100 on track miles each), several drag strip runs, and plenty of my plain old daily driving adventures. It has worked flawlessly.

If you want some more info, go to impalaSSforum.com and search the T56 threads...for 'permagrin'. :D

Plan your work and work your plan. Start dissecting the manual Mustangs and how the pedals and clutch system are set up. Look at the T56's with multiple shifter mounting locations. Check out sites like D&D, Keisler, Weir, etc.

I really think that if a guy made a decent 'kit' for the Panther's, he could make some money on it, too. ;) (bigfastcar.com started as a hobby and he has sold nearly 200 kits and many parts)

Do it. Make it happen. You will not regret it!

Good luck,
Randy

ps. If you want to see my T56 Impala in car video from BIR (3.1 mile road course), let me know. It really puts things into perspective. :D

[Master]

I'd love to see the video! Have high speed now, so no problem. You have the link? Thanks for the encouragement as well.

[HAULNSS]

I'd love to see the video! Have high speed now, so no problem. You have the link? Thanks for the encouragement as well.

The videos are here...BIR Videos (http://www.mnfbody.com/pde_04/media/movies/)

Click on the one called 04PDE-Impala.WMV . It is 34.2 mb so it takes a little while.

:D

Randy

[sspmustang]

Hey,
Having spent the better part of this year driving around some of the most powerful production mustangs with 6 speed manuals - I have to say I wish that someone had a refined kit for installing one in a Marauder. Something as well done as a Trilogy blower - but for installing a 6 speed. Trans, clutch, pedals, hydraulic assist, tune, drive shaft, installation instructions - the works included.

I love shifting and working the clutch. It makes me feel more into the experience - it is more exciting for me. And blipping the throttle is sweeet!

Now. For all you fellas that have a good feel for this - what do you think a kit like this would retail for - one that was done right? And how many would be willing to pay for that?

Jeff

P.S. not sure if I'm hi jacking the thread, apologies if so!
I would-in a second. I would choose this over a SC as well if I had to do one first. Of the 8 cars I own, two have auto, the Marauder being one of them...and I would change it a second.

[Rider90]

The videos are here...BIR Videos (http://www.mnfbody.com/pde_04/media/movies/)

Click on the one called 04PDE-Impala.WMV . It is 34.2 mb so it takes a little while.

:D

Randy

"Say goodbye to the NSX" Great video!

[shakes_26]

Randy, you going to Commerce next week?

[HAULNSS]

Randy, you going to Commerce next week?


Nah, I kind of shot my wad with a couple of open track days this year and SEMA next week. It sounds like a blast, though! :beer:

They just announced the Impala SS national event will be in St. Louis in June, so I have to save / prepare for that, too. :banana2:

Thanks Rider90. ;) I love having one of the fastest tracks a little over an hour away. If you ever try it, be warned....it is very addicting!

Randy

[Vortech347]

If you do a T-56 get 4.30's. You'll LOVE it....

Honestly the only 5-speed I'd dare to stick in a Merc is a TKO500 or 600. T-45's T-5's and 3650's are crap...

[Master]

I have a T56 now! Just waiting for it to arrive. I've dropped Paul an e-mail to see if he has any recommendations, but have yet to hear back. If I don't hear back, I guess we'll re-invent the wheel.
As for 4.30s, I figured I'd see where the tack sat in 6th at highway before I made any changes. If its too low, I'll definitely boost the gears.

[HAULNSS]

I have a T56 now! Just waiting for it to arrive. I've dropped Paul an e-mail to see if he has any recommendations, but have yet to hear back. If I don't hear back, I guess we'll re-invent the wheel.
As for 4.30s, I figured I'd see where the tack sat in 6th at highway before I made any changes. If its too low, I'll definitely boost the gears.

I think you are going to need the gears for sure. With my change from 3.08 to 4.10, I'm still about 100 rpm less than the auto and 3.08's at 70 mph. Heck, I have even thought of going to 4.56's if the rear end ever has to opened up again. :D If you can find the AOD final drive ratio, you can do the math with the rear gears in the car versus the T56 and 4.xx gears. My T56 has a .50 sixth gear (some have a .76 I think).

