Tcheairs38655

Has anyone done a Tremec 5 speed conversion (from 4 speed Muncie) with a transmission shop within 100 miles of Memphis Tn? Closest shops I can find are in the Nashville area.

Thanks in advance for any leads

NightshiftHD

Well, your question has had 100 looks and no suggestions, so I'll offer one even though it's not within your 2 hour radius. Contact Silversport transmissions just outside Knoxvill, TN. I know it's 5 hours away, but those guys are awesome to deal with, and they will sell you the parts or do the whole changeover whatever you require. I can't post their site as I don't know if they are sponsors, bu your buddy Google will find them in a flash. Bill

OHSIXX

I don't think you really need a Transmission Shop.

A good automobile repair shop with experienced mechanics can do that for you. My Tremec was installed by a regular repair shop. Of course, you want to make sure you are dealing with the right people and that they are experienced.

In my case, they actually installed it eight or nine times just to get it right. I ended up paying for 15 hours labor, but it was worth it to me.

My perception of dedicated transmission shops is they are more interested in volume and less on quality workmanship.

Tcheairs38655

Thanks for the tips. I am purchasing my unit from Silversport. They have qualified shops but not in my area. Probably will have to go to Nashville or Franklin TN to get it done. Hopefully it won't take 8 or 9 tries, but I can believe the 15 hours based on Silversports' installation manual.

Lotsacubes

Seth at Lucky's Restorations did my SST TKO600 install. I was very pleased with his work. He recently moved his shop from Athens AL to Indiana. Seth installed mine twice after I upgraded the clutch/pp. I'd highly recommend a shop very familiar with C2s not just a tranny shop.

Buy SST's best clutch/pp option and the highest quality throwout you can find. The SST product and company is great. You're going to be amazed.

Tcheairs38655

I did check with the Street Shop in Athens AL, but they only do chassis swaps I was told.
I am getting a new clutch from SST but there was no mention of a new throwout bearing.
I'll check with them on that. I'm going with a young mechanic who does a lot of custom work including LS swaps,
but no C2 experience (yet) Wish us luck.

a striper

My bet is that as long as a quality shop is familiar with the C2/C3 fixed crossmemeber they are a candidate to do a five speed conversion.

Tcheairs38655

I'd really appreciate hearing what problems others have run into in the conversion. I'm hoping that since I have headers turning straight to the side pipes and no under car exhaust pipes that I might have enough room to not have to pull the engine for the installation.

Thanks

Tcheairs38655

I understand that alignment can be a problem in this conversion. Which components exactly are subject to misalignment?

a striper

If replacing the bellhousings, it can be out of alignment with respect to the block. This causes the input shaft to not have the proper relationship to the crankshaft.

But, in a swap like this the common issue can be maintaining proper driveshaft/ universal joint alignment because the configuration of the transmission mount is altered. If the mount change is not properly handled output shaft will be outside the acceptable location for proper driveshaft alignment. On some swaps the vehicle's floor prevents a larger transmission from going into the desired location.

Lotsacubes

To clarify. I didn't care for the standard new clutch/pp provided with the kit. But it may be fine for you. That's why we yanked the Tko back out and put in a high quality clutch, pp, and throw out (Centerforce). Way better petal feel and corrected vibration/judder. Just a suggestion. This is a 6k upgrade, a few more hundred was a cheap improvement. Just ask SST if available. Mine is a BB. If u want more info PM.

Lotsacubes

Don't need to pull engine. But there is a certain orientation and sequence you'll need to figure out. Cheers

randy ransome

Call Ronnie's Hot Rods in Senatobia, MS. He is a friend of mine and he can do the swap for you. He's not cheap but it will be right when he does it.

Look him up here and see some of his work, ronnieshotrods.com

662-301-2006

Tcheairs38655

Thanks Randy and Lotsacubes. Great information. I'll check in with Ronnie in Senatobia.

Tcheairs38655

Question: Does the fact that I don't have an under car exhaust system facilitate installing the TKO 600 without pulling the engine?

daz_au

While I agree that any decent mechanic will be able to do the swap, it really helps if you have done it before !

I have had one (older) Corvette specialist tell me that if someone comes in with a TKO (and no removable crossmember) and wants a clutch swap he just says no because its such a PIA and the customer generally doesn't appreciate how much.

I am not sure the exhaust matters (other than you might have one less thing to move out of the way, the issue is the longer transmission going up over the stock crossmember and not giving a lot of room at the front.

Tcheairs38655

I'm abandoning the project. I think it would be easier to change the gear ratio in the differential to a higher number...3:08 perhaps.

Lotsacubes

Definitely easier and less expensive, but I doubt as satisfying. I don't believe you ever said your engine. I'd start a post to get opinions of 3.08 owners with similar engine. Best wishes.

OHSIXX

I am a little surprised. There are many C2s with Tremec TKos. I would find a way to do it.

daz_au

I actually considered the same thing, but my Muncie was a close ratio with an already very tall first gear. Making first any taller makes it not so much fun for driving in traffic, carparks etc.

I wanted to daily drive the car and while the short 1st gear of the TKO has a habit of turning tires to smoke, its also really nice for idling around in low speed situations and extremely clutch friendly.

If you have the wide ratio Muncie, the 3.08 might work, but a close ratio would be pretty nasty.