Keisler 5-speed trans?
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 1,600
Likes: 0
From: Valencia (near LA) CA
Re: Keisler 5-speed trans? (Van Steel)
I will have mine on Friday!! The engine should be done friday as well.
For me the price was worth what you get. I am a complete amature. Cutting and welding the cross member is something I would have to hire someone to do. Welding the L bracket to make the shifter come up in the right place is beyond my skill level.
I also like the idea that I am not cutting up the car. I can take the Keisler out and put the Muncie back if I ever wanted to.
When I ordered they offered a discount to Forum members. That brought the price much closer to the do-it-yourself approach.
I think the total came to $3100 with a new clutch, pressure plate, new bigger drive shaft, speedo cable, replica shifter handle, upper and lower boot, and the tranny.
Because it is a bolt on kit I don't need a shop to do it. So for me the price is the same.
Maybe this time next week I can tell you how it drives:)
BTW does anyone in the LA area want help with the install? I'm hoping to install it this weekend, or next if the engine isn't ready on time.
~Jay
For me the price was worth what you get. I am a complete amature. Cutting and welding the cross member is something I would have to hire someone to do. Welding the L bracket to make the shifter come up in the right place is beyond my skill level.
I also like the idea that I am not cutting up the car. I can take the Keisler out and put the Muncie back if I ever wanted to.
When I ordered they offered a discount to Forum members. That brought the price much closer to the do-it-yourself approach.
I think the total came to $3100 with a new clutch, pressure plate, new bigger drive shaft, speedo cable, replica shifter handle, upper and lower boot, and the tranny.
Because it is a bolt on kit I don't need a shop to do it. So for me the price is the same.
Maybe this time next week I can tell you how it drives:)
BTW does anyone in the LA area want help with the install? I'm hoping to install it this weekend, or next if the engine isn't ready on time.
~Jay
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 0
From: Dandridge TN
Re: Keisler 5-speed trans? (Jay M)
I will have mine on Friday!! The engine should be done friday as well.
For me the price was worth what you get. I am a complete amature. Cutting and welding the cross member is something I would have to hire someone to do. Welding the L bracket to make the shifter come up in the right place is beyond my skill level.
I also like the idea that I am not cutting up the car. I can take the Keisler out and put the Muncie back if I ever wanted to.
When I ordered they offered a discount to Forum members. That brought the price much closer to the do-it-yourself approach.
I think the total came to $3100 with a new clutch, pressure plate, new bigger drive shaft, speedo cable, replica shifter handle, upper and lower boot, and the tranny.
Because it is a bolt on kit I don't need a shop to do it. So for me the price is the same.
Maybe this time next week I can tell you how it drives:)
BTW does anyone in the LA area want help with the install? I'm hoping to install it this weekend, or next if the engine isn't ready on time.
~Jay
For me the price was worth what you get. I am a complete amature. Cutting and welding the cross member is something I would have to hire someone to do. Welding the L bracket to make the shifter come up in the right place is beyond my skill level.
I also like the idea that I am not cutting up the car. I can take the Keisler out and put the Muncie back if I ever wanted to.
When I ordered they offered a discount to Forum members. That brought the price much closer to the do-it-yourself approach.
I think the total came to $3100 with a new clutch, pressure plate, new bigger drive shaft, speedo cable, replica shifter handle, upper and lower boot, and the tranny.
Because it is a bolt on kit I don't need a shop to do it. So for me the price is the same.
Maybe this time next week I can tell you how it drives:)
BTW does anyone in the LA area want help with the install? I'm hoping to install it this weekend, or next if the engine isn't ready on time.
~Jay
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 3
From: San Diego CA
Re: Keisler 5-speed trans? (Jay M)
BTW does anyone in the LA area want help with the install? I'm hoping to install it this weekend, or next if the engine isn't ready on time.
~Jay
~Jay
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: knoxville tn
Re: Keisler 5-speed trans? (Steve Adkins)
Hey Steve:
I should have one installed in my car by the first part of next week. Stop by and drive it if you want.
BTW, I checked out your site and your car looks great!
Adam
I should have one installed in my car by the first part of next week. Stop by and drive it if you want.
BTW, I checked out your site and your car looks great!