I also had to get a better driveshaft with the rear gears spinning faster. Just something to think about. FYI, I have about $4k into my set up complete (T56, install kit, clutch [LT1's are expen$ive], driveshaft, driveshaft loop,and gears). Still the best thing I have ever done to my car. :D

Good luck and keep us posted!!!!

Randy

[Master]

Thanks for the notes. I'll keep the driveshaft in mind. Not sure how the stock aluminum will hold up, but it sure has a beefy diameter. Its a 0.60, I think, in the Mustang T56. Will probably be well over $4,000 for my set-up. Nothing for Ford ever seems to have an "install kit". The power of Chevy efficienados never ceases to amaze me. There are more parts and "kits" for Chev than all other brands put together. Lucky buggers!

[juno]

http://www.svtoa-atlanta.org/cgi-bin/trans.cgi
T56
With the stock size tires and 4.10s you will run about 100 rpm higher at 85. (2580 rpm), but first gear will be almost like having 3.90's with the auto.

[Vortech347]

A cobra T-56 has a .60 OD and .80 5th. A viper spec T-56 has the .50 OD. At least thats what I read on Tremec's site.

[SergntMac]

Y'all are forgetting something, the Marauder is not a Crown Vic.

The Marauder has a 4V engine, CVs, do not. Get your measuring tape, straight edge and plumb line stuff out and take another look at the power train in a Marauder. What did you find out?

Now that you know that to be successful, this project will require that you rebuild the frame and remount the engine. Not impossible, not at all. But it's what makes this undertaking so undesireable, even for the pros. Paul has turned down 10K cash, he just won't do it again. That's telling.

Nonetheless, where would we be today without the brave young warriors, God's Speed Master, and my sincere best wishes. Looking forward to cheers and updates in the spring.

[HAULNSS]

Mac, what is the physical hold up on the MM? Shifter placement? Tunnel clearance? :confused:

The T56 has Multiple shifter locations available, if that is it. Here is some info on the T56. T56 info and specs (http://www.ttcautomotive.com/English/products/T-56.asp)

I think the pedal assembly may be a bit tricky, especially if it can be made for some heel-toe driving. (Mine isn't very good for that :( ) I'd look into adopting something from a Mustang. One of the Impala guys cut a section of firewall from a junked B-body and was able to do some bench fab work with great results.

Good chugging away. The results will be worth it!

Randy

[Loco1234]

Can't wait to hear all about it...

[cyclone03]

Y'all are forgetting something, the Marauder is not a Crown Vic.

The Marauder has a 4V engine, CVs, do not. Get your measuring tape, straight edge and plumb line stuff out and take another look at the power train in a Marauder. What did you find out?

Now that you know that to be successful, this project will require that you rebuild the frame and remount the engine. Not impossible, not at all. But it's what makes this undertaking so undesireable, even for the pros. Paul has turned down 10K cash, he just won't do it again. That's telling.

Nonetheless, where would we be today without the brave young warriors, God's Speed Master, and my sincere best wishes. Looking forward to cheers and updates in the spring.


Mac,Remember Paul did a complete Cobra swap.The engine/crossmember moving was to fit the stock Cobra blower.
This swap has been talked here several times but to my knowlage nobody has done it.
The under the car stuff will be easy,Clutch,Bell Housing,Mount and Cross Member is all bolt on,crossmember may need some minor fab.
The work will be the pedals,setting the shifter location and the biggie,THE TUNE.You will have to convence the computer to not talk to the transmission.

[Master]

I've got to say, I'm loving this thread. Also, for anyone who cares to listen, I love this website. Thanks for the help, opinions (positive and negative both!), and great resources. Keep 'em coming. We'll try to log/document everything we do for future reference. Even if it doesn't work, we'll have a database for the next hardy soul. - David

[cyclone03]

I've got to say, I'm loving this thread. Also, for anyone who cares to listen, I love this website. Thanks for the help, opinions (positive and negative both!), and great resources. Keep 'em coming. We'll try to log/document everything we do for future reference. Even if it doesn't work, we'll have a database for the next hardy soul. - David


When you start looking for a flywheel you want to use a 6 bolt flywheel like a GT Mustang not an 8 bolt Cobra.Your Marauder has a cast crank with 6 bolt flywheel.

