C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Keisler TKO 600 experiences

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Old Sep 25, 2008 | 05:14 PM
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Default Keisler TKO 600 experiences

Monday I will place an order for the TKO 600 with the .64OD,, prices go up @ $200 on October 1st...



People that have them, any issues?
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Old Sep 25, 2008 | 08:57 PM
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Although his experience is with the Keisler TKO-500, rather than the
TKO-600, Carl Johansson has been a strong proponent of the company
and its business practices.

Not the direct endorsement for the TKO600 you might be seeking, but it
reflects well on the people. The 5 spd had been in Carl's HPDE/ORR/LSR
car for a while when when I drove it at Bonneville in '06 and it is still in
there to the best of my knowledge.

Carl Johansson on Keisler
KEISLER OR RICHMOND ? opinions needed...

Carl should be back from World of Speed 2008 - I expect he would be
ready to answer any questions you might send to him.

TKO-500: 5sp (500HP/500TQ) w/ 0.68 OD in 5th
TKO-600: 5sp (600HP/600TQ) w/ 0.64 OD in 5th
TKO-600: 5sp (600HP/600TQ) w/ 0.82 OD in 5th

Edited: TKO-600 is a 5 sp, not a 6 sp.

.
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Old Sep 25, 2008 | 09:06 PM
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Originally Posted by Slalom4me
Although his experience is with the Keisler TKO-500, rather than the
TKO-600, Carl Johansson has been a strong proponent of the company
and its business practices.

Not the direct endorsement for the TKO600 you might be seeking, but it
reflects well on the people. The 5 spd had been in Carl's HPDE/ORR/LSR
car for a while when when I drove it at Bonneville in '06 and it is still in
there to the best of my knowledge.

Carl Johansson on Keisler

Carl should be back from World of Speed 2008 - I expect he would be
ready to answer any questions you might send to him.

TKO-500: 5sp (500HP/500TQ) w/ 0.68 OD in 5th
TKO-600: 5sp (600HP/600TQ) w/ 0.64 OD in 5th
TKO-600: 5sp (600HP/600TQ) w/ 0.82 OD in 5th

.
I have sent PM's to 2-3 people that have had their TKO's since 2005,

I have read every post in the archives, most of then twice, my experience so far is that the Keisler phone response and customer support so far has been exemplary, I 've had several phone conversations with Keisler and Brand B , Brand B has been very informative but , less flexible,,,,,,the packages are very similar with the shifter mounts being different and the C-beam mount bracket is slightly different as well,

So far Keisler has been more flexible.
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Old Sep 25, 2008 | 09:13 PM
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The TKO is so much smoother on the shifts than the ZF it's really no contest between the two. And if he's really going for 600hp I'd personally feel much better with the TKO under me.

The richmond is as strong, but a bit noisy and clunky.
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Old Sep 25, 2008 | 09:31 PM
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Originally Posted by JLeatherman
The TKO is so much smoother on the shifts than the ZF it's really no contest between the two. And if he's really going for 600hp I'd personally feel much better with the TKO under me.

The richmond is as strong, but a bit noisy and clunky.
Thank you very much for your input..

ROD is not an option, my buddy had one and replaced it with the TKO600....

BTW, he has a ROD for sale, PM me if you are looking for a ROD.....

Keisler TKO Shifting is what I am curious about...
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Old Sep 25, 2008 | 09:34 PM
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If your buddy replaced it with a TKO, then you already know how they shift. For a trans that takes that kind of HP I'd say they're top notch.
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Old Sep 25, 2008 | 09:47 PM
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Originally Posted by JLeatherman
If your buddy replaced it with a TKO, then you already know how they shift. For a trans that takes that kind of HP I'd say they're top notch.
My buddy has a McLeod shifter in his TKO 600,, he did this TKO mod before it was a Keisler or Classic 5 Speed turnkey offering.

Jleatherman, do you have TKO?

Last edited by LD85; Sep 25, 2008 at 09:51 PM.
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Old Sep 25, 2008 | 09:58 PM
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Nah, I'm too poor (just bought a house). I went with the T5 'cause I had to get something other than the 4+3 in mine and I got the T5 in there for less than 500 bucks.

I'm familiar with TKO's trans' and I've always been impressed with the quality and performance. Tried them in several cars (not my own, and none were vettes) and they've always felt great. I can't imaging that making it a bolt-in kit or using the offset components for the shifting could make a big difference to it.

But, no, I've not actually had the pleasure of driving one in a C4 that went in as a "Direct-fit Kit".
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