I have documented the installation of a TKO in a 1977. This is a conversion from TH350 to TKO-500 using the kit from Keisler.

http://www.corvettec3.ca/tko.htm

 

You did a fantastic job of documenting the swap. For those planing this swap in the future they should book mark this post.
Nice job

 

I saved the page

 

Nice writeup and photos!

 

You're pretty funny! Refreshment reserves!

 

That's great information, nice pictures and everything. Would you mind buying a second generation Firebird and documenting a Keisler install for that? Because that's what I'll be doing.

Thanks.

 

100%

"The next procedure that you will be performing is both critical and crucial to the long life and performance of your transmission. Basically, you need to determine the alignment of the engine crankshaft relative to the transmission opening in your new bell housing."

Many people/shops are not aware of this procedure.

How does it feel?... Let me guess........ like a whole different car!

Great Job!
Good for you!

 

Good for you Binnie.
That makes me lust even more for that 5th gear.

 

Thanks for the great technical write up. If we can be of further assistance please let us know.

Bruce

 

I am so impressed with the TKO that I have now decided that I need a few more extra horses up front. I will have a new ZZ4 crate engine in my garage on Wed :-)

 

 

Nice write-up.

 

Very nice, I just finished mine also. I also converted to hydro clutch system. I have it saved and will post when I get it all together as well as some short cuts. Great job.......

 

And that it's right?
No More money spent...

Ya gotta love the feeling of the manual VS the auto

Great job!

 

Indeed, well done!

I did a 700R4 --> 71 Coupe from a TH400 about 15 years ago, and it's finally getting tired, so I'm interested in the TKO as well and was wondering mostly about the pedal swap which you covered in detail.

Thanks (it's bookmarked)...

Doug

 

Would you please detail the hydro conversion?

I've had a couple of left knee surgeries and I should consider it etc...

Thanks!

Doug

 

After doing the hydro conversion and while doing it I figured out how to do it better, easier and with less modifications. I used a Novack conversion kit made for jeep and had to make the hose assy and I had to cut the floorboard where the clutch fork was hitting



it but it is all done and I am happy.

Now for the correct and easy way. I purchased a bell housing off ebay



that looked interesting as it had a place to mount a slave cyl. After it came in I hooked it to the 454 I had pulled, no problems. I then hooked the old t-10 up and no problems.
I did some research and the bell housing is for 1984 to 1988 VETTE (Casting #14048867). So get you a bell housing for the 84-88 vette, with clutch fork and pivot rod, purchase a clutch master cyl for 85-89 chevy 3/4 to 1 ton 454. Purchace the hydro line for the 85-89 chevy. Mate the line to the slave cyl. The clutch master cyl rod will be exactly 1 inch to long

,

cut it and weld back together. It will attach allmost exactly where the rod came out of the fire wall. Use stainless bolts and washers. You will have to drill out a little pushing the master cyl down as far as it will go. You will need a remote reservoir. You will have to take a pair of pliers and turn the tube coming out of the master cyl towad the fender. You will also have to remove the power brake booster and master cly. Then bleed the crap out of it, it takes a long time to bleed, Make sure to bench bleed also.