We did a trial fit of the engine & transmission today and found an issue. Between the floor and the cross member that has the emergency brake cable bracket, there is 6 inches of space. The tremec will not fit in this area since it it 9" high at that point. The issue is how to make this work. Raise the tunnel, notch the cross member, cut that member out to relocate it, fab a new cross member, or, hopefully, there's another plan that we are missing. Does anyone have any solution and maybe some pictures? Sure would be helpful. The problem is not the transmission mount cross member. By comparison, that'll be an easy fix. It is the emergency brake cross member that is big the issue.
Best solution is raise the tunnel,that way you are disturbing less parts. There was a show on Gearz where they did just that several seasons ago to clear it it may help with your shifter location as well. Measure where to make the cut and then make a cardboard template checking that for clearance till you get the fit you want then transfer that to your sheet metal.
Is the '56 tunnel different than the earlier models? I have a T5 in my '54, and it fit without any tunnel modifications using the stock crossmember in the stock location, and a set of universal prothane transmission mounts. I don't think I even touched the parking brake components. Details here.
Just added this to the "Sticky FAQ" http://www.hemmings.com/magazine/mus/2004/07/T-5-Transmission-swaps/1280831.html ( bottom of the first section)
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