Black_Magic

This is also post it the C2 section but I would also like to get C3 Input

I did search(s) and found many many threads but not what I was looking for

Opinions wanted: Pros/Cons – Pluses/Minuses – Good/Bad

Here’s the deal – This is not about vendor or product or 4 sp vs 5 sp vs 6 sp. I was planning to install a T5 (which I already have) but do to various reasons I am going to install at Tremec. I just am having a problem deciding which one TKO-500 or TKO-600RR.

Configuration: 1965 Coupe – ZZ4 with Dual quads (355+/- HP 400+/- TQ) 3.08 Rear Axle. P225/50/17 (25.9 Diameter).

Car is used as a Friday night cruiser with a few 100-200+ mile trips. I use all the time both stop/go and interstate driving. It will not be raced or gears SLAMED just enjoyed.

Here’s my dilemma with the 3.08 gears
(1) Getting the TKO500 (.68 OD) I’m not sure I’ll ever get into OD below 60 BUT 1st gear would be good at 10.07 (3.08 * 3.27) .
(2) Getting the TKO600RR (.82 OD) 1st would be ok at 8.84 (3.08 * 2.87) and OD could be used at 50-55 MPH.

Is seem like option 2 is the best BUT if I ever want to change rear gears say to 3.55 the the 500 1st gear may be to low but the OD would be OK. The 600RR 1st work be good BUT the OD would suffer.

I can change rear gearing but I only want to buy 1 expensive transmission.

I would like to hear from ALL COMBOS but especially from those running 3.08s and which TKO (500, 600 or 600RR) and let me know the GOOD/BAD/UGLY.

Again this is not about vendor or Muncie or Richmond or slamming gears or drag racing but Tremec or more specific TKO500 or TKO600RR.

Below is some spread sheet I put together with various options.

1st RPM’s @ different MPH with various rear gears
2nd Various Transmission gear ratios (there may be some errors)
3rd First Gear equivalent with various rear gearhttp://www.stl-vettes.com/65Vette/misc/trans_selection.jpg ratios.

Sorry to be somewhat harsh but reading so many threads on TREMEC it seem most turn into pi$$ing contest about vendor or slamming gears.

Thanks

George

3JsVette

I'll be watching this thread with my own interest in mine as I am facing the same situation. The car will have a warmed up 454 with a 3:08 rear and a 25.7" tall tire. I'm am leaning towards the TKO 600 RR .82 O/D also. I think it is the best option also. I'm anxious to hear everyone's opinions too.

FRSTR90

Personally, I'd go for the TKO-500. I don't have any experience with the ZZ4, but from the specs they sound quite mild to me. With the tires that you are running I don't see why you cant use 5th gear at 55MPH. If it were ME, I would only use the OD for highway anyway. So, my vote is on the TKO-500. I see the TKO-600 being an over kill on strength. It will hurt you in first gear and at the same time hurt you in 5th gear sucking more gas than what is needed.. Just my .02

DVNTST8

Why not the Tremec TKO-600 with the .64 OD?


Just asking.

Vette-4-Life

I went with the 600, .64od, in my 80. My driving habits are similar to yours, i put on 10-12k miles a year. I currently have 3.07 rear and the mighty l48. I use OD in the city at 40mph. I consistently achieve 20+ mpg. On the highway at 80 my tach shows right around 2000rpm.

My main reason for going with the 600 was i didn't like the steep gear change from 1st to 2nd with the 500 and i wanted a lower OD than the 600r since i drive it everywhere when possible and fuel economy does matter to me since gas will only go higher.

If you do change the rear to a 3.55 the 500 slr will be approaching a dump truck and the 600 will be near the optimal.

My S10 has .82 overdrive and it is not much of an overdrive, makes little difference.

tjhuyser

Man I was thinking this same thing about the 600, then I read what you posted..saves me the finger work!!