G-Force vs TKO 500\600

carbed 85 gt

New Member
Mar 20, 2003
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Honolulu HI
I need some info on these set ups, let me know how you guys are doing with these. Should I buy the synchronised kit from G-Force and get a rebuild kit for the small stuff or go the TKO route with the special slip yoke and crossmmber. It seems that both trans cost about the same just you get a core charge with the G force.
 
I did a lot of research on this recently. The G-Force kit is $1195, but in order to get it to handle the 600 ft lbs they advertise, you need to spend $335 on an upgraded mainshaft. Then $150 on a rebuild/small parts kit. If you pay someone to install it it will run around $250. That's over 1900 for just the G-Force trans, which is a couple hundred more then the TKO 600. The TKO will require the bellhousing and yoke, which is about $240. So the units themselves cost roughly the same. But the T5 is basically a rebuilt unit, while the TKO will be brand new and factory assembled. To me the TKO just seemed like a better alternative. I'm sure some will disagree. There are other pros/cons as well. For example, the T5 will be a little lighter then the TKO.
 
That's a tough one. I went through the choice myself. The G-force seems to be proven, so does the TKO. Don't know 100%, but overall I am sure the TKO is a better transmission, that is why I went that rought. If your going to do the T5 G-force, get all the shafts and such, otherwise, do the TKO. I went with the TKO 500 and like it.
 
Strength wise they're pretty much the same with the upgraded G-Force. I know my next trans will be a G-Force with Dog ring setup (when, not if I blow up the Pro-shifted TKO). It's a pretty big weight break pretty far forward on the car compared to the Tremec and also less reciprocating mass.
 
The TKO has a stronger case and that keeps the gears from shifting position inside the case. The stronger case makes for a longer lasting transmission.
 
A vote here for the GForce. The rating I was quoted was 650ft/lbs of torque in a 3400# car with the upgraded main shaft. We have the upgraded GForce in my son's 89 Gt convertable, and are very pleased with it. This was even with dealer problems. (Go to GForce for the trany!). The shifting is solid and smooth. The case is not the main problem with the T5, it's stock mainshaft is. The GForce solves this with the upgraded shaft and inter re-enforement plate. Also love that .59 overdrive on the hiway with the 3.73s in the GT.

I have heard from a friend whom has the T500, that it shifts more positive than his 500. He's driven ours, but I've yet to drive his. He also had to 'clearance' the tunnel to make room for the 500, new shifter, new output slip yoke, speedo cable didn't fit. When I was researching the tranys, there was alot of posting of problems with the 500/600s. Hopefully these have been resolved as I haven't read many lately.