TKO-600 in ERA 289FIA: spacer required?

Dangerous Doug · #1 (**permalink**) 04-22-2008, 02:37 PM

On a previous post, a clubcobra member stated that installing a TKO-600 in a ERA 289FIA will require a 5/8" spacer between the bellhousing and the TKO-600. Apparently, this is due to the length of the input shaft.

Fortes says I won't need it.

Wouldn't using a "short" input shaft TKO-600 move the transmission 5/8" forward, causing a 5/8" misalignment for the transmission mount bolts at the tail end of the TKO-600?

The setup:

Quicktime SB Ford bellhousing
TKO-600 with 0.82 overdrive

patrickt · #2 (**permalink**) 04-22-2008, 03:54 PM

Page 32 of the FIA Manual says:

"Stock series 600 transmissions have an input shaft that requires a spacer between the transmission and bellhousing. A transmission with a shortened input shaft is available from various sources and obviates the need for the spacer."

On the 427, it is easier to get everything to "line up" when using the spacer, I don't know if that is different though on the FIA.

EDIT -- Check page 82 of the manual, it has a diagram showing the TKO600 both with and without the spacer. I can't tell what you have to do to make the shifter handle come out in the right place though.

strictlypersonl · #3 (**permalink**) 04-22-2008, 04:21 PM

Off the top 'o me head, we use an offset transmission mount spacer (using the GM mount) with the long-input trans and a straight spacer with the other. The information in the manual is a bit confusing (to me!) so I'll try and get it sorted out in the next few days.

Jimi G · #4 (**permalink**) 04-22-2008, 04:24 PM

Doug what bell housing are you useing, or do you have one yet. If you don't have a bell yet you can get a bell housing with that extra 5/8" built into it's depth. That way you won't have to hassle with a spacer or a short shaft. jimig@standardtransmission.com

patrickt · #5 (**permalink**) 04-22-2008, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jimi G

Doug what bell housing are you useing, or do you have one yet. If you don't have a bell yet you can get a bell housing with that extra 5/8" built into it's depth. That way you won't have to hassle with a spacer or a short shaft. jimig@standardtransmission.com

Very cool. I take it you could also get a QT bellhousing for a TKO600/FE combo made the same way?

iwantacobra427 · #6 (**permalink**) 04-22-2008, 04:45 PM

Doug told me about a week ago that the TKO600 w/ the short shaft doesn't need a spacer.

Dangerous Doug · #7 (**permalink**) 04-22-2008, 04:50 PM

Mike Forte (Fortes.com) tells me I can get a Quicktime bellhousing that matches the long input. Good argument for single sourcing related parts.

DD

patrickt · #8 (**permalink**) 04-22-2008, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dangerous Doug

Mike Forte (Fortes.com) tells me I can get a Quicktime bellhousing that matches the long input. Good argument for single sourcing related parts.

After reading all of the threads today dealing with bellhousings, and specifically the QT, I would agree with that hands-down.

Chaplin · #9 (**permalink**) 04-22-2008, 05:10 PM

What is the big deal with spacer? I use one on my TKO with a Lakewood and it is easy. Put the BH on, put the spacer on, put the trans in- no muss, no fuss. Of course, if you can use a differnt BH or trans and save a couple hundred bucks on the spacer, then it makes sense, but if cost is not the issue, the spacer is easy.

patrickt · #10 (**permalink**) 04-22-2008, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chaplin

I use one on my TKO with a Lakewood and it is easy.

So do I, and it is easy, but every time I'm under my car I think to myself "it would be nicer had Lakewood just built their BH out a half-inch." But I have no intention of replacing it now....

Dangerous Doug · #11 (**permalink**) 06-16-2008, 02:11 PM

Talked to ERA, and for the small block the Lakewood 15202 is deeper and therefore doesn't require the spacer with the long shaft TKO-600.

Anyone know the correct clutch and pressure plate combo to use for a 302 to mesh with a TKO-600?