[Master]

We're actually getting the 5.0 block ready now with the forged Cobra crank. So, thankfully, a moot point. But thanks for mentioning it. Anyone who does this without the upgraded crank would want to know.

[Master]

Hey, haullnss,
How did your chev computer feel about the auto/manual swap? I've already spoken to a couple of guys who have swapped out pickup tranny's, and they've all said it wasn't an issue. Thoughts?

[Loco1234]

Something tells me there will be moe to it with the Marauder...
Do you have an o3 or o4? Is there traction control...?
Will this be and issure... cuz even tire size will throw that completely out of whack....

[chrish]

any shots of pauls job?

[SergntMac]

Mac,Remember Paul did a complete Cobra swap.The engine/crossmember moving was to fit the stock Cobra blower.
This swap has been talked here several times but to my knowlage nobody has done it.
The under the car stuff will be easy,Clutch,Bell Housing,Mount and Cross Member is all bolt on,crossmember may need some minor fab.
The work will be the pedals,setting the shifter location and the biggie,THE TUNE.You will have to convence the computer to not talk to the transmission.Don't need to remember that Lance, I was there and spoke to Paul about the details. The blower clearance was not the only problem, the drivetrain on a stock Marauder is not "square" in the car, and on several plains. Pop your hood, measure it out?

When the platform is used with a 2V engine, things fit different inside. The 4V presents many more fitment problems, and it's all off center, side to side, vertically and horizonaltally. To make the factory 4V/manual tranny fit, many angles need to be corrected and the engine mounts are a struggle all their own.

I know of many CV conversions, including the custom Roush builds for Bondurant. I know of one Marauder completed, and he's not doing that again.

Again, best wishes to Master.

[Power Surge]

If someone wants to drop off a Marauder and a open checkbook at my shop, I have no problem custom building a stick car. I kinda have a thing for creating things that shouldn't work :D.

[snowbird]

Meine Master,

You might also want to contact the guy below. He have a speed shop in New England and he just did the opposite: Fitting a 4r70w in a 2003 Cobra. He should have info and insights (and maybe still have his manual tranny !!)


Horsepower by Hermann 1650 Crofton Blvd., Unit #12 Crofton, MD 21114
(410) 451-3790

[Blackened300a]

If someone wants to drop off a Marauder and a open checkbook at my shop, I have no problem custom building a stick car. I kinda have a thing for creating things that shouldn't work :D.

I would gladly drop my car off to you, but the open checkbook will be a issue. Unless we could get a sponser and I can lend my car off to be the test mule for a possible kit.

[Joe Walsh]

Meine Master,

You might also want to contact the guy below. He have a speed shop in New England and he just did the opposite: Fitting a 4r70w in a 2003 Cobra. He should have info and insights (and maybe still have his manual tranny !!)


Horsepower by Hermann 1650 Crofton Blvd., Unit #12 Crofton, MD 21114
(410) 451-3790

He's not in New England, he is right in between Wash. D.C. and Baltimore, Md.

He welded my Global West subframes on my 84 Mustang Convertible.
He did a great job, and does excellent work on all sorts of Mustangs.

[Joe Walsh]

"Say goodbye to the NSX" Great video!

HA HA!

Nothing like watching an overpriced, underpowered Acura NSX get lapped by a Big, Heavy 4 Door Sedan!!!:banana2:

The Ricers love to say: " Yeah, your car may be faster in a straight line...but if I get my car in the twisties...WATCH OUT!!"

:rofl:

[Master]

Thanks for the Impala Video. Very entertaining. I've never seen anything doing 132mph in "Park" before :)
All of you commnets are excellent. Spoke to my builder last night, and he's still game and rather excited about the project. I'm sending him a link to this thread, in fact.

