I have a 64 Nova with a Faceplated T56. The car is 3350# with me in it. Fab9 rear with 5.13's. The motor is a 383 making 589hp / 449tq. The first clutch I had was a 100 series disc with 2400# diaphragm plate. It worked really well on the street. It even took a 4000rpm launch. The clutch didn't like the 7000 rpm launch. Unfortunately, the 2nd gear plate didn't like the shift and all 9 of the teeth broke off. So, we replaced the 2nd gear with a newer 7 tooth plate. In the process, I also had the clutch upgraded to a 500 series disc and 3200# plate.

So, should this clutch and trans be able to stay together with a 7000 rpm launch? My builder wants to go to a Soft lock or slipper type clutch because he believes the trans isn't a very good one. I tend to believe him since he has forgotten more than most will ever know. But, I have seen posts here about the T56 running much higher HP with no problems.

Thanks in advance.

 

So I must be the first and only person to ever use a t56 and 500 series clutch.

 

Is that the McLeod clutch? If so, I think you'll need something like a stage three monster or another brand with a ceramic friction material at a minimum.

As far as the trans, there are options like a 30 or 31 spline output shaft that takes a TON of power.

 

The McLeod 500 disc has ceramic on one side. How much power does the 26 spline handle?

 

I'm not exactly sure but a couple shops I talked to said that upgrading to a bigger spline wasn't worth it with the power I have/was planning. Around 550 at the wheels. I'd look for stories on here where the main shaft gave out from drag racing and see what power they were at. You could always just upgrade to the bigger shaft. The only real difference is the tail housing has to be machined and a machined VSS reluctor has to be made. All of the gears and syncros will still be useable. TDP has an option that is slightly stronger than the viper upgrade if you want the max the t-56 can give. Call Jason and he'll fill you in.

 

yup i think the monster stage 3 is a good bet for you its rated for 725whp and is still very driveable on the street.

i see that your tranny is faceplated.... so in that instance you dont have the common t56 issues with synchros and what not. if you have the upgraded mainshaft then you have nothing to worry about lol the tranny should take it. even if you dont the faceplate makes the t56 pretty damn strong so i really wouldnt worry about it a whole lot. whoever told you the t56 is weak is sadly mistaken, sure there are improvements to it that make it strong and better for high hp but it is still a very capable tranny