[blykins]

The TKO 500/600 out of the box takes a while to break-in, and even then does not like to be speed shifted at high rpms. However, that's easily remedied and the torque capacity can be increased to the capacity of a Magnum T-56.

You will pay $2895 for a T-56 that weighs 30 lbs more than a TKO, is several inches longer (which is a major deterrent in non-IRS Cobras), is much bigger around in girth, and on top of that needs machine work to work with a lot of applications.

A TKO 600, prepped for shifting modifications and 700 lb-ft torque rating is $2825.

Sure, you don't have two overdrives, but I haven't seen a scenario yet where two overdrives are needed. I grew up with T-56 Camaros/Firebirds and 2003/2004 Cobras that had T-56's, and 6th was never touched. In a Cobra with a rowdy SBF/FE, the extreme overdrives can not be tolerated anyway. A very mild engine with EFI will make a difference, but there again, I don't see any reason for the extra weight, dimensions, cost, etc.