Keisler 5-speed trans?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 3
From: San Diego CA
Re: Keisler 5-speed trans? (adam@volvette)
I would not put a trans in my car that required cutting the member.
I am sure the Kiesler setup is well engineered, and my conversations with them were very frank and cordial (even though I was pumping them for information on thier modifications). It seems to me if you are capable of making the required modifications and are not fearful of tunnel/shifter modifications then the installation of a regular TKO offers enough cost savings to make it worth it.
The difference is nearly enough to install a complete roller cam valvetrain.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
Re: Keisler 5-speed trans? (fauxrs)
I still want to see what Keisler could have possibly done to make a TKO install without cutting the crossmember. I looked at it for quite some time and unless they found a way to make the tranny 2 inches shorter it's not going in there.
Former Vendor
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: knoxville tn
Re: Keisler 5-speed trans? (fauxrs)
From the picture you posted, it looks like the crossmember is really strong and I am sure that it does a fine job.
You are right that on auto cars the crossmember bolted into place, and the removable crossmember was adequate. The factory removable crossmember,however, was also a solid piece from one side to another once welded. Cutting a piece out of the center and bolting it in place makes the crossmember into three separate pieces. If not done properly, there is much more potential frame strength loss than by simply having a crossmember that bolts in on the ends. I do agree that it would not be a problem on the road in regular use.
Another advantage to not cutting the frame wouild be for the guys who may consider putting the car back to original at some point. It is beyond me as to why anyone would change back, but many of the people we talk to like the ability to put the car back and not be able to tell that the car had ever been changed. From my point of view, aftermarket items tend to be more popular when they require no cutting, welding or any other permanent modifications (especially with the c2 guys). They all want a crate motor and 5-spd and leave the original stuff on a stand for someday.
You are right that on auto cars the crossmember bolted into place, and the removable crossmember was adequate. The factory removable crossmember,however, was also a solid piece from one side to another once welded. Cutting a piece out of the center and bolting it in place makes the crossmember into three separate pieces. If not done properly, there is much more potential frame strength loss than by simply having a crossmember that bolts in on the ends. I do agree that it would not be a problem on the road in regular use.
Another advantage to not cutting the frame wouild be for the guys who may consider putting the car back to original at some point. It is beyond me as to why anyone would change back, but many of the people we talk to like the ability to put the car back and not be able to tell that the car had ever been changed. From my point of view, aftermarket items tend to be more popular when they require no cutting, welding or any other permanent modifications (especially with the c2 guys). They all want a crate motor and 5-spd and leave the original stuff on a stand for someday.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 3
From: San Diego CA
Re: Keisler 5-speed trans? (adam@volvette)
From the picture you posted, it looks like the crossmember is really strong and I am sure that it does a fine job.
You are right that on auto cars the crossmember bolted into place, and the removable crossmember was adequate. The factory removable crossmember,however, was also a solid piece from one side to another once welded. Cutting a piece out of the center and bolting it in place makes the crossmember into three separate pieces. If not done properly, there is much more potential frame strength loss than by simply having a crossmember that bolts in on the ends. I do agree that it would not be a problem on the road in regular use.
Another advantage to not cutting the frame wouild be for the guys who may consider putting the car back to original at some point. It is beyond me as to why anyone would change back, but many of the people we talk to like the ability to put the car back and not be able to tell that the car had ever been changed. From my point of view, aftermarket items tend to be more popular when they require no cutting, welding or any other permanent modifications (especially with the c2 guys). They all want a crate motor and 5-spd and leave the original stuff on a stand for someday.
No argument here, if originality is a concern, or the ability to restore the car to its original arrangement is deisred than the Kiesler kit is by far the better deal.
I'm with Zwede on this one too though, after crawling around under my car for 3 hours I ran out and rented a sawzall. I took every excess tab off my trans and spun that thing around in all kinds of directions and I never got closer than 1/2" to making it work.
Maybe I need a lift and a tranny jack to do the job. Is this kit designed to allow installation when the car is only 13" off the ground. :lol:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 5,768
Likes: 3
From: San Diego CA
Re: Keisler 5-speed trans? (Jay M)
I am by magic moutain. About 30 minutes north of LAX.
I'll provide whatever you want to drink and all the food you can eat:)
~Jay
I'll provide whatever you want to drink and all the food you can eat:)
~Jay
Looks like I am on for working on my buds big block Belair this weekend, sorry - would have been a cool deal to run up there and help you out. I hope you can get some other forum members to chime in and join you.
