Tremec & crossmember ??'s
Thread Starter
Limping across the line
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,299
Likes: 109
From: Peoria Az
Tremec & crossmember ??'s
Plan on installing a Tremec 5 speed in my 71BB. Question is once the car is together is it easy to get the trans in & out with the original fixed trans crossmember in place? I know a removable crossmember makes life real easy in a stock configuration.
I'm at the point of cutting & welding the frame now so its decision time on the crossmember.
Details: 71 BB 4spd w a/c. not orig motor
I'm at the point of cutting & welding the frame now so its decision time on the crossmember.
Details: 71 BB 4spd w a/c. not orig motor
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,640
Likes: 287
From: Ann Arbor Michigan
I installed the TKO-600 (Tremec) in my 78' with a welded in X-member. It is not easy (at least not without a hoist)! The bell housing needs to be rotated 180 degrees so it will move up far enough to get the input shaft into the bell. In my opinion, if you have the opportunity, go with a removable X-member.
Gary
Gary
Last edited by Duke94; Mar 12, 2010 at 06:42 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 971
Likes: 45
From: Middlesex NJ
If you can make it removable now do it. I did my conversion with the body off and could see that the tranny would be a real pain to get out with the fixed member. I made a removable crossmember for my car and my buddy down the street. Both bodies are off though.
One recommendation, cut one side at a time and weld in your plates on that side first them move on to the other side. Make its a no brainier for keeping proper alignment.
Look at my profile and my album you can see my crossmember. My neighbor got the plates from a corvette forum supplier. I don't recall his name. But I think it was Kevin.
One recommendation, cut one side at a time and weld in your plates on that side first them move on to the other side. Make its a no brainier for keeping proper alignment.
Look at my profile and my album you can see my crossmember. My neighbor got the plates from a corvette forum supplier. I don't recall his name. But I think it was Kevin.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 688
Likes: 1
From: Stevens Point WI
I just pulled my 540 and replaced it with a 427 in my 69 with a tko-600 and had no problem getting it to fit with the motor attached to the transmission
Now if you put the motor in and then try to install the trans well then it might be more of a battle
Now if you put the motor in and then try to install the trans well then it might be more of a battle
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Bossier City Louisiana
I have a Temec TKO-600 in my '73 that has a removable crossmember. It is relatively easy to remove and reinstall the transmission with the crossmember removed. I would hate to try it with a fixed xmember. I agree with everyone else, change it while you can. You won't regret it.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 294
Likes: 1
From: Racine Wisconsin
After going through a couple of clutch-disk replacements with the Muncie and the fixed crossmember I knew I wanted a removable crossmember at some point. When considering 5-speeds I was undecided between a Keisler TKO500 or a TR45S. I decided to purchase the TKO500. I was also undecided between modifying my crossmember or obtaining an aftermarket crossmember that would allow greater flexibility with under-car exhaust. I decided to modify the existing crossmember by exactly following the procedure of another forum member.
I marked 45 degree angles with soap stone and cut with a 0.040" cutting wheel in an angle grinder and a Sawzall. There was about 1/4" that could not be reached by these tools. That was finished off with a hacksaw blade. I am going to do the welding and check the concentricity of the bell housing this weekend.
I will post a picture of the crossmember after welding.
I marked 45 degree angles with soap stone and cut with a 0.040" cutting wheel in an angle grinder and a Sawzall. There was about 1/4" that could not be reached by these tools. That was finished off with a hacksaw blade. I am going to do the welding and check the concentricity of the bell housing this weekend.
I will post a picture of the crossmember after welding.
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Joined: May 2004
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From: Gulf of America
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I installed mine per Keisler's instructions. It will go in but it's a lot of work.
As mentioned, installing it with the motor is an option. In my case, I just couldn't bring myself to cut on the ole gal.
As mentioned, installing it with the motor is an option. In my case, I just couldn't bring myself to cut on the ole gal.
