cobra 428 5sp conversion help

davecobra · #1 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 04:39 PM

I have a LA Exotic with a 428PI and C6, I want to change it to a 5 speed, I have talked to Bruce at Modern trans, He was very helpfull and kind, but is seems this is a very exspensive swap, I am interested in others opinions and suggestions on there installation.
Thanks David

Dwight · #2 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 06:27 PM

What did he say it would cost to convert to straight shift?
Can you do the work yourself?
You can save some money if you buy used trannie, stock aluminum bell housing, stock type clutch plate not the race type, you can make a pedal or buy a set up from the hot rod stores. I'm sure Shell Valley or others would sell you the pedal. I use a cable to operate my clutch but most of my buddies have hydraulic or a slave setup.

trannie TKO or a used 3550, T-5, TKO
aluminum or steel bell housing
cable type clutch or hydraulic with slave
flywheel
clutch fork
pedal

D&D sell TKO's http://www.ddperformance.com/shop/in...p?cPath=107_90

http://www.summitracing.com/search/?...0ford%20&dds=1

Dwight

blykins · #3 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 07:01 PM

I sell everything that you will need to do a swap.

Shoot me an email and I will get back with pricing.

brent@b2motorsportsllc.com

davecobra · #4 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 07:05 PM

I did not post the amount as I did not know if that was appropiate, the general census is that I must use a tko600 and hydralic clutch set up because of room, for everything except clutch pedal assy, it would run about 4500.00.
I have looked for used tko trans but to no avail.
I can do all the work myself, I have a full shop and tools.
I was hoping to do this for around 2500.00.
I do not planned to drag race this but I will use it if you know what I mean.....
Thank you
David

blykins · #5 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 07:16 PM

I could probably do it for around $3700 (close ballpark) with all new parts. This is a McLeod hydraulic TOB, Quicktime bellhousing, new TKO 600, RAM clutch, and billet steel flywheel. It will have a Hurst shifter handle. Pedal assembly, master cylinder, and driveshaft not included.

blykins · #6 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 07:17 PM

BTW, are you sure you can't use a regular clutch setup? It would save you about $250.

davecobra · #7 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 07:59 PM

Brent not much room for linkage with my headers and foot box.
I sent you an email.
Talk to you later.
Thank you
David

mikeforte · #8 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 08:18 PM

Hi David,
I am a Tremec "ELITE" distributor. I sell every part needed to install a TKO-600 behind your 428 PI. Is it still a stock 428 with external balance? The Quick Time bellhousing & clutch assembly and all hardware is in stock.
I would not use a hydraulic throw out bearing. I have developed and marketed an external slave kit and fork kit that will not leak like many hydraulic throw bearings do. I do have many dealers that install & sell these and are very happy. It looks like a complete kit will be $3800.00 complete with oil, yoke, Quick Time, Ram clutch kit & external hydraulic slave kit.
I offer FREE SHIPPING on kit orders.
I am available nites & weekends on my cell phone for tech help so you can always talk with me.
Call me with any questions,

mikeforte · #9 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 08:21 PM

Hi David,
I would be very cautious buying a used TKO. Most are beaten hard and sold to be like new....

Dwight · #10 (**permalink**) 10-08-2009, 09:09 PM

For street I would think the TKO 500 would work.

We have one of our guys that is running a 3550 behind a 427 s.o. stroked to 487 putting out 619 hp & 632 tq. The trannie saw about 5 years on the race track before he bought the car. It and the Jag rear end are the only things he has not rebuild.

Dwight

mikeforte · #11 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 05:22 AM

Hi,
I agree with Dwight that the TKO-500 is strong but the TKO-600 has a more usable gear spread. Also the TKO-600 has an optional .82 5th gear that works very well with low gears like 2.73, 3.08, 3.27 and are better a low speed cruising gear. With 3.55 & 3.73 it is a great power gear on the track being such a close spread between 4th & 5th.

blykins · #12 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 05:52 AM

David, I never received your email.

Mike, I sent you one...

davecobra · #13 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 07:00 AM

Brent sent you an email last nite, along with my cell number,
Mike and Brent, I do not want to get in a price war with you all, I really appreciate this board and it vendors, they have been invaluable in helping me get this project going. I agree with Dwight, that a 500 might be good with the low first gear, but for the difference in money a 600 seems to be thebetter buy. Mike, Brent I have the factory bell housing, motor plate, throwout arm and dust shield if this will help on the price. The engine is stock as far as balance is concerned.
Thanks David

blykins · #14 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 09:42 AM

If you have a bellhousing, that deducts from the price considerably. If you go with a hydraulic throw out bearing, you will not need a clutch fork.

However, as an afterthought, it's always better to have a blowproof bellhousing between you and the flywheel/clutch.

I never did receive your email for some reason.

If you want, you can give me a buzz at 502.759.1431 and we can discuss some options.

I don't mind competition. Mike Forte is an outstanding member of the vender community and he has done a lot to help the FE crowd out. However, I have my own rules of ethics about posting on forums.

mikeforte · #15 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 10:06 AM

Hi Dave,
If you have the OEM bellhousing that will save about $500.00. I have an external slave bracket that bolts on with the bellhousing bolts. You will need a short input for your TKO or use a bellhousing spacer to allow the stock length input to fit your bellhousing.
If you have any questions, I'm at work until 4:30 EST or my cell 781 248 8946 anytime during the weekend.
BTW. Everything is in stock.

mikeforte · #16 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 10:12 AM

Hi Brent,
I got your email.
Thanks,
Mike

Excaliber · #17 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 10:23 AM

I've looked into this myself, considerably cheaper for me as I'm only changing from a top loader to a 5 speed.

TKO600 would be the obvious choice for myself. As mentioned, gear ratio's and the .8 over drive being the primary reasons.

Gear ratio's are INCREDIBLY important to the over all feel of the car. This is an area often comprimised due to cost. Save money somewhere else, get the best ratio's you can afford AND match that cruise rpm to your CAM PROFILE!!! You WILL need to work with a consultant on this. Rear gear ratio, cam profile, final over drive ratio and the all important 1st gear ratio are the primary concerns.

Rule of thumb on gear ratios (by me):
1st through 4th nearly the same as a wide ratio top loader. Over drive, generally .82.

mikeforte · #18 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 10:30 AM

Hi Excaliber,
I totally agree gear ratio & cam profile are everything. That is an area of discussion on every thansmission I've ever sold. Another thought is the speed you intend to cruise at and RPM your engine likes best. Most people don't cruise as fast in their Cobra as others do in their SUV, minivan or pickup truck...

Dwight · #19 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 12:00 PM

two of our guys have stroked FEs. One with a 3550 .64 od, Jag 3:54 and the other TKO 500 .64 od with 3:25 gears. They cruise at 1900 to 2100 rpms in 5th gear. If they drop 200 rpms they have to down shift.

I have a 302 stroked to 354, TKO 600 .64 od 3:55 gears and small tires 25 1/4". I can cruise 1300 to 1500 in 5th. At 70 I'm doing 2000. Each motor/car is different. Do the math and then buy the parts, then change it if it does not perfort the way you want it to.

That's what I done for the last seven years. But I'm there

Dwight

Excaliber · #20 (**permalink**) 10-09-2009, 12:07 PM

3:31 rear gear for me. I have to keep my engine at 2000 rpm minimum, slightly higher is better, due to cam profile. I want to do that without exceeding the speed limit. .8 for me.