Anyone have any experience with t56 transmission kits?

[Santovenia]

I really want to convert my automatic to a manual and was looking for complete transmission kits, found one and it sounds great but it's very pricey.

http://www.keislerauto.com/gm/transmissions/corvette_68-82_6spd.asp

Anyone have any suggestions regarding which kits to use and not to use? I would really prefer to go with a six speed but I could live with a 5 if I had to.

 

[lnirenberg]

I just swapped a Keisler 5 spd kit for my original 4 spd. There was a previous thread--http://www.corvetteactioncenter.com/forums/showthread.php?t=61935--that was about the same thing. Also this link gets you to Vette mags tech page and they have an article from last summer on an auto to 5 or 6 spd kit from Keisler, just scroll down the page--http://vetteweb.com/tech/

The advantage of Keislers kit is that their tranies have been modified so that the shifter comes out in the stock C3 location. The install was a little more complicated than the article made it seem as it is a tight fit. The 5 spd has the advantage of being close to the OEM size so no tunnel cutting was required although if I remember correctly with an auto you will have to open up the tunnel opening a bit and obviously the addition of a clutch is a bit of work. You are right they are pricey especially if you are going from an auto, but based on my approximately <5 minute test drive (as weather and roads are a bit gamey) mine appears to work well. As always only time will tell.

Also, if you go ahead, look at the gear ratios of the 5 vs 6 spd and you will see very little advantage in top gear and a lower ratio for the 5 spd in 1st. save the $$$ go 5 spd.