Have been contemplating upgrading to the Keisler kit if Uncle SAM doesn't drain me dry. I've tried calling them numerous times over the last 2 weeks and all i get is 'please leave a message', I also went the E-Mail route and sent them 4 questions. They finally responded to the E-Mail after nearly 2 weeks and did not answer a single question, what they responded with was a .pdf file essentially containing their web page info and an order form. This point concerns me regarding their promptness/detail to customer service so i searched for other suppliers and came across 5speedtransmissions.com that is selling a nearly identical kit for about the same cost.

Anyone out there have any experience dealing with them? If so please include details.

Are there other companys that provide the same type kit?

sorry for the long post but i've been reading the latest Keisler thread and i shouldn't have to pay for their inability to properly staff their business. 15 weeks or so to take delivery is not acceptable.

Ok, I'm done.

 

You'll need the GM spec TKO, speedo adapter, reverse lights switch, take-apart ford C6 yoke and a 1350-1330 conversion U-joint. When you shop for the TKO make sure the price includes the speedo adapter and reverse switch. Some charge extra for it and they are another $100.

There are several vendors that offer the GM TKO. Some I know of are Swarr automotive, dark horse performance, hanlon motorsports, medatronics (5speeds.com) and Fortes parts connection. I'd recommend you contact all of them and shop for the best price.

[Edit] Correction: 5speedtransmissions.com is not medatronics. They are at 5speeds.com.


[Modified by zwede, 9:14 PM 2/5/2004]

 

You'll also need to align the shifter/handle for the stock location.

I also believe you will need to buy a new shifter handle as the stock handle won't work with the Tremec. (someone correct me if I'm wrong).

It's a least a 15 week wait, but if your not in a hurry it's no biggie. It certainly hasn't stopped hundreds of others from purchasing their set-up. Nonetheless, if it continues, it could end up being a deterent. Especially when your spending that kind of $$$.

The best person to talk to is Shafi if you can get a hold of him. Also, if you haven't already try using the new order line instead of the tech line or customer service.

 

The others will work but to my knowledge only the Keisler offers the shifter mounted in the correct position. The rest have to be fabricated or the console cut up. If you see how the keisler unit is modified it is a nice machine job on the relocation. There are no plates welded up or anything like that. They are heavily backordered due to the high demand. It is expensive but everything comes in the kit ready to go. If you are a fabricator you could save a few dollars and purchase it elsewhere.

 

Dear Listers,

A couple of our customers alerted me to this thread. I would like to respond to the issues of lead time and competing product.

LEAD TIME
We were surprised by the tremendous response to our product for Corvette and the other GM makes such as '55-57 Chevy, Camaro, Chevelle and Nova. Subsequently, I did not staff the company strongly enough or implement the additional resources ahead of time to prepare for a quick ramp up. Our capacity has increased steadily, but only until recently has it caught up sales, therefore we have a backlog to catch up. Also, our inventory system needed improvement to handle the additional machined and purchased parts.

In the past six (6) months I have hired a number of associates, including production, sales and tech support. We still are ramping up, and I expect us to be at full stride within 2 months. Our lead times will return to in-stock to 4-week normal delivery.

COMPETING PRODUCT
While others, such as 5speedtransmissions.com, claim to have a complete bolt on kit for C2 & C3 kit, it is simply not the case. In the past 2months, we have taken in a number of their supposed "kits" from customers refusing to install it in the car due to the cutting and modification required, and performed a proper conversion. You notice there are no pictures of their product, no installation features in magazines, etc. This is because they apparently don't want to show you what you will receive and the steps involved to install their product, which includes extensive cutting - all to yield a product with inferior results to the Keisler product. I'm referring to their shifter fitment, mandatory cutting of the crossmember, floor and console area, lack of bracketry and fitment parts, including driveshaft.


Please bear with us through this growth period and be assured you will receive a product well worth the wait and the best on the market - bar none.

Shafi Keisler, Pres.
Keisler Engineering, Inc., http://www.keislerauto.com