Adam
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 0
From: Dandridge TN
Re: Keisler 5-speed trans? (adam@volvette)
Adam, I have been meaning to stop by there to see how things are going with you guys, but seems like everytime I get a chance I have to work late and you guys are already gone by the time I drive by. Too bad I didn't see this trans when I was redoing mine!
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Re: Keisler 5-speed trans? (Steve Adkins)
This post is just pushing me closer to calling them. If I am not mistaken, at corvette expo they were saying that they tranny came with a shortend driveshaft already.
Yeah this is killing me.
Adam, I see you found his webpage. He has done an excellent job on his car. Let us know how it goes with your tranny.
Are you guys coming to Melton Hill Dam this weekend and eat some BBQ with us?
Yeah this is killing me.
Adam, I see you found his webpage. He has done an excellent job on his car. Let us know how it goes with your tranny.
Are you guys coming to Melton Hill Dam this weekend and eat some BBQ with us?
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 0
From: Dandridge TN
Re: Keisler 5-speed trans? (Lohkay)
Why wouldn't u go with the richmond 5spd? Thats what I have and didn't have to make any modifications. Just a thought.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,148
Likes: 5
From: Roxbury NJ
Re: Keisler 5-speed trans? (Steve Adkins)
For me, the Keisler kit gets you a few nice features:
1. It includes a shifter handle that replicates the stock shifter. Big plus if you want the stock interior look.
2. It goes in without modifying the crossmember. The way they accomplish that remains to be seen, but from the posts in C2 it looks like that's the case.
3. The custom shifter that Keisler builds that doesn't require the tunnel cutting that the stock Tremec shifter requires. It looks like a stout, well though out piece.
If these three things aren't important in your situation, you can probably save a few hundred and do it yourself.
1. It includes a shifter handle that replicates the stock shifter. Big plus if you want the stock interior look.
2. It goes in without modifying the crossmember. The way they accomplish that remains to be seen, but from the posts in C2 it looks like that's the case.
3. The custom shifter that Keisler builds that doesn't require the tunnel cutting that the stock Tremec shifter requires. It looks like a stout, well though out piece.
If these three things aren't important in your situation, you can probably save a few hundred and do it yourself.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: knoxville tn
Re: Keisler 5-speed trans? (Flareside)
I have seen the Keisler trans installed in a 66 at Keisler's shop. It fits without modification. The tunnel on a midyear is much tighter than a shark, so 68-up has plenty of room. I drove the car and was amazed at how nice the overdrive performed.
I would advise against the Tremmec tranny do-it-yourself bit. You would be amazed if you know the development that went into making it work in the Corvette shifter tunnel without requiring modifications to the car. We make the shifter shaft that is used in the kit and I can also say that it looks completely stock once installed in the car. If you want a 5-speed, you should pay the extra money for a Keisler trans. I have talked to several people who made their own shifters who regretted it later.
The Richmond is an ok idea, and was the best alternative until now, but is no where near as nice as the overdrive Tremmec trans. The Richmond is basically 40 year old Borg-Warner technology. I always felt like the Richmond was a good idea if you wanted to put a tall gear in the car, but I would bet they will sell very few units with the Keisler on the market.
If you have any doubt, drive one. It's not just the gearing, but short - tight - precise shifting. Very nice.
I would advise against the Tremmec tranny do-it-yourself bit. You would be amazed if you know the development that went into making it work in the Corvette shifter tunnel without requiring modifications to the car. We make the shifter shaft that is used in the kit and I can also say that it looks completely stock once installed in the car. If you want a 5-speed, you should pay the extra money for a Keisler trans. I have talked to several people who made their own shifters who regretted it later.
The Richmond is an ok idea, and was the best alternative until now, but is no where near as nice as the overdrive Tremmec trans. The Richmond is basically 40 year old Borg-Warner technology. I always felt like the Richmond was a good idea if you wanted to put a tall gear in the car, but I would bet they will sell very few units with the Keisler on the market.
If you have any doubt, drive one. It's not just the gearing, but short - tight - precise shifting. Very nice.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: knoxville tn
Re: Keisler 5-speed trans? (Steve Adkins)
You are right Steve. The Richmond has a 1:1 5th gear. 6-speed require modifying the crossmember, which is a big part of the structural integrity. I would not put a trans in my car that required cutting the member.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Re: Keisler 5-speed trans? (fauxrs)
I actually love the gearing in combination with my 3.73 gears... Well - the gearing isn't all that great if your engine doesn't have good torque.. but it works great for me.. When I shift at 6000 - the RPM drops right to my peak torque... and that's the way it's supposed to be... The first gear is very short so that I was able to get a 1.591 60' time with it... I love the gearing for Drag Racing...
