why is the t56 notchy?

[1999slpss]

I was just curious as to what actually makes the t56 have more of a notchy feel than other transmissions? Is it the way the synchro rings are designed that make it feel like this? Just curious more than anything.

[35th-ANV-SS]

Poor shift rail design.

A poor hydraulic system in our cars doesn't help matters when shifting at high RPM either.

An aftermarket adjustable MC coupled with a nice aftermarket shifter usually helps some, but it still doesn't shift as smooth as most would like.

[LimeyZ]

I hear you! My '84 F150 with 230,000 miles shifts smoother than my Camaro!

Replaced the shifter 10 years ago to an SLP short throw which wasn't much better. I am in the process of upgrading all the hydraulics and clutch so I'm going to try another shifter - PRO 5.0, MGW or B&M. Not decided yet. I wish I could get an old T56 to take apart and see this shift rail design that 35th-ANV-SS talks about.

[Firebirdjones]

Poor shift rail design.

A poor hydraulic system in our cars doesn't help matters when shifting at high RPM either.

An aftermarket adjustable MC coupled with a nice aftermarket shifter usually helps some, but it still doesn't shift as smooth as most would like.

Right on the money...shift rail design isn't the best. Although Tremec has made improvements over the years. The TKO overdrive trannies they sell for retro swaps has improved greatly. At first they weren't great either, but now with different sincros and redesigned shifter rails, they are pretty smooth. Still not muncie smooth though