[Manual Jag v12]

I've been researching for the past week on which engine to put in the s30 I'll purchase (as soon as I decide on engine) and I think it's narrowed down to the Jag 5.3l v12. My one caveat is that manual transmissions are nearly impossible to find, and the torque from the v12 makes it even more difficult (if I've done my math correctly, the first stomp on the throttle will hand-grenade a t5 or t56).

 

Considering the t5 and t56 are the industry standards, and essentially the do-all, end-all of rwd transmissions, I wanted to go with that as my choice. My research started here:

http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=97350

and went here:

http://forums.hybridz.org/showthread.php?t=111184&highlight=v12

and brought me over here:

http://ca.geocities.com/dotdotdot@rogers.com/

and finally (arguably most importantly) here:

http://www.5speeds.com/v12bell.html

 

Now, I'm fairly new to the rwd scene as a whole, so I'm unfamiliar with this counting-splines and matching clutch forks (Hondas are a good deal simpler, and machining anything in the Honda community is basically unheard of). It looks like that bellhousing allows Tremec transmissions to be bolted up, but I'm confused as to exactly which transmissions will slide in (spline pattern and diameter appears to be the defining factor).

 

What I need to know:

1. What factors am I looking for? (spline number, input shaft diameter, shifter location, flywheel/clutch, etc).
   
2. Does anybody have the specifics on the transmission-side of the Jag 5.3 v12?
   
3. Who has done this already? (I know DOT did, and since the t56 is my preference, I'm specifically hoping he replies).

I've done a lot of research on the engine, and it basically needs a new intake/header system (I think my plans for ITBs will work very very nicely), a pair of cams, and a valvetrain to put down a nice fat, even powerband.

 

Because there are four machine shops right down the street from me, I'll probably go to one of them rather than ordering a bellhousing online, unless there are some really rave reviews about 5speeds.com out there.

 

Anyway, thanks in advance, I really appreciate any help I can get at this point, I'm feeling like there isn't too much left to do but dive in with a wrench.

[Small Update on my S30]

Unless you plan on mouting something else there, I would say ditch the battery tray. IMHO, leaving it would make the bay 'unbalanced' from a visual standpoint.

 

Or, since you are turboing it (I think I saw that you were), maybe mount a water/methanol tank there?

 

I second that motion. Keep it functional, keep it clean.

 

By the way, I just joined hybridz because of your project, keep up the gorgeous work!