I am going to receive my TKO 500 next week! To bad the 600 has such a ****ty first, it has a great overdrive. I heard they are hard to powershift, a bit notchy. Do I use my stock shifter handle? How much HP is this transmission going to eat up? You can't argue with that torque rating. Spec or Mcleod clutch, which for the typical 300 RWHP street/strip combo? Any body that has a Tremec 3550/ TKO - 500 speak up! Thanks.
Tko 500
- Thread starter rustang87
- Start date
I run the TKO500. Be sure to do a full 1,000 mile break in, then change the fluid. Make sure to use GM syncromesh. At first they are real notchy and I didn't try, but powershifting would be hard, but don't do that durring break in. It really sucked for me becuase I just finsihed the SpecIII break-in when my T-5 blew out. (spec install, t5 dies soon after, typical) So I dropped $2K for the TKO 500 and then right when I had it broken in, my motor started getting sluggish, the rings gave out, now its getting a new motor. Between break in and pulling the motor, I got some runs. It's so much easier to powershift, it seems to love it. Before my car outgrows this tranny, I'll have swapped to a auto by then.
The main difference between the 500 and 600 is the first gear and the input shaft options, otherwise identical. The only reason the 600 has a higher torque rating is because of the 26 spline input shaft, which is optional in the 500 and can be swapped over.
The main difference between the 500 and 600 is the first gear and the input shaft options, otherwise identical. The only reason the 600 has a higher torque rating is because of the 26 spline input shaft, which is optional in the 500 and can be swapped over.
Jason 302
10 Year Member
I just recently purchased a TKO 500 as well. Also have a fresh 306 setting above it in the garage. Just waiting on a McLeod bellhousing to get here and a free weekend to get everything back in the car. I optioned for the 26 spline input upgrade. I will also be running a King Cobra PP and a McLeod dual friction disc. I also went for the 500 over the 600 because of the better first gear ratio. You can bet as soon as everything is broke in, my input will be on here first!
tunedin302
I AM the law!!!
I run a TKOII (older version of the TKO500 but mine has a .82 5th gear) w/ 26 spline input built by pro-motion, McLeod clutch, Pro-motion extended fork, steeda shifter w/ pro 5.0 handle, alum d/s, blah blah .... couldn't be happier. The Tremec is a little louder than a t-5 but no big deal. I took my wife for a drive when I first put it in and she was convinced that something was wrong because of the "whine." I don't think it's notchy at all .. just feels more solid. Highly suggest the McLeod clutch. Good luck.
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cobra259
Member
Love my TKO-600, You will too. I'm running the same clutch set up as Jason 302. shifts fine. You will be happy.
Fishhawk
New Member
Don't mean to change the subject, but I noticed none of you guys are running Centerforce clutches. Is there issues I haven't heard of? I will be looking for a new clutch soon and I had always figured I would get a Centerforce dual friction.
tunedin302
I AM the law!!!
Fishhawk said:
I am not a fan of CF DF b/c I think it hits too hard. I blew up my other trans with one.
Some love it but not for me. Also, I though the pedal pressure was too stiff. My McLeod is just right. 
bobbys9350
New Member
- Mar 30, 2005
- 472
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Jason 302
10 Year Member
Putter-GLHT said:
Check out D&D Performance. Good prices, have them in stock, very friendly, and was here in two days. Would do business with them again anyday.
