 
Main Menu
|
|
Nevada Classics
|
|
Advertise at CC
|
|
February 2025
|
| S |
M |
T |
W |
T |
F |
S |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
1 |
| 2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
6 |
7 |
8 |
| 9 |
10 |
11 |
12 |
13 |
14 |
15 |
| 16 |
17 |
18 |
19 |
20 |
21 |
22 |
| 23 |
24 |
25 |
26 |
27 |
28 |
|
|
|
CC Advertisers
|
|
12-09-2006, 01:52 PM
|
 |
Senior Club Cobra Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Folsom,
CA
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA 623, 427 S/C Cobra. Ford FE 428 Cobra Jet, Ford Nascar TL 4speed - with a touch of raw; "less is more" theme
Posts: 3,884
|
|
Not Ranked
Verdict on current TKO 600 Transmission?
I'm building a 500HP/TQ 2100lb car for a friend and sorting through all the recent complaints: "lock-up", breakage, and issues reported here, and lack of warranty coverage being reported on the TKO 600s... trying to weed through all the threads.
Considering how many transmissions Tremec sells and used by members here on ClubCobra alone, I still have a few questions while trying to decide to take the plunge towards a TKO 600 or not, and just assume the risks or go with a Richmond 5-speed instead...
More questions...
- Are these recently reported issues isolated to a small number of TKO 600s?
- Is this occuring with cars say over 500 HP/Torque?
- Could this just have been a bad batch/series of TKO 600s?
- Is Tremec (company) responding to these issues behind the scenes or not?
- Is the root cause/case issue fixed now?
- What is the CURRENT standing on new TKO 600s sold as of Dec 2006?
It would be great to hear from folks who actually install and repair TKO 600 transmissions. Thanks ahead of time for your responses. I left a message for the folks at Standard Transmission as well; waiting for a response now.
__________________
Duane
Western States Cobra Group 1998-2016.
|
-
Advertising
12-09-2006, 02:24 PM
|
 |
Member of the north
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2003
Cobra Make, Engine: A Cobra
Posts: 11,207
|
|
Not Ranked
Mine works.
I got mine from JimiG here on this site. Got just about everything for a good price.
No worries.
|
12-09-2006, 02:36 PM
|
|
CC Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Des Moines,
IA
Cobra Make, Engine: SPF 545" stroked 460 - sold
Posts: 239
|
|
Not Ranked
Zero problems with mine, got it last month from JimiG, no leaks, no shift problems  |
12-09-2006, 02:39 PM
|
 |
Senior Club Cobra Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Sacramento,
CA
Cobra Make, Engine: Shelby CSX4795 (Sold)
Posts: 1,542
|
|
Not Ranked
No problems
Duane,
Tom bought & installed mine last August, and although I have very limited miles on the car, it's worked flawlessly. Shifts sweet, I couldn't be happier, so far.
jdog 
P.S. FYI, I have 0 miles of "spirited" driving so far.
__________________
"If you can't run with the BIG DOGS, stay under the porch!"
Last edited by jdog; 12-09-2006 at 02:42 PM..
|
12-09-2006, 02:51 PM
|
|
Senior Club Cobra Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Folsom,
CA
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA 623, 427 S/C Cobra. Ford FE 428 Cobra Jet, Ford Nascar TL 4speed - with a touch of raw; "less is more" theme
Posts: 3,884
|
|
Not Ranked
Thanks you guys.
I'm truly hoping to hear from a few folks with say more than 5,000+ miles on a TKO 600, maybe some hard track time, or others who really drive the pants of their car on the street, a few hard burnouts and lauches here and there with some big fat-grabbing tires on the back, you know...elements for breakage, maybe with 500+ HP/TQ numbers.
__________________
Duane
Western States Cobra Group 1998-2016.
Last edited by decooney; 12-09-2006 at 03:14 PM..
|
12-09-2006, 03:35 PM
|
|
Senior Club Cobra Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Sacramento,
CA
Cobra Make, Engine: Shelby CSX4795 (Sold)
Posts: 1,542
|
|
Not Ranked
Oh!
Oh! 
jdog 
__________________
"If you can't run with the BIG DOGS, stay under the porch!"
|
12-09-2006, 03:40 PM
|
|
CC Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Sonora,
CA
Cobra Make, Engine: BDR #89 427 KC alum
Posts: 54
|
|
Not Ranked
Can we get a Tremec rep to the WSCB?
|
12-09-2006, 05:13 PM
|
|
CC Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: cleveland,
OH
Cobra Make, Engine: CSX4000, 427
Posts: 1,999
|
|
Not Ranked
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by decooney
I'm building a 500HP/TQ 2100lb car for a friend and sorting through all the recent complaints: "lock-up", breakage, and issues reported here, and lack of warranty coverage being reported on the TKO 600s... trying to weed through all the threads.
