thinking about putting a t-56 in my 04 has any one else explored this avenue

 

What for?
It's not the easiest and cheaper swap on earth but it can be done. All you need is a custom bellhousing, some adapters and a custom driveshaft.
The shifter may need to be moved by an inch or two but i'm not sure about that.

If it's just for reliablity or a turbo build you would be better off considering a s2 transmission swap with an healthy transmission for a cheaper price. Some teams may also offer some kind of enhancements to said unit and a better overall "build" quality. Eric Meyer comes to mind

 

Well, the T-56 wouldn't work well with high revving rotaries. It's that tranny gear for low Rpms and torque.

 

Tell that to the everyone over on rx7club that pairs the t-56 with their 13B and 20B's.

 

 

search RX7Club for info, you might consider other similar options (g-force T5 etc) unless you intend to make serious hp, however the RX-8 trans in either form will not last long in high hp situations unless you granny shift it, your biggest issue is providing a mount for the PPF

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_XhXB8XDYYc

 

Thanks fellas for flaming me again and again and again and again and again... to be continued

 

So I assume there is a sandwich plate or housing to mate the 2 together, on the market ?

 

I especially liked the part: