Promotive

I installed a TKO 600 in my 59 about 2 months ago. I purchased everything through SST except the driveshaft. The new crossmember and mount changes the angle of the engine slightly. I had to cut my exhaust to fit my headers again. In my humble opinion it does not shift like a Muncie or Super T10. You have to change the way you shift to 3rd gear.
You will love the rpm drop in 5th gear. You must indicate your bellhousing to their spec for the warranty. I paid extra for the carbon fiber blocking rings and other internal mods. Overall I am very satisfied with the swap.
Enjoy!

Geralds57

I finally finished the install today and I’m glad it’s done. I don’t know that would ever do another install though. Very time consuming. I’m not crazy about the shifter height and boot either. The shifters too high and has the boot deformed badly. I’ll have to contact SST on Monday. The driveshaft will be here within the next two weeks. At least it will give me time to do some fall cleaning underneath.

MarkC

You may want to consider a leather boot for your shifter. I had a thread on this last month. Rat dog did his a few weeks ago. We both have C2’s but it’s the same problem. You are going to love that 5 speed, IMO it’s the best upgrade for an older vette with performance gears.

OLDED

I installed a T5 from a Z28 a couple of years ago - great conversion. The T5 is plenty strong for my 270 hp. 283 and 4:11 posi rear. It sure makes cruising out on the freeway way more enjoyable. Used the replica Hurst shifter handle - looks totally original.

macster

The shifter does sit higher than the OE (I mentioned that in an earlier post) and I see some have used a boot from a Volvo, others have used leather. I didn't like either of those options and wanted to keep the OE boot. So rather than pull the boot up to cover the bolts that attach the shifter to the tranny, I pushed the boot down. Then I replaced the hex bolts that hold the shifter with button head allen screws. Finally I covered the lower part of the shifter and bolt heads with black shrink sleeve. Mac

wmf62

this is what I had to do for my SS700, needed the length because the "spring" is so stiff...

Bill

Geralds57

That’s what my shifter height looks like also. Your boot looks pretty good. I ordered a couple of different boots to try out. I’ll try your method too.

Geralds57

I installed the first boot today that I ordered. It's for a 97-04 Jeep Wrangler. I had to cut it in half to fit and then I glued it to the plate. It fits the shifter perfectly. I also ordered a leather boot but I think this one might be a keeper. All I need now is my driveshaft.

wmf62

Bill

Geralds57

My schedule and the weather finally cooperated today to get her out on the maiden voyage with the tremec. Holy cow, what a difference it was cruising at 70mph at 2000 rpm, vs 3000 at 60mph. Only 491 more miles for the break in.