T56 3rd Gen Install Question

I'm looking at installing a Tremec T56 transmission kit from Classic Motorsports Group in my 72 Nova. I've tried to research the mods need for the shifter/tunnel area and I'm getting conflicting reports. I want to know if you just need to cut a hole for the shifter part of the transmission or do you need to cut a substantial amount of the tunnel out and complete fabricate a new tunnel. Any info on this would be greatly appreciated.

Here is a direct link to the kit I want to use:
http://www.classicchevy5speed.com/Elite-6-Speed-Camaro-Nova-Tremec.aspx

Thanks!

From what I understood talking with these guys,they said the tunnel needs to be cut to fit this trans.The cut would be about 10" wide and 14" or so long.Richmond sold by Summit requires less work,only a small cut at the shifter.

Mine went in with no floor mods.

Really?I had a rep at a show here say it would fit the Chevelle and Camaro,but not the Nova.That's good to know.

Mark,

Did you make a custom Cross Member for the transmission or buy one?

I used the ATS crossmember.

From what I've read in a couple places, if you stick with stock height subframe mounts/spacers you do not have to cut the tunnel.

Thanks for all the input I really appreicate it!

I used the ATS crossmember.

Did you have to cut the floor support to clear the shifter? I've seen pics where someone cut theirs to clear the shifting mechanism. Did you change your driveline angle? Do you have any pics from the underside? Do you have it bolted to a SBC with a standard SBC bellhousing?

I'm hoping I can do the same. I don't mind cutting my floor, but I don't want to cut the floor support.

I did this install in my 77 a few months ago. I have been led to believe the floorpans on the 4th gens and the 3rd gens are pretty close to the same dimensionally, and subframe mounts don't differ too much, so much of my experience should transfer to yours. In order to keep the drive angles within spec (please note my car is lowered 3-4" in the rear, 2-3" in the front), I had to cut quite a bit of the center section of the floor out (actually, the 10"X14" cut was pretty close to what I had to do), including seat bracing right at the shifter area. Every person I spoke to about this conversion, from "experts" to forum posts to my Tremec dealer, pre-warned me that extensive surgery would be required on the floorpans to do this conversion in a Nova from 68 on up. They did not steer me wrong.

I cannot speak to MarkM68's experience with no floor mods. I don't doubt his claim, but I was told by lots of folks to expect lots of cutting, and that's what mine required to line the drive angles up. Maybe his X-member allowed the tranny to sit lower, or perhaps the front/rear of his car is set up differently. Who knows? They say every car is different, so why not?

My T56 is the "aftermarket" version, is bolted to an original Muncie bellhousing using Tremec's adapter plate (redrilled, of course), then to a first generation SBC. I am using the mechancial clutch/throwout assembly, with an 11" clutch and stock 168 tooth flywheel. Everything works like a dream, and I have no regrets, but yes there was substantial metal work involved in the floorpan.

If you already have a Muncie in your car, get under there and take a look around. The T56 is taller, wider, and longer. There are several places on-line where you can look at T56 dimensions. You should be able to get a "guestimate" just by looking and taking some measurements.

I took tons of photos and can provide you with pictures from pretty much every angle. I leave for a two week vacation this weekend but would be happy to PM with you about this conversion if you are interested. Just PM me and I'll get back with you when I return.

Good luck.

Jason