TKO Feedback

dandascott · #1 (**permalink**) 03-31-2007, 08:41 PM

Could someone who recently installed a Tremec TKO give me some feedback on how it shifts ? Is the shifting responsive, sluggish, heavy etc. ?

As an alternative has anyone installed a Richmond 5 speed and if so could they provide similiar comments ?

Thanks in advance,

Eliems · #2 (**permalink**) 03-31-2007, 09:18 PM

I put a new TKO 600 in my Cobra last year and I am very happy with it. It does take a 100 miles to get the stiffness out but it shifts smooth now with a very sturdy feel to it.

As an interesting aside, my slave cylinder went a few weeks ago and I had to drive it through stop and go traffic for several miles shifting without a clutch. It performed very well, (as did my starter which had to lurch the car into life at red lights).

My choice was with the .64 final and with a torquey 429 and 3:50 rear end I am glad I chose as I did. 60 MPH in 5th is 1800 RPM.

DonC · #3 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 12:05 AM

I've had a TKO 600 behind my 428 since it's inception 15000+ mileas ago and have always been very pleased with it. Shifts are smooth and positive while not being overly light. An all around pleasure to drive and with the .82 final, 17" tires and a 3.07 rear by 70mph cruise is about 2300 rpm.
DonC

65cobra1 · #4 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 12:18 AM

I just returned from Reno after two days of shaking down my new SPF with a TKO 600 before delivery.

The shifting was smooth both up and down. The only problem was a little trouble getting it in reverse.

Eljaro · #5 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 03:11 AM

I have the TKO 600 (.82) for a year now in my Contemporary. I have raced on incredibly windy tracks and courses and really abused it. Perfect.
It shifts very easy and it is hard to miss a shift on it.
You overcome the scratching while shifting into reverse by putting in some other gear first (like 4th).
It is a very good box.

jdog · #6 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 08:52 AM

My TKO600 is currently stuck in 2nd gear. It's going into the shop on Tues. to be fixed. I understand this can be a problem with some units, just my luck. Mine was installed Sep 06.

jdog

hkelley · #7 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 11:13 AM

I currently have a Richmond 5 and I am changing it out for a TKO 600 next week at Olthoff. The Richmond is a bit too stiff and too long for my tastes and Olthoff is really hot on the TKO. The Richmond only has 700 miles if anyone is interested.

Joe

Jim Norris · #8 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 07:08 PM

I have a TKO 600 that's kind of stiff shifting even after 12000 miles. A friend drove it and his description was right on, at least for me. He called it "notchy". I don't know if anyone else can relate but "notchy" is perfect. You can feel it "thunk" into every gear. I don't know if it feels like every other TKO 600, but it is noticably different from other cars I've driven.

lovehamr · #9 (**permalink**) 04-01-2007, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hkelley

I currently have a Richmond 5 and I am changing it out for a TKO 600 next week at Olthoff. The Richmond is a bit too stiff and too long for my tastes and Olthoff is really hot on the TKO. The Richmond only has 700 miles if anyone is interested.

Joe

Joe, what do you want for the Richmond?

Steve

hkelley · #10 (**permalink**) 04-02-2007, 07:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lovehamr

Joe, what do you want for the Richmond?

Steve

PM'ing you...

82ACAUTOCRAFT · #11 (**permalink**) 04-04-2007, 08:07 AM

TKO is ok but the Toploader is a better box, it shifts much better!

SPF2245 · #12 (**permalink**) 04-05-2007, 01:41 AM

I've had my TKO-600 for over a year and 2000 miles, it's smooth and reliable...only gripe is a fast shift into 5th sometimes causes heartache...which I blame the shifter more then anything.

82ACAUTOCRAFT · #13 (**permalink**) 04-09-2007, 12:45 AM

I find the TKO600 notchy, to shift well you either have to do it very slowly or jam the shifter fast and hard, otherwise the box cracks. It's a bit better than the 3550. However the ratios are great (.82 5th).

Zoom This · #14 (**permalink**) 04-14-2007, 07:43 PM

I've had my TKO 600 for a few years now. My first tranny was a Tremec 3550 - it wound up sticking in 4th gear 50 miles from home. Thank gawd the torquey 418W got me home and up all the hills. I got so pissed about it that I sold it and bought a TKO 600. Just as notchy as the 3550 although the shift pattern is a little closer together both up and down as well as side to side (2nd to 3rd and 4th to 5th). Wouldn't take it seriously at the drags. Get a toploader for that. Much faster shifting. However...I love the way it feels on the road and at the track. A real tuff nut.

By the way, does anyone make a 5 speed that has close ratio gears like the close ratio toploaders and still have a 5th gear OD?

Bill

Barry Hall · #15 (**permalink**) 04-14-2007, 09:06 PM

I installed a TKO500 in my Backdraft about 3 months ago with the help of a friend. Also put in a hydraulic throwout bearing and really like the combination. It shifts like a "Hard Honda." Very precise in other words. That said, the 2-3 shift can sometimes be tricky when really nailing it. It seems to naturally want to go into 5th instead of 3rd, so I have to consciously aim for 3rd. Overall very happy with the TKO. In regards to reverse, I've found it works best to put it into 2nd to sort of line up the gears and then it goes right into reverse. Good luck.

68gt500 · #16 (**permalink**) 04-23-2007, 06:19 AM

I have hat my TKO in the Shelby since 2001 - I am very pleased with it. The best change I ever did to the car.

The box has had about 15000 to 20000 miles of hard usage and now the 1 - 2 Shift has started to degrade - it crashes when shifted very fast. I am considering going to a Tremec 600.

Oh yes, with the torquey 428 the tall 5th is a pleasure

ModernDriveline · #17 (**permalink**) 05-01-2007, 03:57 PM

In regards to the transmission getting stuck in gear somethings, most times the gear selector slipped out of the gate is was in due to a fast hard shift. I have seen one that the gear selector "flipper" was worn from lots of shifting and many different drivers behind the wheel. I replaced the worn parts and the problem was gone. -Bruce

Rickd · #18 (**permalink**) 05-01-2007, 05:29 PM

Jog. I had a conversation with Bruce Couture of Modern Driveline, and he said it can be "snapped" back by removing the plate over the shifter. You might want to call him for an explanation. He said there should be no need to send it back. Good luck! RD

geeper · #19 (**permalink**) 08-25-2007, 12:36 PM

Hi guys. I just got into a Cobra project that was half done so I had to join this board. Still trying to catch up on all the info here but had to post a question related to this thread. The car I got had a Chevy installed in it which the owner kept. I plan to install a Windsor 427 with a TKO 600. (I don't think a T-5 would last long.) Seems like the TKO is used in a lot of you cars and one of the advantages of the TKO (to me at least) is that it has multiple locations for the shifter. What is the best location for the shifter behind a windsor motor and what is involved in using a location other than the stock one that the TKO comes with?

Thanx for your help

David Kirkham · #20 (**permalink**) 08-25-2007, 02:32 PM

Shifter location depends entirely on shifter shape. 427 shifters are bent forward--needing the most rearward mounting location. 289 shifters are straight up and can go in the forward position of the rear most shifter location.

WARNING!!! shifter location will also vary greatly by where your particular manufacturer places the engine in the chassis. Most people mount them as far forward as possible--just beware to not hit the dash panel!

As for the TKO 600 almost all of our customers use them now. I wouldn't put a top loader in my car that I was going to drive.

David