[prchrman]

If someone wants to drop off a Marauder and a open checkbook at my shop, I have no problem custom building a stick car. I kinda have a thing for creating things that shouldn't work :D.

I like your style...willie

[HAULNSS]

Hey, haullnss,
How did your chev computer feel about the auto/manual swap? I've already spoken to a couple of guys who have swapped out pickup tranny's, and they've all said it wasn't an issue. Thoughts?

The PCM in the LT1 cars can be set to basically 'ignore' the trans if it is a manual. There isn't anything that is required from the trans for the PCM to worry about. I do not have my reverse lockout solenoid installed, as it required some pounding to the floor tunnel. The programming for a T56 in an Impala is pretty simple.

Here is a link to the Impala T56 FAQ that may help. Impala T56 FAQ (http://impalassforum.com/noncgi/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f =4;t=003039)

Keep on Keepin' on! :coolman:

Randy

[SergntMac]

I would gladly drop my car off to you, but the open checkbook will be a issue. Unless we could get a sponser and I can lend my car off to be the test mule for a possible kit.Test mule? I don't think that's the case, 'cause it can and has been done.

It's just expensive, and a lot of work. Your checkbook and patience is what will be tested. Good luck!

[Master]

Just a quick update. The tranny is physically located under the car and what we have found:
1) The length is perfect.
2) There is interference with the "hump" by the shifter casting
3) The tail shaft splines on the auto and the tremec are different
4) The crossmember will need modification
5) hoping a Mustang universal will bolt to the drive shaft so we can mate the splines.
We're into it deep now. Looking forward to posting pictures as we go along.
Any comments, suggestions are more than welcome.

[Zack]

We're into it deep now. Looking forward to posting pictures as we go along.
Any comments, suggestions are more than welcome.

Post pictures now.
Provide part #'s later for us.
You're such a tease. :beatnik:

[RR|Suki]

Just a quick update. The tranny is physically located under the car and what we have found:
1) The length is perfect.
2) There is interference with the "hump" by the shifter casting
3) The tail shaft splines on the auto and the tremec are different
4) The crossmember will need modification
5) hoping a Mustang universal will bolt to the drive shaft so we can mate the splines.
We're into it deep now. Looking forward to posting pictures as we go along.
Any comments, suggestions are more than welcome.

hellz yeah man, I told you not to let people out your fire, let us know what's up. Keep us up to date, this is something I really wanna try to do aswell.

[94_302]

Can't wait to hear more, a 6-speed really should have been an option for this car.

[Master]

So, here are a couple of pictures of the tranny in place. The left-right alignment and front-back alignment are perfect. The angle is a bit off, thus the tower interference (highlighted in red). The crossmember aligns perfectly, but will need massaging for the vertical fitment. The interior is as yet unchanged but will require a bit of modding. The shift lever will also have a couple of hard 90s in it to get back to where it belongs. We're truing to decide if we should go with Mustang pedals or a stand-alone aftermarket clutch pedal. I'd like to swap all the pedals as a unit from a stang, though. I'm just not sure how the power pedals would swap over, or if manual mustangs even had this option. More investigation required...

[snowbird]

Suscribing .... :drool:

[Master]

I was reading on the Mustang site about a "built" tremec:
http://www.svtsnake.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2995
Apparently it is heavily fortified. If we get this project rolling, we'll have to keep these in mind for the higher hp vehicles. Oh, I was there to get specs on the tailshaft spline. Thought it would save time by just asking the folks that know.
Now: Question for the Marauder Gurus: If and when I order a metal matrix drive shaft, say like the one from Reinhart, would it be possible to add the mustang universal and slip joint to our shaft? Thoughts?

