Oz's 59

Ready to make the move but need some “outside” advice with my purchase. I know there's been a ton of discussions on this subject already but there's always a new twist, new product or new problem that can come up so please feed me the latest & greatest information:

For my all original 1959 w/T-10 4-speed & 4:11 posi rear-end… I’m looking to improve the highway RPMs but don't want to go toooooo nuts with the $$$$ for a weekend cruiser. Thinking about the Keisler SS700 but it’s a new product, costs lots of money & an unsure delivery date but it should give me decent 1st & 5th gearing I'm looking for. The TKO600 will also work; will deliver quicker but at the same price, for something perhaps not as good. I don’t know anything about the Tremec or perhaps any other good choice out there, but I do know I'm looking for an easy swap & I'm not willing to do any modifications to this original piece of artwork. Thanks everyone in advance.

Loren Smith

Swapping to a rebuilt wide ratio Muncie, with the Hurst shifter and a 3:55 rear might be your easiest and cheapest alternative. Gives you lower RPMs in 4th will keeping good pulling power in 1st. With any of the 5 speeds (other than maybe a Richmond?), you are going to at a minimum have to cut out your ash tray pocket.

wmf62

maybe... Keisler says their SS700 is a smaller case
Bill

Frankie the Fink

I have an article that I wrote for the Solid Axle Corvette Club on the swap over to a Tremec 5 speed with overdrive in my '61. Its probably the most worthwhile mod I've done to the car. I drive it a LOT more and there is no more drama pulling away from stoplights on steep hills or in tackling 85MPH traffic on Interstate. I can email it to you if you give me an e-addy....its too big to post and has lots of pictures.

I can't speak to the Muncie/Richmond swap or its benefits but my Tremec really transformed the car. Yes, you have to cut off the ashtray pocket in nearly every case. However DON'T do it like the Keisler instructions recommend and just slice the bottom off the pocket...cut it off up high and then you have a substantial hunk of material to fiberglass back onto the car some day if its called for...this really is no biggee.

Yes, the Tremec is 'notchy' and won't feel like your original T-10...but in 3 years of driving it now I really don't even notice it anymore. I can 'bang' shift the snot out of it now without missing any gears..

With my 3.70 rear I roll down the highway and the solid lifter motor isn't even breathing hard !

midyearvette

the tko will transform the car as the fink says, i went with the .082 and 288 low gear in my 66 bb with a 3.36 rear
you should go with the .064 o/d with your 4;11's and the 2;88 low...jmo
the shifting some guys complain about takes a little getting used to but after awhile of driving in different conditions, you get used to it, very precise and the best up grade i did to the car!....

bowtie racing

I bought RS600 "perfect fit" kit , i have not been able to try it yet.

I did try to install it by the instructions with the engine in the car.. But after few days of swearing ended lifting the engine out.

macs65

I have a C2 and converted to a Tremic 5 speed years ago. Best change I made to the Vet. Hwy driving is no problem, cruise at 80 mph in the 2100 rpm range. 327/365hp, 3.55 rears. My 5 speed was purchased through Classic Chevy, different mods to the Tremic than Keisler made at that time.

Frankie the Fink

Gotten several requests for my 5-speed installation write-up ... its 24 Megabyte and most email servers won't take it....read it online if you like (courtesy of Sunshine State Solid Axle Corvette Club):
http://www.sssacc.org/documents/news...Iss3_Aug10.pdf

Oz's 59

Thanks everyone all the good information... I'm still kicking around between the 'Perfect Fit Kit' # RS400 (@ $2599) or the RS500 (@ $2899) or the SS700 (@ 3499 w/delivery “maybe” in August)???

firstgear

How many are have been sold and for how many years? That should really be your question. If less than 2 years do you want to be one of the first over the hill?

Same reason to not purchase a new car that has been out less than two years. Some problems just need time and numbers to show up. Then be fixed and finally implemented.

Frankie the Fink

Sort of my thoughts Herb. The TKO is pretty much tried & true. The new offerings from Keisler may prove out nicer in the long run (if you can get one) but if there are any 'shake out' problems then you have to be ready to deal with that...

Oz's 59

Good points guys...

Oz's 59

I went with the TKO600 today (delivery +/- 2 weeks)... wish me luck w/the install !!!

C-1 Generation 2

Like most have said,it's the best investment to truly make your Corvette a joy to drive.
It was my first major investment on my 62 back in 05 and seven years later no problems.With 3:55s I get 19mpg local and 27mpg highway.

C1-Curt

Who's kit did you do with?

Oz's 59

The Keisler TKO600 "Perfect Fit" 5-speed.

61iwon

I got one the first Keisler in my '61 when they started them. I love it, first is granny like an old pickup truck. But makes for easy take offs. Cruises nice on the highway, etc.

You'll be glad.

Oz's 59

Thanks for the feedback... I have the 4:11 rear gears so 1st should be interesting. Do you remember how the install went?

Frankie the Fink

My install went fine...we tilted the motor back (have to remove distributor) about 8 degrees and that's enough to let you finagle the new tranny in. The tranny centered perfectly in the floor tunnel but the huge Spicer driveshaft U-joint was tapping the side of the tunnel so that took some playing with. My installer didn't really like just bolting down the tranny onto the supplied crossmember in the slotted holes so he welded an extra plate to secure the mount and it's not going ANYwhere.

There is always a big debate on here about the bronze pilot bushing vs a needle roller pilot bushing. No choice here Keisler requires the needle version for warranty. So bellhousing runout must be carefully checked just to make sure all is lined up perfectly.

FTF

kenmo

Cool... I hope it all goes well.... Keep us posted with updates....