T56 Mag Shifter Location 69 Camaro

[Sieg]

Sorry for the late response, been in the middle of my install/re-install due to the wrong to bearing (short). I cut an access hole to make it easier to see what was going on throught the fitment process.


The right side bolts front access cover (ahead of the shifter) were lightly contacting the tunnel when the trans was fully installed. Since I had to pull it again I jacked up that tunnel section with a 2x4 slightly larger than the cover plate and massaged the tunnel with a composite hammer to gain the needed clearance, approx. .25". My plan is to make a temporary cover plate until I get time to properly stitch weld a fill piece in place.

[LarryC5]

Sieg,

Great pics......These REALLY help better understand the job in front of me. It looks like tunnel clearance is tight but manageable with some assistance of a light hammer or mallet and a 2x4.

Are you comfortable with the clearance you were able to achieve? It also looks like I need to remove the pems from underneath the tunnel that were inserted by the factory for bolting down the factory console as these probably take up about 1/4" or so of space.

Lastly, is your car lowered and or using half height sub-frame bushings? I'm using factory height bushings but car is lowered via suspension at about 1.5" or so.

Again, thanks for the feedback!

Larry

[Sieg]

I have stock subframe, new standard height body mounts, doesn't appear the floor/tunnel has sag much, Moroso solid mounts (original SS bases), Energy trans mount, Quicktime bellhousing.

The fender to ground measurements are approx 24.25" F and 24.75" R, so it's about 2+" lower via front coils and Global West leafs and 1" blocks.

I massaged the bellhousing area of the firewall a fair amount:

My guess is the cars vary quite a bit in this area of production.

Finished with 3M Rubberized Undercoating:

I also ground the front console mounting bolts flush to the well nuts.

Shimmed the front of the crossmember to lower it at the mount a little:


I'm "hopefully" finishing the install today. Bellhousing is in, just need to re-install the tranny. I'll be taking more pics through the process. My guess is I'll have .25"-.38" clearance from the tunnel to right front inspection cover bolts.

Hope the info helps.

[Sieg]

Larry,

Here's the where I bowed the front of the tunnel:


With the trans installed I ended up with the engine/trans at a 2.5* downward angle. The right side shifter cover bolts are about 2-3 mm above the opening, left side are 2-3 mm below.

(cardboard taped over shifter opening for test drives)

[LarryC5]

Sieg,

Again, great pictures. I now have a very clear picture of what is in front of me. Having done a TKO swap before the basics were there just the damn tunnel and firewall had me a little nervous.

For the record, I'm dropping in a 540ci BBC on SMBC engine frame stands. Not sure if this will add to the fun or not.....

Congrats your install......

Larry

[Sieg]

Originally Posted by LarryC5

Sieg,

Again, great pictures. I now have a very clear picture of what is in front of me. Having done a TKO swap before the basics were there just the damn tunnel and firewall had me a little nervous.

For the record, I'm dropping in a 540ci BBC on SMBC engine frame stands. Not sure if this will add to the fun or not.....

Congrats your install......

Larry

Be patient and enjoy the challege. SBC / BBC drivetrain centerlines shouldn't be much different

[69z11]

I am putting in a 496bb w 650hp/560 torque. Want to put in tranny to handle and considering t56 mag. Will the 6 spd fit in the factory console with no cutting. My car is a 69 vert born as a 4 spd.

[Sieg]

Originally Posted by 69z11

I am putting in a 496bb w 650hp/560 torque. Want to put in tranny to handle and considering t56 mag. Will the 6 spd fit in the factory console with no cutting. My car is a 69 vert born as a 4 spd.

With the Hurst "Blackjack" shifter and offset shifter mount, yes. The T56 Magnum is supposedly rated/warranted for 700 ft. lbs.