4 to 5 speed.
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Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
Keisler rs500 and TKO installs
A couple of months ago I bought a lift and before I started my vette project my buddy had his on the lift and we started putting in the Keisler rs500. This project has been a big PITA because its still on my lift and mine is on jack stands. Thats due to his work schedule. So enough about that. The Keisler we cut the cross member to put it in. I know if we were to do it again we would have pulled the motor. We spent hours and hours trying to get the shaft into the pilot bearing. Then we had to cut down some wrenches to tighten the tranny to the bell housing. 2 pilot bearings later we finally got it to go together. Once we got it in I started installing the Tremec TKO 600 in my 68. My opinion the TKO looks to be more stout. I have pulled the engine on mine and was going to install it to the engine tonight but I ran into a snag. I upgraded to an 11" clutch and now I need a new bell housing. Comparing the two side by side I like the TKO better. The Keisler directions we more detailed than the TKO direction. I would have ordered a Keisler but it was a 12 week wait time. I called American Power Train and had my TKO 600 in about 4 weeks. I will let you know how it goes comparing side by side. I will have to get a bell housing ordered on MOnday. I cant find one local.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
You and I are running the same setup (TKO 600-0.64/3.55), although I have the stock 255/60-15s, so just a -hair- more tire diameter than you.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 1,223
Likes: 4
From: Regina Saskatchewan
I had to re-read it. Thought maybe he had a 6sp in there @ .5 OD - 1800 rpms.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,039
Likes: 62
From: Kona Hawaii
A couple of months ago I bought a lift and before I started my vette project my buddy had his on the lift and we started putting in the Keisler rs500. This project has been a big PITA because its still on my lift and mine is on jack stands. Thats due to his work schedule. So enough about that. The Keisler we cut the cross member to put it in. I know if we were to do it again we would have pulled the motor. We spent hours and hours trying to get the shaft into the pilot bearing. Then we had to cut down some wrenches to tighten the tranny to the bell housing. 2 pilot bearings later we finally got it to go together. Once we got it in I started installing the Tremec TKO 600 in my 68. My opinion the TKO looks to be more stout. I have pulled the engine on mine and was going to install it to the engine tonight but I ran into a snag. I upgraded to an 11" clutch and now I need a new bell housing. Comparing the two side by side I like the TKO better. The Keisler directions we more detailed than the TKO direction. I would have ordered a Keisler but it was a 12 week wait time. I called American Power Train and had my TKO 600 in about 4 weeks. I will let you know how it goes comparing side by side. I will have to get a bell housing ordered on MOnday. I cant find one local.
Neat trick to get the input shaft into the pilot bearing is to press in the clutch that last inch or so and it slides right in! With My Richmond install I used an Auto Gear Pilot bushing,fit perfectly and is of high quality.Make sure you got the bellhousing dialed in before trans is installed.That 6spd Richmond is a blast to drive......
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 12,399
Likes: 247
From: San Jose CA
Neat trick to get the input shaft into the pilot bearing is to press in the clutch that last inch or so and it slides right in! With My Richmond install I used an Auto Gear Pilot bushing,fit perfectly and is of high quality.Make sure you got the bellhousing dialed in before trans is installed.That 6spd Richmond is a blast to drive......
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Drifting
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 1,432
Likes: 22
From: Oxford CT
I just finished with my RS500 install in my 71 from Keisler today. Took it for itS maiden voyage and it performed very good. On the highway at 70 it was like driving a different car. Ran just under 2000 rpm with 3.36 gears. Trans was very quiet and shifted smoothly.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 424
Likes: 3
From: Presently working under contract in Alabama
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 2,748
Likes: 90
From: Sacramento California
C2 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2018 C2 of Year Finalist
The clutch in the RS500 has more splines than the stock clutch. It is not reusable.
Mine is much better in the 63 now that it isnt rubbing on the tunnel! Much quieter.
Shifts nice. I run 3.70s...which are a tad low.....but Ill live with it until the rear end goes....
Mine is much better in the 63 now that it isnt rubbing on the tunnel! Much quieter.
Shifts nice. I run 3.70s...which are a tad low.....but Ill live with it until the rear end goes....