I'm planning on using a McLeod concentric throwout bearing (will change the clutch master cylinder to correspond). I think the trick is the correct clutch plate---I think it's supposed to be a Camaro unit? Anyone know the specs?

DD

iwantacobra427 · #12 (**permalink**) 06-16-2008, 06:44 PM

MCL-360048 DIAPHRAM PRESSURE PLATE. I have a late 70s 302 block, Lakewood Bell Housing and a TKO600.

decooney · #13 (**permalink**) 07-20-2008, 09:04 PM

Have any of you guys swapped a former Toploader in your ERA 427 to a TKO-600,

AND... were you able to get the shifter to come out in the same hole cut in your tunnel for your Toploader?

Were any crossmember modifications required?

I heard something about the x-brace being in the way, and it's welded in too, so the mounts don't line up or something like that...

strictlypersonl · #14 (**permalink**) 07-21-2008, 05:26 AM

Duane,

Your chassis is the same (mount-wise) as the current ones, so there shouldn't be a problem. Some of the GM-style mounts require a bit of trimming on the right-rear corner though.

xracerbob · #15 (**permalink**) 07-21-2008, 05:36 AM

Hey Bob- speaking of transmissions- I am putting a G-Force T-5 in ERA 758, which I think last time we spoke, you weren't sure had ever been done. Should I bring the transmission over to make sure there are no fitment issues? This is going behind a FE.

decooney · #16 (**permalink**) 07-21-2008, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strictlypersonl

Duane,

Your chassis is the same (mount-wise) as the current ones, so there shouldn't be a problem. Some of the GM-style mounts require a bit of trimming on the right-rear corner though.

Hey Bob!

Do you know if I'm going to have to recut my tunnel opening for the shifter? I'm using the ERA adapter for my Toploader Hurst Shifter mount now. And, for some reason I was thinking the TKO-600 is too tall for the tunnel based on some old threads, and maybe this is why I'm uncertain. Thanks, DC

SSSammy · #17 (**permalink**) 07-21-2008, 08:13 AM

Duane, I did that when I had my motor out last winter. Now this is in a Gen II car so YMMV ... You completely remove the bolt-on bracket that the toploader mount is attached to. Just aft of that, two slotted holes for the GM mount are in the welded frame, in the crotch of the x-brace. You must use the McLeod 5/8" transmission adapter to position the TKO over the holes. Thus you should use a long input shaft TKO for an ERA 427.

Installation tip: jack the back of the motor up about 1.5" (loosen motor mounts, you may or may not want to undo the headers, I don't). Stab the tranny in and bolt it up .. then bolt the GM mount to the TKO, then drop the motor down and the mount studs will fall into the slots. If you don't do it in this sequence, you'll have trouble with the back of the trans housing hitting the frame before you can get the input shaft aligned with the splines in the clutch. I would support the tranny underneath with a jack or a muscular assistant

Edit: I DID have to move the shifter hole. The reverse on the TL was way down and to the left. then I had to move it again twice when the accordian boot kept springing me out of gear. Finally gave up and went to a leather boot. I made an aluminum plate for the new hole, riveted it in underneath and filled the surface depression with Bondo.

Sam

decooney · #18 (**permalink**) 07-21-2008, 12:52 PM

Thanks SSSammy. That helps alot.

At least I know what to expect if I decide to make the conversion. I'm not sure yet, I really do love my Toploader and how it shifts, and with my cam slections, I move along pretty good in 4th gear anyhow but a 5spd is still a consideration. Just pondering the pros/cons before I take the plunge, which includes a different motor and trans, and probably selling my existing 428CJ/Toploader pair to a collector with a Shelby/Drag Pack car missing motor and trans; whoever that may be if I get to the point of actually selling the pair. My setup really belongs in a restore situation, in an original car vs. my Cobra. I can just do a newer 427 block and TKO-600 and be done with it.

The next step is following up on what "longer" bellhousing I can get so I don't need to run a spacer, or that would be my preference vs. adapter plate, but not required of course. DC