At last year’s PRI show in Orlando, Fla, we got our first glimpse of TREMEC’s new 700 ft/lb-capable T-56 Magnum transmission for S197 Mustangs, which promised to afford enthusiasts with an exceptional upgrade path over the stock MT-82 six-speed, which is made in China, doesn’t hold a lot of power, and struggles with cold start operation. There are, of course, plenty of adjustments you have to make to get the TREMEC T-56 operational in an S197.

For starters, the factory driveshaft in the Mustang used a flange-style adapter to the transmission rather then a slip yoke; thus, to make the conversion, you must purchase or have made a driveshaft with a slip yoke setup. Also, the factory clutch is a 23-spline, while the TREMEC requires a 26-spline. So you’ll need a new clutch kit, and preferably a new flywheel as well. Lastly, the factory transmission uses a different type of speed sensor versus what comes in the T-56, eliciting the need for a speedo signal converter to make it all work. But despite these additional parts you need, the kit is a bolt-in and go installation.

Our good friend Justin Burcham and his crew at Justin’s Performance Center (JPC) were the first to our knowledge to get one of the just-released T-56 conversions up and running. JPC has used an aftermarket signal converter – which is also being used by others to do the same conversion – to complete the process.

Included in the kit is a block plate and an SFI approved bell housing.

Aside from the modifications listed above, the T-56 conversion bolts in and lines up perfectly. The kit comes with an SFI-approved bell housing, a shifter designed specifically for the application, and transmission mounts. Also, the kit retains the factory slave cylinder bearing from the MT-82. Along with the 2011-and later kits, TREMEC is also offering conversion kits for 2005-10 Mustangs.

As they often are, JPC was the first, but we’re certain to see a lot more of these TREMEC transmission conversions on other Mustangs as word gets out. check out the rest of JPC’s photo gallery highlighting their Magnum swap by clicking here.