When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Does anyone who's done a TKO swap know if the tunnel has to be cut to make room for the driveshaft u-joints. I have a '72 with a Turbo 400, and the tunnel is wider where the U-joint connects to the tail of the transmission. The parking brake cable pulley sits right in there as well. As far was I know the TKO is a couple of inches longer, so would require a shorter drive shaft, but the tunnel narrows up right behind the existing U joint location. It also looks like my driveshaft is closer to one side in that narrow tunnel, and I don't know if that is normal (I know my car had been in an accident with the prior owner, but has driven fine for the 30 plus years I've owned it).
Last edited by J-Vette1; Dec 20, 2018 at 01:17 AM.
How do you like that TKO 500 gearing? I have 3:36 in the rear and was thinking about going with a 600, but haven't decided yet. It looked to me like the 600 combined with a 3:36 rear end was pretty close to a Muncie M22 with 4:11's in the rear, so I was thinking the 500 might be too low.
I like my gearing like it is. the car launches really good. the lower first gear is easier on the clutch for normal starts. works great.
Does anyone who's done a TKO swap know if the tunnel has to be cut to make room for the driveshaft u-joints. I have a '72 with a Turbo 400, and the tunnel is wider where the U-joint connects to the tail of the transmission. The parking brake cable pulley sits right in there as well. As far was I know the TKO is a couple of inches longer, so would require a shorter drive shaft, but the tunnel narrows up right behind the existing U joint location. It also looks like my driveshaft is closer to one side in that narrow tunnel, and I don't know if that is normal (I know my car had been in an accident with the prior owner, but has driven fine for the 30 plus years I've owned it).
no mods to my car. the trans bolted right in. and yes the drive shaft is offset a little but that is normal factory position. yes shorter drive shaft came with the kit.
How do you like that TKO 500 gearing? I have 3:36 in the rear and was thinking about going with a 600, but haven't decided yet. It looked to me like the 600 combined with a 3:36 rear end was pretty close to a Muncie M22 with 4:11's in the rear, so I was thinking the 500 might be too low.
IMHO I think you will find the TKO500 first gear too low. I have the TKO600 with 3.55 gears. Before I did the 5 speed I used to run a 700R4 automatic. The 700 has a 3.06 first gear. Combined with the 3.55 rear, it gave me a 10.8 first gear which was simply too low. The 2.87 in the TKO600 gives me a 10.2 first gear which seems about right to me. If you use a TKO500 with your 3.36 rear you will have a ratio of about 11.0:1. I think you may find that is too deep. Consider also the engine you have. With a mild engine the deep first gear might be exactly what you want. I am running a 427 small block. Results with a stock L-48 will be quite different.
I thought it had something to do what the rpm is when its in 5th gear.One being higner rpm then the other. Gotta find out.Im looking for the lower rpm one.
On the SS web site they used to have a gear ratio/tire diameter/rear gear ratio to MPH calculator.
Call Silver Sport and get their TKO600 kit. Includes everything and the new drive shaft.
I have done a few 5 speed mods with/ for friends and their kit is the best... Corvette shifter looks stock. The shifter is in the correct location - no mod to the center console.
Their customer service and tech support is fantastic. I have only needed it to get the correct spedo gear for the trans....
+1 on this.
I went with Silver Sport's PerfectFit TKO600 kit and it is perfect. .Great customer service too.
