American Powertain T56 Magnum kit - going road racing

[anguilla1980]

Hello everyone. I've changed direction on my 69 Firebird and instead of doing a hybrid for road course/drag strip, I'm going all road course. Thus a 6-spd manual is in my future instead of a 4L80E with a trans-brake. My local track is Willow Springs, CA which has a small road course and also a large one. Button Willow is also an option if I join CalClub (which I might). Although I'm by far more familiar with Willow Springs from years of motorcycle racing there. Keep in mind this is also a street legal car I will drive around town for fun and to cruise ins, cars & coffee, etc. all over the state.



I'm not sure all the companies that offer these kits but I came across American Powertrain and reached out to them for a quote. I'm going from the TH400 automatic to a manual. They say the kit puts the shifter in the stock location and no modification what-so-ever are needed to the trans tunnel, console, or chassis. Music to my ears! I gave them info on my car and said I have 650HP (which is in the ballpark by 10HP + or -).

They sent me a quote but I'm not sure what I'm looking at so I'm looking for input/comments. 2 things I am personally VERY picky about tho is shifter and cluth feel. I've owned and driven more stick shift cars than one could count, and one of my favorties is the Gen V Viper 6-spd. I want a shifter that is easy to move from gear to gear, but with a VERY notchy positive feel when it goes into gear. I want it to feel mechanical AF and to handle being banged into gear all the time. I want my clutch to be light to medium with a really smooth friction zone, no chattering at all. I'm turning 40 and my knees aren't what they used to be, especially in traffic driving around town. A MAJOR plus would be able to powershift up and only need the clutch to leave in 1st and to downshift.


All of that said, here is what they quoted me: (I am not including prices on purpose out of respect for the company)

11009 New Tremec T56 Magnum for GM, 2.66 1sr, .80 5th, .62 6th gear, rated for700 lb/ft Fluid capacity approx. 4 quarts

ProFit MAGNUM Installation Kit for 1967-69 Gen 1 F-body (Camaro/Firebird). Your kit includes:
AP Revolution Shifter Mechanism - Original 4-speed shift position
Seamless DOM Driveshaft Assembly - Race Balanced, Solid U-Joints** Your custom driveshaft is not included in the initial order. To receive yourdriveshaft complete and return the driveshaft order form. **
Driveshaft Slip Yoke
Cryogenically hardenedsteelX-Factor Cross Member Modular Aluminum, bolt-in
Transmission Mount - Polyurethane
Pilot Bearing Stainless rollers, grease pre-pak
Speedometer Conversion -Electronic
Shifter Knob - White AP 6-Speed
Round Stock Chrome Shifter Handle
Console Shift Pattern Plate
Modular Reverse Lock-out Harness
Modular Reverse Light Harness
Hardware, Instructions, Warranty and Extended Hours Customer First Technical Support

QT SFI Bellhousing for Buick/Olds/Pontiac to LS T56/GM Magnum - Includes: Full Motor Plate & hardware

SCIENCE FRICTION Billet Steel 166t, 1964-76 Pontiac 326-455, Hydraulic AppsOnly
2.750" Register Bore (check 1977/78 cranks when ordering)

ARP Flywheel Bolts,Black Oxide, Pontiac, Set of 6

SCIENCE FRICTION 1126 Hi-Performance STAGE2 MEAN STREET DUOCLUTCH KIT, INCLUDES:
HIGH CLAMP LOAD LOW FLEX FORMED PRESSURE PLATE
26-SPLINE FERAMIC/KEVLAR WEAVE REBOUND HUB DISC
ALIGNMENT TOOL
650FT-LB RATED

ARP-GM/MOPAR Pressure Plate Bolts. Set of 6 Race Grade 8

GM HYDRAMAX Hydraulic Clutch Actuator System for MAGNUM/LST56/Viper T56. Kit Includes:
Hydramax Concentric Slave - Pre-bled,double width seals
Steel Braided Lines - Teflon Lined Stainless Steel
3/4" Bore Master Cylinder - Black Powder Coated
Hydramax Firewall Mount - Patented Adjustable Mount w/Firewall Stiffener
Bearing Retainer -Billet Aluminum, Black Oxide Finish
Reservoir Kit - Remote or local mount, plastic (billet upgrade available)
Pedal Rod and Hardware Adjustable Length
Fittings, hardware and complete instructions.
NOTE: Some applications may require 1-2 bearing retainer spacers CAGM-50003S not included

'69 Camaro/Firebird, Brake & Clutch Pedal Assembly
Includes: Bushings and Pads


Any thoughts/suggestions on what they are offering me? I'm hoping to learn from others who have done this swap to ensure I'm going to be really happy with the results.

Thanks!

[Schwartz Performance]

All those parts are pretty typical of a T56 conversion with hydraulic actuation.

As far as the road racing goes, not really sure if the clutch chosen is the best option. That clutch feel is fine, but a twin disc (McLeod RST for instance) will hold up better. Not sure of your engine's torque rating but I always feel more comfortable going 100+ "capacity" over what the engine actually has, especially in a racing application.

-Dale

[anguilla1980]

Thanks, that's the sort of info I was looking for.

It was a little off-putting when the AP salesperson did not mention or discuss any possible upgrades or inquire more as into my intended uses for the car. That's what gave me the feeling I was just getting a basic boxed kit that may not give me the performance I'm looking for.