TKO 500 shifter question
Thread Starter
Former Vendor
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 6,215
Likes: 152
From: spring branch Texas
TKO 500 shifter question
The shift pattern is very "tight", (owner having a difficult time "feeling" what gear he's shifting to).
Is there a modification that can be made to this?
Is there an alternate shifter handle that will help?
Thanks,
G
Is there a modification that can be made to this?
Is there an alternate shifter handle that will help?
Thanks,
G
Advanced
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 58
Likes: 0
From: Mill Hall PA
I had the same problem getting used to the TKO. I kept missing 3rd gear at high RPM. During Autocross shifting at 6000rpm. I practiced the shift hundreds of times with the engine off and found the following works well.
When in 2nd gear and ready to make the shift to 3rd gear do the following:
1. Release throttle
2. Step on clutch
3. Push the shift lever forward to the neutral gate with your palm.
4. Pause slightly and the shifter will naturally move to the right.
5. Push the shifter into 3rd gear again just using your palm.
6. Release the clutch pedal.
7. Step on the gas.
I am now able to complete these steps in an instant. If you try to physically move the shifter from 2nd to 3rd by gripping it you end up in 5th or getting stuck in neutral. It is simply two quick pushes forward to go from 2nd to 3rd.
When in 2nd gear and ready to make the shift to 3rd gear do the following:
1. Release throttle
2. Step on clutch
3. Push the shift lever forward to the neutral gate with your palm.
4. Pause slightly and the shifter will naturally move to the right.
5. Push the shifter into 3rd gear again just using your palm.
6. Release the clutch pedal.
7. Step on the gas.
I am now able to complete these steps in an instant. If you try to physically move the shifter from 2nd to 3rd by gripping it you end up in 5th or getting stuck in neutral. It is simply two quick pushes forward to go from 2nd to 3rd.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 559
From: Seattle Washington
And they make one for the TKO 600 ? Do they have the big offsets that are so popular with our C3's ? I also have a C4 with the ZF Trans and a B&M shifter which makes my TKO feel like I'm rowing a Boat.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
The best solution I have read is to use your fingers when shifting from 1 - 2, 3 -4 and 5 - 6 and use you palm to shift from 2 -3 and 4 - 5. If you grab the shifter with a fist-grip you lose the feel of the shifter gate.
I have a T56 with a Hurst shifter and the shorter and tigher pattern takes a little getting used to but once you do it's sweet.
Rick B.
I have a T56 with a Hurst shifter and the shorter and tigher pattern takes a little getting used to but once you do it's sweet.
Rick B.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 925
Likes: 7
Can you post a picture of the shifter you got from Steeda? The one you got is for the offset position, not on the centerline?
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
5 Best & 5 Worst Corvette Daily Drivers
Joe Kucinski
The Headlights of Every Corvette Generation Explained
Joe Kucinski
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!
Joe Kucinski
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 3,974
Likes: 673
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 925
Likes: 7
I did call them and they were helpful, except they either don't make a shifter for a TKO600 with the shifter on the left side or they don't know their product line, because they sold me a shifter that definitely was for use on the tranny centerline, not an offset application like a C3. When I received the shifter and saw what it was, I called Steeda and told them what the problem was and they let me return the shifter minus a handling change. Then knowing the problem, they didn't offer an alternative, which is why I am interested in what you bought.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 409
From: California
i have this problem, and i road race and hate it!!! my findings after looking into this is there is an "upgrade" kit with better synchros and the like,,, but you need to take the TKO out and apart to do this... I'm in the middle of an engine build right now, but this will be my next "job" I have also found that the transmission does not shift as well with the Centerforce clutch. the TKO wants to see 100% disengagement, with the weights of the centerfource flying around at 7000rpm it pulls the pressure plat down and prevents 100% disengagement..... and as I stated, the TKO needs 100% disengagement
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 925
Likes: 7
i have this problem, and i road race and hate it!!! my findings after looking into this is there is an "upgrade" kit with better synchros and the like,,, but you need to take the TKO out and apart to do this... I'm in the middle of an engine build right now, but this will be my next "job" I have also found that the transmission does not shift as well with the Centerforce clutch. the TKO wants to see 100% disengagement, with the weights of the centerfource flying around at 7000rpm it pulls the pressure plat down and prevents 100% disengagement..... and as I stated, the TKO needs 100% disengagement
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 409
From: California
Super6
if a shifter change would fix this.... im in line!!! thx.... Bit i still know the Centerforce is a problem causer with this transmission shifting at high RPM's...
changing to a twin disk mccloud this week with the engine build... maybe I'll just pop the transmission out for that shifter while im at it... p
if a shifter change would fix this.... im in line!!! thx.... Bit i still know the Centerforce is a problem causer with this transmission shifting at high RPM's...
changing to a twin disk mccloud this week with the engine build... maybe I'll just pop the transmission out for that shifter while im at it... p
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 925
Likes: 7
Super6
if a shifter change would fix this.... im in line!!! thx.... Bit i still know the Centerforce is a problem causer with this transmission shifting at high RPM's...
changing to a twin disk mccloud this week with the engine build... maybe I'll just pop the transmission out for that shifter while im at it... p
if a shifter change would fix this.... im in line!!! thx.... Bit i still know the Centerforce is a problem causer with this transmission shifting at high RPM's...
changing to a twin disk mccloud this week with the engine build... maybe I'll just pop the transmission out for that shifter while im at it... p
I had a Centerforce and I don't doubt what you're saying. I read somewhere that the Centerforce tech line was recommending that the weights be removed in certain, I imagine high rpm, applications.
I love your new clutch, future upgrade for me.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 409
From: California
I'm done with center force in all my automotive apps… taking one out of my sons cj5 360 jeep also this week…