I stand corrected :steering: :cheers:
BTW I love the gearing too - I just figured the gear spacing wasnt optimal - kinda like the 700r4. My bone stock L-82 doesnt really have any torque, but that deep 1st gear makes launches easy I must admit.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 182,997
Likes: 88
From: Lakeland, FL
Cruise-In IV-V-VI-VII-VIII Veteran
St. Jude Donor '03, '06, '17
Re: Keisler 5-speed trans? (Steve Adkins)
BTW - my total cost for the TKO was:
$1745 for the transmission ($1795 - $50 discount because they didn't have a Vette yoke)
$215 for the yoke
$80 for the mounting bracket (from Bowtie overdrives)
$100 for driveshaft shortening and balancing (approx.)
$50 for a hybrid U-joint (1310/1350 series)
-------
$2190
In addition - I spent $350 for a new clutch setup and $600 for the custom installation...
Was this a new trans? Sounds like a much better deal.
$1745 for the transmission ($1795 - $50 discount because they didn't have a Vette yoke)
$215 for the yoke
$80 for the mounting bracket (from Bowtie overdrives)
$100 for driveshaft shortening and balancing (approx.)
$50 for a hybrid U-joint (1310/1350 series)
-------
$2190
In addition - I spent $350 for a new clutch setup and $600 for the custom installation...
Was this a new trans? Sounds like a much better deal.
http://www.hanlonmotorsports.com
Their price went up $100 since I purchased the tranny there...
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,411
Likes: 0
From: Dandridge TN
Re: Keisler 5-speed trans? (adam@volvette)
Adam, right now with my 336 rear gear I can cruise about 60 mph at about 2500 rpm. What will the Keisler put me at cruising 60 mph? Did you go with the TKO-I or the TKO-II?
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: knoxville tn
Re: Keisler 5-speed trans? (Steve Adkins)
Steve:
Actual rpm will vary slightly between cars at a given speed even with the same diff just because of tire choice. The overdrive gear is .68, so multiply your current rpm in 4th at any speed by .68 and that will tell you what it will be.
60 is one thing - it is 70-75 mph where 1:1 with even a moderate gear really starts to get annoying after an extended time. You really can't appreciate an overdrive until you actually get the car rolling and slide it in 5th at speed.
I am going with the 475 hp kit. From what I have read, it seems to be the way to go. It is plenty strong enough and it has a taller 5th gear. Shaffi at Keisler also told me that it is the most popular choice.
Actual rpm will vary slightly between cars at a given speed even with the same diff just because of tire choice. The overdrive gear is .68, so multiply your current rpm in 4th at any speed by .68 and that will tell you what it will be.
60 is one thing - it is 70-75 mph where 1:1 with even a moderate gear really starts to get annoying after an extended time. You really can't appreciate an overdrive until you actually get the car rolling and slide it in 5th at speed.
I am going with the 475 hp kit. From what I have read, it seems to be the way to go. It is plenty strong enough and it has a taller 5th gear. Shaffi at Keisler also told me that it is the most popular choice.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 19,659
Likes: 34
From: Lenoir City Tennessee
Ci 6, 8 & 10 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Re: Keisler 5-speed trans? (adam@volvette)
Adam, are you going to go with the hydralic clutch setup too or just keep the manual.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: knoxville tn
Re: Keisler 5-speed trans? (Eddie 70)
hi eddie:
i am going to leave it manual. i don't believe the hydraulic cluch is completely worked out yet on the 'vettes. a bracket may need to be made to strengthen the attachment of the little master cylinder to the fiberglass firewall.
i have a relatively new centerforce dual friction clutch in my car now that i love. i am going to keep that clutch.
i am going to leave it manual. i don't believe the hydraulic cluch is completely worked out yet on the 'vettes. a bracket may need to be made to strengthen the attachment of the little master cylinder to the fiberglass firewall.
i have a relatively new centerforce dual friction clutch in my car now that i love. i am going to keep that clutch.