Considering how many transmissions Tremec sells and used by members here on ClubCobra alone, I still have a few questions while trying to decide to take the plunge towards a TKO 600 or not, and just assume the risks or go with a Richmond 5-speed instead...
More questions...
- Are these recently reported issues isolated to a small number of TKO 600s?
- Is this occuring with cars say over 500 HP/Torque?
- Could this just have been a bad batch/series of TKO 600s?
- Is Tremec (company) responding to these issues behind the scenes or not?
- Is the root cause/case issue fixed now?
- What is the CURRENT standing on new TKO 600s sold as of Dec 2006?
It would be great to hear from folks who actually install and repair TKO 600 transmissions. Thanks ahead of time for your responses. I left a message for the folks at Standard Transmission as well; waiting for a response now. |
I think this is one of those things that you will just have to make your own decision whether to take the plunge or not.
__________________
"After jumping into an early lead, Miles pitted for no reason. He let the entire field go by before re-entering the race. The crowd was jumping up and down as he stunned the Chevrolet drivers by easily passing the entire field to finish second behind MacDonald's other team Cobra. The Corvette people were completely demoralized."
Last edited by Anthony; 12-09-2006 at 05:18 PM..
|
12-09-2006, 05:36 PM
|
 |
Senior Club Cobra Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Las Vegas,
NV
Cobra Make, Engine: Kirkham#182/Shelby 496c.i.
Posts: 756
|
|
Not Ranked
Two year old TKO600 with 11,000 miles and no problems at all.
__________________
"You can NEVER teach a pig to sing! You'd just be wasting your time and annoying the pig!"
|
12-09-2006, 08:50 PM
|
 |
CC Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: San Diego,
CA
Cobra Make, Engine:
Posts: 2,979
|
|
Not Ranked
Duane,
I ran mine for just under 5000 miles with a 600 HP/TQ big block and no problem at all except for a little weaping of fluid from the case. I'm running the Big Letter Goodyears (nice and sticky) and don't cut it much slack.
I took it to the 1/8 mi drags and made over a dozen runs, several mountains runs with a local club (playing tag with the Corvettes) and I have been known to lose traction occassionaly at the stop lights.
I love the trans. Just wish I would have gotten the .82 OD instead of the .64
__________________
Remember, It's never too early to start beefing up your obituary.
|
12-09-2006, 09:50 PM
|
|
Senior Club Cobra Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Folsom,
CA
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA 623, 427 S/C Cobra. Ford FE 428 Cobra Jet, Ford Nascar TL 4speed - with a touch of raw; "less is more" theme
Posts: 3,884
|
|
Not Ranked
Anthony,
Thanks. And, I'd rather make an informed decision with at least a little historical reference before spending my good friend's money.
ST, XL,
Thanks, its good to hear from a few who've been out doing some driving with some sticky tires and all! Got a little concerned when those pics started showing up with uneven gear wear and guys getting stuck on the side of the road stuck in gear. I'm probaby going to move forward and see what happens. If its going to break, in 6 months or so once the car is finished, if its going to break, my friend is certain to find the limit as He's pretty hard on stuff.
Seems like the final verdict might come down to a few isolated cases; pun intended. 
__________________
Duane
Western States Cobra Group 1998-2016.
Last edited by decooney; 12-09-2006 at 09:54 PM..
|
12-09-2006, 10:30 PM
|
|
CC Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Grand Rapids,
MI
Cobra Make, Engine: FFR Challenge Car, RDI aluminum 427w
Posts: 357
|
|
Not Ranked
I have 22,000 miles on my TKO-600. This is the .64od unit.
No trouble except a slight leak from the front input shaft support housing. I’m looking into this now. It’s either the seal around the input shaft or the sealer under the shaft support. I will replace both before putting the trans back in. The countershaft cap seem to be OK.
This one is set up for the middle shift position. It shifts OK but I sure miss my old Muncie and Comp Plus - another car, a different day.
The motor is a 427w with 440 rwtq & rwhp. Abuse includes 50 or more dyno runs, six days on the road track and seven ¼ miles runs. Shouldn’t forget the fun on the street.
Trans is fine and I expect it to last a long time.