[Master]

BTW: This is a TUET1694 with the folllowing specs:
Model ...........Weight ...TQ ...GVW ...1st ..2nd.. 3rd..4th.. 5th... 6th.. Rev
<TABLE cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=1 width=505 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>TUET1694


</TD><TD align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>115-129


</TD><TD align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>450


</TD><TD align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>3,260


</TD><TD align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>2.66


</TD><TD align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>1.78


</TD><TD align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>1.3


</TD><TD align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>1.00


</TD><TD align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>0.79


</TD><TD align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>0.63


</TD><TD align=middle bgColor=#cccccc>2.9


</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Obviously, the TQ and GVW are not optimal for the MM, but it should still be a good starting point. And, I'm still taking comments, so anything goes by way of advise, criticisms (constructive, please!), etc.

[metroplex]

If you do a T-56 get 4.30's. You'll LOVE it....

Honestly the only 5-speed I'd dare to stick in a Merc is a TKO500 or 600. T-45's T-5's and 3650's are crap...

The TR-6060 used in the 2007 Shelby GT500 is an improved version of the T-56. The TR-6060 can handle 600 ft-lb, but the GT500 is making 500+ ft-lb of torque. A better clutch ought to improve that number (torque handling capacity). The TR-6060 from the GT500 uses a remote mounted shifter, along with a hydraulic actuated clutch.

The TR-3650 used in the 2005-up Mustang GTs uses a remote mounted shifter as well, along with a hydraulic actuated clutch. One of the differences between the 05-up TR-3650 and the 01-04 TR-3650 is that the new 3650s uses a hydraulic actuated clutch with the throwout bearing integrated with the slave cylinder. There are no adjustments to make and it is very easy to use. The 3650 is only rated for 360 ft-lb, but others have found that is actually around 400-450 ft-lb with the stock clutch. You can step up to a better clutch, but the input shaft then becomes the weakest link. A forged input shaft fixes that problem, etc...

Ford Racing sells a 500+ hp Whipple blower kit for the 2005-up Mustang GT, so Ford Racing / Whipple is at least confident the S197 GT can handle 500+ hp. The 2007 Mustang GT uses the same chassis as the GT500, or at least has the same thicker welds and thicker unibody construction.

Hope some of this info helps. I wish my Crown Vic had a 6 speed manual.

[Master]

Interesting stats to be sure. Thanks for taking the time to explain these points.
I'm curious about the TUET1694 designation from Tremec. It is obviously their own coding and not Ford's, but I'm curious which of the above crosses to the TUET1694.

[LVMarauder]

Zach, why doesn't a manual tranny and drag radials work in a marauder? I think you are refering to the rear end ( axles , diff ) not holding up, but what if you run a 31 slpine setup.

[metroplex]

Zach, why doesn't a manual tranny and drag radials work in a marauder? I think you are refering to the rear end ( axles , diff ) not holding up, but what if you run a 31 slpine setup.

He could be referring to driveline shock, but keep in mind that the Mustangs and Mustang Cobras use 8.8" rear ends with 31-spline axles along with manual transmissions. Drag racers use drag radials or slicks in the back.

[Master]

How about some updates, eh?
The tranny is in, the car runs - ney, flies, and I'm now getting better mileage to boot. Have a look?
Traction Control works. OD light flashes and Check Engine Light is on. Speedo/cruise do not work.
Took about one day to get used to clutching in to start the car (back-up lights and clutch lockout work). Now it feels second nature. The sound is to die for. Oh- on that note, someone tell me how to upload a video, if I can. Need to sew up a new shift boot...

[CRUZTAKER]

I read my original post...and am pleased to see your success so far.

PLEASE. Keep us informed.

[RR|Suki]

man I wish I had the time and money to pull something like that off http://www.motorcitymarauders.com/forums/images/smilies/eek.gif http://www.motorcitymarauders.com/forums/images/smilies/hail.gif
<!-- / message --><!-- sig -->
Never listen to the nay sayers my man :D

[fastcar]

Master,

You skipped 6 months and just post 'it's done, and runs great'? No, no, no, that won't do at all! Come on, give us some details. Please! Upload some pics of the shifter, tell all!

What happened to the tunnel interference?
Crossmember?
Driveshaft?
Clutch?
Electronics?

