Mal Wood's Warwick factory visit

[bcl]

  Quote

1. This version of the T56 - emmachizzit?

Around $8k

  Quote

2. In your opinion, how different is this version of the T56 compared to the expectations of the Mk II T56?

I’ve only a vague idea of the attributes of the Mk II T56, so at this stage it would only be speculation, rather than factual.

  Quote

3. While it may suit you for the kind of power and torque delivery you have to run this version of the T56, do you think it is worth the extra expense for many others to put on a a high-priced special-ratio gearbox compared to the Mk II version? If you do think it is worth it, on what basis do you make this decision?

Again, I don’t know what the attributes of the Mk II version will be, so it’s speculation.

I don’t know the price of a T56 box from Ford, so I can’t make a cost comparison.

Note: There’s no guarantee that you can take a Mk II T56 and slot it straight into our Mk I. There may be bell-housing, gearbox cross-member, overall gearbox length and tailshaft differences that cause fitment problems if attempting to retrofit.

Until the above is known I can’t answer the questions.

  Quote

4. If Mal Woods can source and install this version of the T56 gearbox why can't any other transmission specialist?

Of course there’s no reason why someone else couldn’t do it. However, Mal has provided good service, and is willing to spend the R&D dollars. Mal’s a Ford fanatic, and to date he is the ONLY transmission specialist providing any assistance to us. Mal has been providing T56 upgrades for earlier model Fords for some time, so he has a wealth of experience already to build upon.

Rather than ignore the T5 problems, Mal has tackled the issue head-on.

For anyone that hasn't read my T56 gearbox thread please refer to http://www.fordxr6turbo.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=9148

Brian

[Dr Z]

Thanks Brian, hopefully you can get back to us on questions 2 and 3 when we have some details on the Mk II T56, because as someone with your experience in the T56, no doubt we would all highly appreciate your contributions.

[edo]

What time are you guys going to get there roughly?

Brian, can you email me that swisho ratio calculator spreadsheet please?

[bcl]

  edo said:

What time are you guys going to get there roughly?

I expect to be there about 11a.m... Xrl8ed (jeff) has very kindly offered a lift from the airport.

If anyone else is interested please send me a pm. A few other people have also expressed an interest.

Brian

[edo]

Brian,

Im not going to make it tomorrow...some interesting developments at work now!

I'll get down to see Mal at some stage soon...he will hear me coming.

Look forward to your thoughts on the new box.

Thanks for the spreadsheet...Ive been playing with it for ages & I think youve made the right choice with your ratios. I reckon I'll just copy you!

[bcl]

It was great to get my car back again on Friday.

Gearbox feels much the same as before, still firm shift with a very short shift.

The shift is from 2nd to 3rd is now much more fluid, much better than the T5 shifter and the Herrod quickshift in the T5 that I’d previously used. A firmer spring is now being used in the shifter.

I’ve still kept the twin-plate organic clutch. Pedal pressure is still less than the stock car with T5 box.

Over the past 5 months there has been an issue that after a wear-in period the clutch hasn’t released properly, resulting in a very stiff shift. Mal has worked on this and redesigned the straps to the intermediate plate.

The main change (and unexpected) from before is that Ben has designed an adjustable clutch. This is a very clever change, as Ben has designed an eccentric to the clutch pedal to provide the required adjustment. The clutch overall travel is now less than before, with pick-up about 2 inches off the floor. Getting into both my wifes wrx and my XR6T the clutch pedal effort is now almost identical, with less pedal travel in the XR6T, feeling like just a quick stab is required…. It is much better than before, and now better than the rex.

This series 2 box that box Mal has put together is a close ratio box, with similar ratios to what will be in the new XR6T mk II. On the road 4th, 5th and 6th are now much quicker than the previous T56.

Thanks to Mal and Ben for their effort to continually improve their product, and investing their time in what really is a small market.

Also thanks to Jeff (xlr8ed) for driving me from Brisbane airport out to Warwick.

Given the above I’m now going to tackle some quarter mile runs, with the aim of stopping all the bagging from all the auto fanatics out there.

Brian

[Turbo6man]

Brian, you know you'll never shut them up. They will then argue that it's your hoprsepower doing the times. I'm pretty sure there aren't any autos out there with your level of power is there?

[Buf-Phoon]

  Turbo6man said:

Brian, you know you'll never shut them up. They will then argue that it's your hoprsepower doing the times. I'm pretty sure there aren't any autos out there with your level of power is there?

If there are ,the Autos would be trashed.

I reckon Brian should give it a go , I for one would not feel any embarasment getting hosed by his beast.

[Geeseman]

I actually ran into a fellow the other day with a phaseIII and auto running 330rwkw. He has modded the box and its going well.

There are more auto mods coming out soon with strengthened gears which will be able to handle well above 330rwkw. Autos change faster than manuals and never go off boost. Methinks that an auto at 300rwkw would be able to outrun a 330rwkw manual on the quarter but we'll have to wait for people to post some results.

[ktford]

  bcl said:

with the aim of stopping all the bagging from all the auto fanatics out there.

Well we Auto baggers await to see/hear you go down the 1/4 mile, good luck Brian. Make sure some of the others are there to watch it as I'm sure it'll be awesome fun.

Scotty