If I'm thinking of the same trans, this trans has the double or triple synchro's like the newer vette 6-speed.. correct? If so the Magnum is just a marketing term for the same trans adapted for the 4.6 bellhousing / input shaft. The whole premise of the product is smoother shifting. Between this mod, and the some cool electronic products out there you'll be envy of the crowd at the track, (assuming your able to pull some John force like clutch control, it is fun when you can dial in your own launch instead of working with a converter, and shift about as quick).
Well guys here is my update. Let me say that my joy was short lived. Quick short story, was racing (spanking) a cam/intake/a4 camaro ss ls1, had about a car, popped my headgaskets. SOOOO.... i got two nights out of this GLORY of a transmission. Let me describe it as this.
1. Ease of shifting- my grandma could shift this with arthritus.... literally.
2. Ease of "power"shifting- second to none, i can powershift ANY gear almost as good as i shifted hard on the t-56, meaning that powershifting is VERY EASY
3.Noise- same comparison to the t-56, not too much difference. I believe that if i could put those quieting gaskets on this tranny, it would be quieter than the t-56
4.Stock shifters performance (this is stated due to no aftermarket option for the magnum)- Shifts AS good, if not better than the MGW orange handle i had on the car. However, even with a upr handle, the throw is slightly longer. Is that nullified by every other positive ive suggested, ABSOLUTELY.
5. Gear placement/synchro placement- This thing practically finds the gear for you, it can be described as this. The stock t-56 you can miss a gear if you are shifting fast, and are not precise with clutch in/shifter movement. The "magnum" you would be hard pressed missing a gear shifting fast, even powershifting. It flows right into gear, no notchiness, no wide spaces inbetween gears. Its just an overall different feel than the stocker.It literally brings the joy back into standard transmission driving.
Now if you motor building gurus can shed some light on a few things for me:
1. Are the cometic headgaskets, such as the ones listed on lethal performance, sufficient for 22-25 lbs of boost, and abuse?
2. Does pretty much everyone go with the ARP headstuds when they are replacing the Headgaskets? Do you just go back with stockers?
3. What else should i keep my eyes open for, when i get the motor out of the car, knowing that the HG's are potentially the culprit of the failure.
4. For you that have experienced HG failure, what were the symptoms?
Let me give some facts of the situation- Racing, loss of power. Pull over- car is smoking white from exhaust. Smell oil burning also. Oil seeping from HG area of both heads, onto both control arms, AND coolant leaking also. HOPING its not a cracked block, assuming HGs are issue.
Absolutely spend the money for the ARP studs. They will handle more clamping force. And they are reusable. As to gaskets the stock MLS Cometic gasket should be able to handle the 22 psi. But you might want to look into these;
I have had 2 magnums transmissions. 1 (2.97) in a custom LS swap pushing over 900hp and my buddy who owns the car now beats on it more then I did and it hasn't skipped a beat, 4 years now at that power level no issues. But he is a highway guy.
I had my last magnum(2.66) at over 800hp and it was never an issue. It was more driver err on my part. I was more of a dig guy and trans held up great. Never an issue.
No clearance issue, expect 1 of the bolts/nuts(back left) on the red Tremic shiftier plate did leave a small dent on the trans tunnel, from it pushing up into it. But no other issues of fitment besides that. No vibrations, I kind of keep my hand on the shifter knob, and it never felt any different then any other manual.
I've also had 2x T56 magnums. The first one had the 2.97 first gear option, the reason I replaced it for a stock gearing (2.66 first gear) magnum.
I'm running a Mcleod RXT twin disk and didn't have to cut/grind/shave anything to get it to fix, just run their adjustable pivot ball.
I also never had to grind any of the tabs off the transmission, no clearance issues going into the tunnel. I use my OEM bellhousing thats off my stock T-56 magnum w/ a shortened driveshaft.
Hope this helps... Also good thread for being old. :beer:
My good friend has an 86 fox body that is about 3400 lbs with him in it. Car has been 160s in the 1/4 and it has a stock 2.66 magnum in it. It's getting beat on and holding up. Over a full season on it too. His comment, like everyone else, was that it was by far the smoothest shifting tranny he has ever shifted. I feel the same way.