Please, we are all starving for details here. I can't wait to hear how you solved the pedal issues. I was thinking of this for my car in the future, and just planned on adding a hydraulic aftermarket clutch pedal assy. They even have some with the cylinder oriented with the pivot at the bottom, and the cylinder in front instead of behind, and this would make install a snap, and give the interior a real race car look :)

Anyway, please don't skip a beat. Great job. :beer: This is just super.

fastcar:burnout:

[Master]

Tunnel interference never materialized. Once we realized that rotating the crossmember 180 degrees and shaving the top off would yield a perfect fit AND alignment (that is an over simplification as some welding was required, but only to reface the member). The stock driveshaft was a perfect fit as well. Because of the oddball T-56 I bought (it had a ford housing with a chev tail shaft), we needed to used a 27 spline slip yoke from a 96 Camaro. This, too, fit perfectly.
The clutch lever and assembly came out of my spare V-6 Tempo. We shaved off the brake pedal portion and with some minor fabrication the mount bolted up to the brake booster mounting bolts just as it would have in the Tempo or any other manual trannied car. This version of the T-56 used a cable not hydraulics, which my mechanic actually prefered.
The odd thing about the Marauder is that even though its a boat, Ford felt that they didn't have room to locate the computer either in or out of the car, instead opting to mount it half way through the firewall. Thanks to this wonderful bit of engineering, I now have the computer mounted in the engine bay and have an unsightly hole in the firewall to fill in. I have a weatherproof enclosure on order from a local electronics supplier that I plan to mount the computer in, then afix the lot to the fender well. The wiring was always outside, so I'm not taking any special precautions there.
As for the lack of speedometer, I've come to the conclusion that it is likely just a faulty sensor. The 4R70W tranny uses a 6 tooth stator while the T-56 uses a 12 tooth. So, if it was working properly, I should at least get a reading. Since I'm geting no reading at all, it is likely a faulty sensor. I'll investigate this further when I have the time.
My plan was to make the shifter look as stock as possible, and to that end the mechanic set everything up so that in firts gear the shifter sits where it would if the car was in park. Sadly though, I'm going to loose that stock look when I put the leather boot in. I just can't see a way to make it look more like an auto. On the bright side, not a single piece of the console had to be cut or changed in any way, so the car still has the stock look and feel. In fact, it could all go back together as an auto in a heartbeat is someone wanted to go to the trouble.
If I find some more pictures, I'll post them here. Right now we're working on a little video. I'll try to get that in the next day or so.
Thanks for the interest. So: Our mechanic is standing by! He says the total labour works out to about 18 hours now that we've done the ground work. Tempo Pedals, transmission and a bit of crossmember fab work and its a done deal. Any takers? :)

[Master]

PS
Money wasn't a big issue here. It all cost less than a supercharger - by a LOT! Say, half? For the next guy, it would likely be less again. PLus, you have a perfect auto that you can sell to offset the costs.
PPS
I have a perfect auto that I am selling to offset the costs!

[fastcar]

PS
Money wasn't a big issue here. It all cost less than a supercharger - by a LOT! Say, half? For the next guy, it would likely be less again. PLus, you have a perfect auto that you can sell to offset the costs.
PPS
I have a perfect auto that I am selling to offset the costs!

This changes EVERYTHING. :banana2:

Master, thank you so much for posting all this.

PI converter, GOOD BYE. When I'm ready, I'm doing this, instead. PM sent.

fastcar:burnout:

[Master]

Noticed merging today that the car does 95 mph in second gear at redline. That's a bit much, so the 4.10s really have to go in soon.

[RR|Suki]

Noticed merging today that the car does 95 mph in second gear at redline. That's a bit much, so the 4.10s really have to go in soon.

Viper trans?

[fastcar]

I thought the speedo didn't work?

fastcar:burnout:

[fastcar]

Hey Master!

I had a few questions on the install. Did the location of the shifter on the transmission you ended up using line up perfectly, or would it have been better if it was further forward or backward.

I ask because there are different options I understand for the tail housing/shifter location. We could go for a different one if it would be better...

fastcar:burnout:

[fastcar]

Noticed merging today that the car does 95 mph in second gear at redline. That's a bit much, so the 4.10s really have to go in soon.

