So to begin, one of the things I've SERIOUSLY dreaded about doing a T56 swap into my Tahoe was the fact that the shifter lever needed to be so damn long. As we all know, this kind of kills the "performance" feel of the T56. Well after thinking about it for some time, I think I might have a solution and it really wasn't that difficult to construct. I have not actually tested this in a vehicle yet but taking some rough measurements, it appears to be very close to the height needed for NBS T56 swapped trucks. I suppose this same concept/design would also work for the 5 speeds as well if those share the same shifter type (ball, fulcrum, plate).

The concept uses three shifters for a T56, that are stacked on top of each other, two of which need to be modified/sacrificed for the cause. They are held in place using some all-thread, couplers, and Nylock nuts.

As you can see, you need three shifters to correct the reversed action. If you used just two, the action would be completely opposite.

Almost forgot,,, it measures 19" from transmission shift mount to the top of the leather shift ****.

Here's a video, showing the action while shifting. In the vid, the shifter looks a bit frail/weak, but trust me, its very stout. The bouncing you see is the T56 mount I have attached to the work bench, no movement/flex in the shifter mounts at all.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0P_...ature=youtu.be







I found a 1/2" drive socket the same size as the shifter cup, bought two of them, machined a slot down the underside of the sockets, then tack welded it onto the cut down stock shifters. This has since been fully welded in place.



OK, now that you've seen it, lets discuss. Good, bad, suggestions for improvement? I'm hoping this will all come together in the next month so I can give actual feedback of use.

Mike

 

Wtf thats freakin trippy. If it works why not. I dont know what shifters people are using with their T56 swaps in trucks so i find this pretty neat.

 

Wow, that looks very tall. I guess I didn't realize how tall it would need to be. I wonder how it will work. Will you be running a solid tranny and motor mounts?

 

Looks expensive. Interesting idea thou.

 

HAHAHA I had to!

 

That's a great question. I run poly motor mounts and stock transfer mount on the Z28. Will probably run a poly transfer mount on this one.

Mike

 

Not that bad really. I got one for free, paid 30.00 for another and already had one to begin with. The two on the bottom are stock 4th Gen SS shifters. The one on top is an old Hurst.

Mike

 

Its the leaning tower of shifter.


LOL


I thought guys were just using the shifters from the NV3500/4500 and grafting them on the T56


I have seen some guys with a shifter replacing a cup holder though on trucks with the center console...not sure what they did there.

 

Yeah, I get it. It's not the most attractive looking shifter setup. But if it keeps the shift throws more like a car and less like an 18 Wheeler than I've accomplished my goal.

Does anyone know how far below the tunnel the top of the t56 shifter mounting pad sits? I'm guessing It's gotta be 2-4"?

Mike

 

No doubt...function before form, always.

I am pretty sure you will be the only one with one of these...unless it works so well that you patent in and market it for big bucks to t56 swapped truck guys...

Actually you should sell this idea to GM, so as the next time they think of making something like the solstice and putting an nv3500 in it, it will at-least shift somewhat like a sports car.