You are going to run into a fitment issue on the D&D trans in a 1st gen, right where the firewall meets the trans tunnel.

Tyler

Do you mean with the adaptor plate? I've fit two D&D T56's in first gens, neither hit anything. One was with your kit (stock bellhousing) :thumbsup: and one with the Weir kit and their bellhousing (friends car).

Jody

Whew! That is very reassuring Jody. I have already ordered my transmission which I intend to bolt up to the stock bellhousing. I also spoke with Tyler yesterday and ordered his cross member.

If I have to cut the tunnel I will but would prefer not to obsiously.

-Tracy

I'm referring to the aftermarket D&D T56 that has a 1/2" thick adapter plate to allow install to a 4spd bellhousing with mechanical linkage. the LT1/LS1 with matching bellhousings do not require mods. The other one always causes issues, and D&D never lets people in on that fact. I'm the one that usually gets to let my cleints in on the bad news.

Tyler

Thanks for the clarification Tyler. I always use your stuff if possible as it's the nicest available. Also used hydraulic clutch every time.

Jody

What bad news is that,Tyler?

That the D&D T56 will require floor mods, where a production one (LT1/LS1) will not. To someone without a welder or air compressor, it could mean having to farm it out.


Tyler

I really don't understand why people get so panic-stricken about tunnel mods.
That was probably the easiest part of my conversion. I bought my D&D T56 because it's a lot stronger than a stock LT1/LS1 unit and also preferred manual clutch actuation over hydraulics.
Be that as it may,I would buy & install a TKO-600 over a T56 if I had it to do over again. Nothing wrong with my D&D Viper T56,it just seems one overdriven gear would be enough.
Different strokes for different folks,though,,, :)

I'm with you on the tunnel mods. I don't find them to be a big deal at all. To a client who believes a trans will fit into his tunnel with no mods, it can be a disapointment.
That is why I have Rockland build me a Viper spec unit inside of an LT/LS case. With McLeod's new modular bellhousing, you could even retain the manual linkage.

Tyler

Well it looks like I will be cutting my tunnel..

It is interesting though...I called D&D back to check on my shipment and I spoke with Joe, who was the same person that sold me the transmission. Joe was very helpful and knowledgeable. He claims that they sell more of these transmissions for 1st gen camaros than anything else and that I would not need to cut my tunnel.

I will send him pictures of my install and make sure he knows the results..

-Tracy