Exactly. You can build an automatic to hold up more than a stock manual but it will cost thousands.
The stock 5 speeds are rated at 330 lbs tq. I was putting 489 lbs to the ground and mine didn't break on slicks.
T56's are rated at a minimum of 375lbs.
I did some research a while back and the limiting factor on the ratings is the highest gear. Tremec rates them by loading them to their maximum capicity in the weakest gear(6th for a t56) and run them under that load for 24 hrs. If they don't break then they qualify for that load rating. how many people are going to take a t56 and load 500+lbs tq on it in 6th gear for even as long as 1 min? Not me. There are many other variables with shock load and vehicle weight of course. I am just making a point of why they are so strong yet rated so weak.

$1975.00 gets you a crazy built T56, providing you have the core. Try to find a 60E for that price that will take that kind of abuse. :)

I saw a low low mileage one that was pro-shifted go for $2500 at ls1tech. You have to double clutch it, but it'll withstand 1000rwhp/tq no problem.

D&D Performance makes all kinds of upgrades for the T-56. I guess you guys are talking about the weak Camaro/TA T-56 and not the 440+ LB/FT rated Cobra T-56 or Viper T-56. They also have billet shift forks for these now, which is almost always what goes out (the stock shift forks) when someone says "I broke my transmission" :cry:. An upgraded T-56 is more than adequate IMO.

I was thinking the samething, when I put my t56 in. I think I got lucky. It was a 1998 t56 from a camero with 80k on it $1200. I put it in thinking I would have to pull it right back out again and have it built up for the power and weight. Its holding strong, it feals brand new. I have not felt a weakness in it yet. I love the clutch as well. It's the oz700. soft pedal, no chatter, no slipping yet. Its fun to drive. If I can do it you guys can do it in your sleep. I put the motor and trans in at the same time. It went in like butter. Let me know if you need any info. It seams like you guys have alot of info. I didn't know that the 05 had a different 5 speeds and crank. Good to know.