TKO 600 failures?

[blykins]

Use the 600.

I've sold countless numbers of the TKO 500/600 transmission and have never heard of even one 1st gear breaking.

They are a little stiff to shift until you get some miles on them, and can be problematic to speed shift above 6000 rpm.

[olddog]

Originally Posted by kvonbehren

My car came with a 460 and 3550 big input tranny originally. I'm installing a 700+ hp approx 650tq 545bb and have already bought tko 600 w/.82 od. After talking to Cobra Valley guy I was told to stay with the 3550 with upgraded shifter because tko 600 can be difficult to shift and 1st gear has a tendency break. I have a 2450.00 tranny and not sure whether to use it.

Yes the TKO is pretty much junk out of the box and the 3550 is far superior in every way. I'm feeling bad that you were duped by all the TKO hype and wasted all that money. Man I feel bad for you. In fact, I'll help you out. I'll take the tko 600 off your hands for 50 cent on the dollar. At least that would cut your loss in half.

[lnfletcher]

I run a .64 with 3.50s and love it also. On the interstate at 74 it cruises perfect with a small block.
But I also have a cruise control!
Any other time I don't touch 5th.

[MaSnaka]

I like my TKO600 with .64 OD. Cruisin down the freeway at 2000rpms at 75mph. 3.70 rear with 29"tires. My only complaint is 1st gear is pretty low. Wish it was a little taller. Shifts easy with positive feel. 5th gear is for cruising and is a big step from 4th-5th.

John

[2bars]

I wanted to do a little follow up to my original posting and the helpful replies. I did install the 600 with 0.64 5th. I have a 3.73 rear axle ratio. 295/50/15 rear tires and a new stroked 427 aka 482 CID FE.
65 mph is our common highway speed limit here in Arizona and it cruises great. It will still accelerate briskly without downshifting. RPM range of 1900 - 2100 running 65 to 75 mph.

[MaSnaka]

2bars
Sounds like you got it right. Be careful out there.

John