This was the first day since I took possession of the T56 and parts a couple weeks ago that I was able to actually work on the swap.  The sun was out and it got warm enough so that it was actually a pleasant day.  I would have much preferred to have been cruising around, but one step at a time.

The mailman came by and dropped off what should be the last of the parts needed to complete the project.  As you can see my dining area is just filthy with car stuff.  In this latest batch there is the torque arm relocation crossmember and short throw shifter handle from UMI Performance. Slave cylinder speed bleeder line and adjustable master cylinder from Tick Perfomance. Clutch safety switch pigtail from Rock Auto. Reverse lockout solenoid, backup lights switch and vss pigtails from EFI Connection.  It is unlikely I will need the vss as it should use the same one as the auto but better safe than sorry.  A couple brake & clutch rod retaining clips from ebay.  And finally an M20x1.5 oil plug that is remarkably hard to get ahold of that I intend to modify and use to plug the hole left when I remove the CAGS skip shift module.

Here is a quick shot of inside the cabin without the seats.  It sure is roomy in there with them out.  I might have to invest in the milk crate mod so that I can actually stretch my legs out.

Everything went pretty smoothly pulling the trans this time around since I knew what the skinny was on the situation having upgraded the converter only 6 months ago.  The hardest part was getting the converter bolts off since I couldn’t recall how I had secured the breaker bar hanging off the crank pulley the last time so I was stretched out with one hand on the breaker bar and one hand on the wrench at the converter bolts pushing each in the opposite direction.  I’m sure it looked quite comical.

I do think though, that it might be entirely possible that I put too much loctite on the bellhousing bolts.  During the process of removing them, I got all he-man on the ratchet and exploded one of my swivel sockets.

After finally getting it all unbolted I pulled the 4L60E back out and stuck it next to the T56 for a side by side shot.

I’ve decided to take my time with this swap and not kill myself working super long hours on it so that everything gets done right the first time.  All said and done I’ve probably only got around 5 hours of time invested in it, half of which was me cursing at the bolts that did not want to break loose and having to go get a new swivel socket.