Crate Engine and TKO600 Install
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 9,682
Likes: 3,433
From: Akron Ohio
2025 Corvette of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C5 of the Year Winner - Modified
2023 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2022 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
St. Jude Donor '09-'10-'11
I have to side with Gkull on this one. I have done multiple C2s and C3s and C4s. In all cases I found removing the transmission first, then pulling the engine is faster/easier to do. Then putting the engine back in first and then hooking up the trans was quicker for me. Not to say the others are wrong, but for me and the way I work it did seem faster to do them separate.
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 157
Likes: 16
From: Yorktown VA
Hey seems like a lot of yall have a lot of experience, and knowledge that I really don't. I'm thinking about swapping my auto trans, in my 79 for a 5 or 6 speed TKO and was looking for some opinions and insights?! I want a standard trans for a few reasons, gas mileage, less wear and tear on the engine, feels like its being choked out of power, and just cause I love stick shifts and it doesn't feel like a muscle car or vette without one.
Which would yall recommend the 5 or 6 speed TKO, and why? Also does the 5 speed require modifications to the trans tunnel at all? Because I have read that the 6 speed TKO (T56) does require tunnel modifications. One last question, would you go with a hyro clutch, and would it fit with hooker headers and side pipes?
I would appreciate any advice I can get thanks!
Which would yall recommend the 5 or 6 speed TKO, and why? Also does the 5 speed require modifications to the trans tunnel at all? Because I have read that the 6 speed TKO (T56) does require tunnel modifications. One last question, would you go with a hyro clutch, and would it fit with hooker headers and side pipes?
I would appreciate any advice I can get thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 19,178
Likes: 1,668
From: Long Island
The 5 speed fits with minimal trouble and no cutting.
You can piece the conversion yourself, and get good results - it will take time and be frustrating.
I would call SST - Silver Sport and order their kit. IT includes all the parts you need including the mounts , driveshaft and cables.. It costs more than doing it yourself but the frustration and parts searching you don't have to deal with more than covers the price difference. Plus you have the original drive shaft if you want to keep it numbers matching when you sell.
I used SST TKO600 on my 71 and the kit fit perfect.
My friend parts sourced and put together his own. His next build will use SST. He said it was not worth it based on the time and frustrations...
I got mine on a Monday and it was in by Tuesday afternoon ready to go. They also supply a "corvette" shifter handle - looks stock.
You can piece the conversion yourself, and get good results - it will take time and be frustrating.
I would call SST - Silver Sport and order their kit. IT includes all the parts you need including the mounts , driveshaft and cables.. It costs more than doing it yourself but the frustration and parts searching you don't have to deal with more than covers the price difference. Plus you have the original drive shaft if you want to keep it numbers matching when you sell.
I used SST TKO600 on my 71 and the kit fit perfect.
My friend parts sourced and put together his own. His next build will use SST. He said it was not worth it based on the time and frustrations...
I got mine on a Monday and it was in by Tuesday afternoon ready to go. They also supply a "corvette" shifter handle - looks stock.
Last edited by BLUE1972; Oct 23, 2016 at 05:49 PM.