Jim
|
12-10-2006, 12:25 AM
|
 |
Senior Club Cobra Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: West Linn,
OR
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA #684, 428 FE, TKO600
Posts: 1,378
|
|
Not Ranked
14000+ over 2 years, 4 or 5 track days, more than a couple of hard launches on the street all on 315/40/17's with added sprited mountain and twisty driving and nary a squeek in sight. The engine is a 450/500 hp/lb/ft FE.
The TKO600 came from the supplier without modifications and I couldn't be more pleased.
DonC
|
12-10-2006, 07:40 AM
|
 |
Senior Club Cobra Member
|
|
|
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Florence,
AL
Cobra Make, Engine: RCR GT 40 & 1966 Fairlane 390 5 speed
Posts: 4,511
|
|
Not Ranked
Tko 600
2000 plus miles and a 100 plus / minus burn outs, no problems.
Dwight
__________________
''Life's tough.....it's even tougher if you're stupid.'' ~ John Wayne
"Happiness Is A Belt-Fed Weapon"
life's goal should be; "to be smarter than inanimate objects"
|
12-10-2006, 10:29 AM
|
|
CC Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2002
Cobra Make, Engine: KMP329 w/KC489 Shelby
Posts: 392
|
|
Not Ranked
Just to give you another data point. I have had mine for over 2 yrs with close to 6000 miles on it and no problems. I wouldn't say I have abused it, but there are a few autocross miles on it and I have been known to over power the tires on the street now and then. Most of the time that is unintentional. Engine is in the high 600s FWHP. |
12-10-2006, 10:31 AM
|
 |
Senior Club Cobra Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: NorCal,
CA
Cobra Make, Engine: A Blue Car
Posts: 949
|
|
Not Ranked
Hey Duane,
Sounds like a few good solid applicable users. Just wondered what gear set you were considering. The road race version would really make that car quick all the way to 5th. The .82 5th makes it a very usable gear with proper rpm spread between 4th & 5th.
TREMEC TKO-600 5-speed for Ford (650HP Road Race). Standard tailhousing and shifter. Ratios: 2.87, 1.89, 1.28, 1.0, 0.82. Spline: 26/31.
In hindsight I probably would have set my shifter up for the mid-shift location to get my hand closer to the steering wheel during shifts. I don’t know what the layout of the Lister is but Kevin is a big guy and it may be something to consider. The JBL is very similar to this arrangement. When you sit down next to the tunnel like that, your arm is up, laying on the tunnel and cocked back at times. It can be a little uncomfortable. By moving the shifter forward, your hand is closer to the wheel and more relaxed. You and Gary could do some layout and mock up the shifter location(s) to see what position works best.
When I'm up at Tom's next week I'd like to go by Gary's and take a look if I can.
Talk soon, John
__________________
NASA - Instructor - 2012 TTA Champion - We Drive Harder!
|
12-10-2006, 11:01 AM
|
|
Senior Club Cobra Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2002
Cobra Make, Engine:
Posts: 15,712
|
|
Not Ranked
Anybody ever looked inside to see what the alignment is with 3rd gear? It would appear, at least on some, that 3rd gear teeth are not fully lined up with the counter shaft 3rd gear teeth.
 |
12-10-2006, 11:22 AM
|
|
Senior Club Cobra Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: NorCal,
CA
Cobra Make, Engine: A Blue Car
Posts: 949
|
|
Not Ranked
Awesome pic!
Duane,
here's a pretty good rant / thread on the topic: http://www.digitalcorvettes.com/foru...ad.php?t=57300
Talk soon, John
ps, these are made in Mexico, aren't they?
__________________
NASA - Instructor - 2012 TTA Champion - We Drive Harder!
|
12-11-2006, 08:39 PM
|
|
Senior Club Cobra Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: Folsom,
CA
Cobra Make, Engine: ERA 623, 427 S/C Cobra. Ford FE 428 Cobra Jet, Ford Nascar TL 4speed - with a touch of raw; "less is more" theme
Posts: 3,884
|
|
Not Ranked
Received an email today that set the record straight for me, with a picture. It sounds like any of the reputable transmission distributors for Tremec have an explanation, details, and reasons behind the locking in gear issue, and the breakage, along with the 3rd gear alignment issues. No further questions. Thanks to everyone for your responses.
__________________
Duane
Western States Cobra Group 1998-2016.
|
12-11-2006, 08:54 PM
|
 |
Senior Club Cobra Member
|
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 229
|
|
Not Ranked
How about sharing that email, I have one but still in to my build but have grown scared of the trans from all the negative posts. slpinc@sbcglobal.net |
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
All times are GMT -7. The time now is 01:28 AM.
|
Linear Mode
