bluesimage

I am not a big follower of social media but am beginning to pay a little more attention to it...
I'm looking for feedback/experiences/opinions regarding installing a Tremec TKO 5-speed in a mid year corvette.
The project is a 1966 Coupe with so many body modifications it's not a good restoration candidate. So I'm building a car to have some fun with.
The engine is a big block (haven't put it on the dyno yet) approx 650hp and close to same torque. The car came with a close ratio muncie (M21) (which I could beef up for drag racing), with a Hurst shifter (it works pretty well), and has a good shift feel.
But since the car is planned for drag racing (with some street use), an updated stronger transmission with an overdrive would be a lot better combination.
I've read pros and cons about the TKO-5speed, shifting issues being one thing.
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Also, anyone work with Silver Sport Transmissions as a supplier?

Scott Marzahl

For your application i would call and talk to Liberty gear about building you a tko or modifying one from the silver sport kit with their face plated gears and internal shifter mods that allow high rpm drag type shifts.

tuxnharley

Well, I have a TKO 500 in my car and I love it.

However, for your intended use I'm not sure a TKO is the way to go. Even the 600 is rated up to 600 lb ft of torque, so you'd be over their recommended limit. Also the 2-3,upshift on a Tremec is a gate between 1 and 5 that is located by centering springs, so you have to guide it carefully with a gentle touch- you can't slam it like you can on a Muncie. You can still make a good clean fast 2-3 upshift but it takes a very different technique than the Muncie and is easier to miss by either getting hung up on the 1-3 gate, or by grabbing 5th by mistake.

On a car intended primarily for drag racing I don't believe a TKO would be the best choice.

65silververt

The TKOs take a while to break in. They tend to smooth out after about 800 miles. I'd call hurst drivline and get their opinion. I like the TKO600 5 speed with a .82 overdrive when installed with a 3.90 or lower rear gear ratio.

warrenmj

I think you'll get mostly positive comments regarding installing a TKO 5 speed (mine included), however Scott nailed it when he pointed out you're going to exceed the HP rating with your engine, so you're going to need to contact the vendors to see what they can do to beef up a trans.

toddalin

I have a TKO-600 from Keisler. My suggestion is that you shave away all of the casting flash in the area of the tunnel or/as it will rub and cause a squeek.

Also, install the floor shims.

Pop Chevy

Don't even think of using an M-21 with that much HP. You will shred the teeth off it like corn off a cob !

bluesimage

Thank you all for replying to my question -- this is helpful information. Obviously I have some more research to do.

0Hurst_Drivelines

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NightshiftHD

I have a TKO 600 5-speed in my 66 L72 I bought from Silver Sport. They are great to deal with there and if you call them, they will steer you in the right direction Like others have said, a TKO 600 is a tad on the light side for what you are driving it with, so I would highly recommend you call Silver Sport and Hurst Driveline and get both their opinions before dropping several thou $$. You only want to do this once! Bill