If you have the close ratio box, and your shift point is 6500-7000 with those cams, you may consider 4.56 rear gears.

fastcar:burnout:

[TCBO1]

From the minute I first sat in our Marauder I knew it should of had a manual transmission!!! I even told my other half it is too bad we couldn't put one in. :bows: You are definetly the man, Master!! I cannot wait until I get one of my own! I want a manual in my car!! THANK YOU:banana:

[marauderboi]

Feel free. I'd say this is on target with my original thread. The kit, shoudl one be produced, would be Tres expensive! Unless everything was made from junkyard parts (which I'm sure no one would want), it would be well over 10k. Just the T56 (which I just picked up on e-bay for 2k) retails for about 6k new. What is really sad is that Ford could have offered this for the same price as the original sad-omatics and pocketed some extra cash in the process. Instead, we're left with a multi-thousand dollar bill and dubious results to do it ourselves. I'd say a kit is out, but if our set-up works, then we'll publish every detail of the process.
I dont know if this is available to you but in this months muscle mustangs and fast fords they have an ad for T-5 built trannys for 1000$

[Master]

$1000 t-5? Nice! To answer a few questions that came up while I was on vacation:
Correct, speedo does not work. Based my speed on the rpm cross referenced to my dyno run (which does, of course, indicate speed).
The shifter location, even at the rearmost optional location, is still about 4 inches too far ahead for what I'd call a "good" fit. We had to make an angled shifter which means a slightly hemispherical shift motion. Not bad, but not optimal. Too bad tremec doesn't make a slightly further aft position again.
The 4.56's would likely be a good idea, but someone on the site made me a killer deal on a set of 4.10s. Should be a good compromise as I like the low rpm cruising at 75 mph.
Not a viper trans per se, but a T-56 nonetheless.
Hope this helps! Looking through my leather box now to see what I have to sew up a new boot. Also expecting my T-6061 balanced driveshaft this week, which should really smooth things out for me.

[larryo340]

You could use a Mopar (sorry) Hurst pistol grip, they usually have a long reach. Might work for you and would look very cool too.
http://www.jimsautoparts.com/P4510610.jpg

[Master]

I could, but I like the fact that the console looks very nearly stock with the handle from the auto in place.

[Shoman594]

Congrats man!

Cant wait to see the finished console when you find the right shifter!

I too could not live with the fact that one of my favorite cars the V8 SHO did not come with a manual. So I decided to put one in!

http://www.shocago.com/images/ryan/V8MTX1.jpg

http://www.shocago.com/images/ryan/V8MTX4.jpg

http://www.shocago.com/images/ryan/V8MTX5.jpg

[Shoman594]

Oh forgot too add, were you able to fix any of the check engine/ O/D lights or the speedo/cruise control?
<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-comhttp://www.mercurymarauder.net/forums/<o:p></o:p>
I still have the check engine light with Shift Solenoid 1-2&3 codes. I was able to turn off the O/D light through programming. Luckily the SHO takes its speed information from the abs system so I have speedo. I was also able to put a newer style cruise control module, it replaces the older style one that did not work when the auto is gone. <o:p></o:p>

[fastcar]

Wow,

Nice job on the Taurus. Is it front or rear wheel drive? What size V-8 is in it??? Can't be a DOHC 4.6!

fastcar:burnout:

[Shoman594]

Thanks, it's a 3.4 all aluminum DOHC V8 in a FWD configuration.

[shodude]

hey what the hell are you doing here go away.. hahahaha


just kidding! dude i so want to do this as well!!

[Master]

I'll be sure to post picks when the detail bits are complete. pretty busy right now with all three jobs, though, so it could be a winter project. I can't believe you did that to a V-8 SHO. I just didn't think it was possible! HOW?? I took one for a test drive once when I was seriously considering it, and I just could not live with the auto. When I came on to it, it sounded pretty nice, but I knew my V-6 5 speed Tempo would be right there beside it in a drag. Plus I'd never be able to autocross it.
So do tell! PLus, what the heck ARE you doing here?