C1 5 speed
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Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 86
Likes: 1
From: Asheville North Carolina
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!
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!
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,677
Likes: 646
From: Indiana
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C1 of the Year Winner - Modified
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2019 C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods)
2018 C1 of Year Finalist
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. 
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,563
Likes: 658
From: Virginia Beach VA
C2 of the Year Finalist - Modified 2020
C2 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
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.
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 74
Likes: 8
From: Marietta GA
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.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 158
Likes: 45
From: Longmont CO
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
Last edited by macster; Oct 17, 2017 at 12:04 AM. Reason: added pictures
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,677
Likes: 646
From: Indiana
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C1 of the Year Winner - Modified
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2019 C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods)
2018 C1 of Year Finalist
Attachment 48216047
Attachment 48216048
Attachment 48216049
Attachment 48216050
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
Attachment 48216048
Attachment 48216049
Attachment 48216050
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
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,677
Likes: 646
From: Indiana
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C1 of the Year Winner - Modified
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2019 C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods)
2018 C1 of Year Finalist
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.
Last edited by Geralds57; Oct 20, 2017 at 02:39 PM.
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Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 17,901
Likes: 751
From: Inverness FL
St. Jude Donor '07
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.
Bill
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,677
Likes: 646
From: Indiana
2025 c3 ('68-'73) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C1 of the Year Winner - Modified
2023 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 C1 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2019 C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods)
2018 C1 of Year Finalist
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.
Last edited by Geralds57; Oct 26, 2017 at 03:30 PM.