TKO 500/600 users... come on in

[1105]

Just curious as to how you like the new tranny. I need a new one for my car, and the TKO's seem like a good price, $1500 for the 500, $1600 for the 600. What problems have you had with your tranny so far if any? Would the extra $100 be worth upgrading to the TKO 600? I would have done a search, but they came out not to long ago so I figure I wouldnt find much info about them after being used some.

 

[Numbles]

Well, I am pretty happy with my tko600. After the intial break in period this trans has turned into a dream. Quiet as the stock trans after the break in. And the shifts are very smooth. Speed shifting into third will taking some learning because of the position of the trans. It sits about an inch closer to the passenger side inside the tunnel. But nevertheless its honestly no big deal.

The only big defferences are the gear ratios. And honestly I think the ability to handle an extra 100 fy/lbs isn't that important with the 600. Choose which one you want based on the ratios. 5th is .64 rather than the stock .68 that comes in the 500. And the 1st gear in the 600 is a 2.89 I believe rather than a 3.27 which comes in the 500 and t-5's. 1st is a little longer than stock but since you're probably going to be going back to a power adder, it would be nice to have an extra sec in 1st to pull you out of the hole. Are you going to a singe setup? I remember you scrapped the twin setup.

I have the driveshaft spacer needed for the swap in my dresser, if you want it just pay for shipping and its yours. You will also need 2 shorter bolts for the top two holes in the bellhousing. Obviously it would be a wise choice to index the bellhousing while you are down there. I didn't and havent had a problem. But paul had problems with his 3550 which he told us about when I had a thread goin about my problems gettin the trans it. (Ive never takin a trans out before so thats what my problem was.)

You will need to ditch the exhaust hanger bracket on the bottom of the trans.

Also, I remember reading that the way the trans mounts to the crossmember, it sits about a 1/2" lower than stock. I cant confirm this maybe someone else can chime in. This will throw off the pinion angle which will cause vibration. And I have that problem right now. But only at speeds 90-100 and above.

You will also need a 26t clutch disc and have the new yoke that comes with the trans installed on your driveshaft.

Thats about it. If I left out anything feel free to ask. Great trans in my opinion anyways. BTW you will also need a clutch cable dust cover from a 87-93 car. Our factory one doesn't work.

Dan.

 

[BlueOvalStangGT]

What about G-Force or whatever trannys? Numbles, what was the total for your install?

 

[Numbles]

With everything after a custom driveshaft, clutch, and poly transmount it was $2200.

EDIT-That $2200 also includes the GM syncromesh trans fluid reccomended for the tko's. And its not cheap. Like $35 a quart.

Ive been for a ride around the block in go-stang5.0's car. He has a g-force backing up his afr/331 setup. With the music off, the only thing you can hear is that trans winning. Its really nothing that bad but not something I would like in a daily driver. Robin has nothin bad to say about that trans though. Its just noisier compared to my tko. I believe his total was aroung the $1600 range. So if you subtract the driveshaft and poly mount I honestly didn't need. The TKO was a little over $300 more.

 

[BlueOvalStangGT]

And the only difference between the 500 & 600 is ratios? What are the power ratings?

 

[Numbles]

The power ratings are exactly what they are called. TKO500 can handle roughly 500 ft/lbs and the TKO600 can handle 600 ft/lbs.

I say roughly because it really depends on the driver if that rating will actually hold true. (Speed shifter or powershifter)

 

[1105]

thanks for the info Numbles. I think I'm going to be going with the TKO so far.