TKO600 woes

[round_midnight]

Well, I busted my transmission this weekend . I had my car at the track (California Speedway) for the first time, and as nearly as I can tell, I missed a 5th to 4th downshift and tried to slam it into reverse pretty hard. Now I can't engage 5th and I have no reverse, although the shifter will move into the slot. The 4th gear synchro seems to not function very well also. Some questions:

1. Recommendations for someone to fix it. I would prefer somewhere in San Diego or Orange County, CA so I don't have to crate and ship it. However, I'm open to recommendations anywhere in the U.S.

2. Is it possible to put a reverse lockout on this thing so it doesn't happen again? (I know, I know, I need to be more careful, but things happen pretty fast on a recetrack...)

3. Are there any alternatives to the TKO600 that have a more conventional shift pattern with reverse up and to the left? Needs to handle 540 lb-ft of torque. Or maybe a sequential gearbox?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

[dlang14]

Sorry that I cant help with a recommendation on the repairs, but I've got to ask, what the heck were you doing in 5th gear? I'm not familiar with the track, but I'd assume you really needed to be hauling a$$ down the straight to need 5th gear.

[jwd]

Originally Posted by round_midnight

Is it possible to put a reverse lockout on this thing so it doesn't happen again?

I was under the impression that they already have a reverse lock-out. In order to go from 5th to reverse, you have to go to the 3rd-4th gate first, then go over to reverse. At least that is how it is on mine. You can not go directly to reverse from 5th.

[round_midnight]

dlang14: The Cal Speedway "roval" configuration uses half of the Nascar oval. It has an approx 1 mile straight followed by a 14 degree banked turn. I can hit 130 in my BMW M3, and was expecting to hit 150+ in the Cobra, but was limited to 125 without 5th gear (I have a 3.91 diff). I was at 125 about halfway down the straight. Here is a link to the course map: http://californiaspeedway.com/seatin...ps/track_maps/

jwd: Mine definitely does (did!) not lock out reverse. A few times on the freeway I would accidently catch reverse when downshifting from 5th to 4th, but since I was not rushed, I could catch it without much grinding. I hope you're right about it, though, and it's an option that can be configured during repair.

[Anthony]

Originally Posted by round_midnight

Well, I busted my transmission this weekend . I had my car at the track (California Speedway) for the first time, and as nearly as I can tell, I missed a 5th to 4th downshift and tried to slam it into reverse pretty hard. Now I can't engage 5th and I have no reverse, although the shifter will move into the slot. The 4th gear synchro seems to not function very well also. Some questions:

----

Thanks in advance for any advice.

And I thought the TKO was a "close ratio racing" transmission.

Free advice.

get a close ratio toploader, and change your rears to 3.54's.

[eschaider]

'round Midnight

Although they are not local you ought to consider Jimmy G at Standard Transmission & Gear, website ==> http://www.standardtransmission.com/.

Jimmy is very knowledgeable about the Tremecs and an old time Cobra fan who used to make his living working for a Major manufacturer in our space.

You'll get treated well and your transmission will get treated better, if that is possible.

Good guy, good advice, good service. Hard combination to beat.

Ed

[round_midnight]

Ed-

I have dealt with Jimi before and I agree with your opinion of him. He is high on my list if I can't find somebody local.

[Jimi G]

Thank you all for the nice comments, we have spoke and I believe we have decided to install a custom one off reverse lockout solenoid, similar to the T56 6 speeds. jimig@standardtransmission.com

[bret a ewing]

Had a similar problem. Alignment of 5th/rev not quite smooth. Tried to catch rev. in a panic (on the grid waiting to enter track and the car in front of me stalled) and broke the 5th/rev internal linkage rod. It is made from white metal and in my opinion not as strong as it should be. The new 600rr was torn apart and adjusted properly BEFORE I installed it.

[JBCOBRA]

I was hoping these transmissions were going to be tougher. Even without sticking it reverse by accident, mine is already making noises. I guess I will just beat it until it breaks, then try another.

[Jimi G]

Originally Posted by JBCOBRA

I was hoping these transmissions were going to be tougher. Even without sticking it reverse by accident, mine is already making noises. I guess I will just beat it until it breaks, then try another.

What kind of noises are you hearing and when? jimig@standardtransmission.com

[JBCOBRA]

First, 4th gear started making noises, especially when there was minimal load or no load on it. Then 3rd started doing it. The noises are hard to describe. It is not a constant noise like when reverse gear is damaged.
I "heal toe" for all downshifts and am not brutal with a gearbox........although 2nd to 3rd shifts take it the worst when I am "getting it". Then 4th takes it pretty hard.
Jimi, I am definately open for suggestions
Thanks
JB

[Jimi G]

Lets get alittle back history on the drivetrain and go from there. How old is the transmission and roughly how many miles are on it? Also during the install did you need to dial in the bellhousing or make any adjustments? What type of fluid are you running in it, is it ATF or Snychromesh fluid and what brand is it? Get me some answers on that stuff and I will see if I can figure out what is going on. jimig@standardtransmission.com

[JBCOBRA]

Hi Jimi!
Nice talking to you!
I will try the Amsoil and report back
Thanks
JB

[Jimi G]

That will work JB, hopefully it will clear it up, if not give me a call.