Swap T-10 out with a Tremec TKX
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 486
Likes: 149
From: northern colorado usa
Swap T-10 out with a Tremec TKX
The old (not original) '62 BW T-10 in my '56 is ready for retirement. I understand that a good swap is a Tremec TKX 5 speed. A few questions; Is this a bolt in installation without any modifications, adapters etc.? Will I have an issue with the shifter location in the tunnel? Which 5th gear should I go with?
Thank you,
Phil
Thank you,
Phil
Drifting
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,348
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From: Sierra Vista, AZ
Depends which TKX you get. I got one from SST for my 62, it was mostly a bolt in operation....I had to modify the ash tray opening, and get the driveshaft shortened, as well as change the clutch for one with correct splines. And I pulled the engine loose to swing it forward so I could install the new transmission, without going through the weird bellhousing/clutch orchestration that is suggested in the installation manual.
If you get a transmission without the modified shifter location, you will have to modify the floor more.
Which overdrive ratio to get depends on the rear gear ratio you have, how big your camshaft is, and what you intend to do with the car. I have 3.08s with a stock cam and drive all over the place so I got "wide" ratio.
If you get a transmission without the modified shifter location, you will have to modify the floor more.
Which overdrive ratio to get depends on the rear gear ratio you have, how big your camshaft is, and what you intend to do with the car. I have 3.08s with a stock cam and drive all over the place so I got "wide" ratio.
Last edited by jforb; May 24, 2026 at 04:38 PM.
Pro
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: Strongsville, Ohio
There are a lot of people that are happy with their TKX's, but there are some of us fighting vibration problems that have no resolution due to engineering problems- to fit the TKX into the tunnel the trans has to be dropped a couple of inches which royally screws up u-joint angles.
I really regret putting a TKX in my '67, and I mean REALLY regret it.
I really regret putting a TKX in my '67, and I mean REALLY regret it.
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My 61 T10 is pretty beat up so I'm exploring options like the TKX 5 Speed right now. I'm also looking at a Super T10 4 speed. I have a 3:08 rear, so I don't really need the extra gear. I like the look of the stock shifter and would like a tranny that installs without having to make alot of alterations.
My 61 has a 383 and the stock T10 isn't robust enough to handle it. I'll be watching this thread to see what you decide. Also curious about the best place to buy.
My 61 has a 383 and the stock T10 isn't robust enough to handle it. I'll be watching this thread to see what you decide. Also curious about the best place to buy.
Last edited by capevettes; May 24, 2026 at 07:49 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 486
Likes: 149
From: northern colorado usa
There are a lot of people that are happy with their TKX's, but there are some of us fighting vibration problems that have no resolution due to engineering problems- to fit the TKX into the tunnel the trans has to be dropped a couple of inches which royally screws up u-joint angles.
I really regret putting a TKX in my '67, and I mean REALLY regret it.
I really regret putting a TKX in my '67, and I mean REALLY regret it.
Good luck and thanks for the insight.
Drifting
Joined: May 2023
Posts: 1,348
Likes: 1,003
From: Sierra Vista, AZ
There area guys with C1 and C2 corvettes here on the forum. You asked about a C1 installation, and got a C2 answer not recommending it. Keep in mind that the C1 doesn't have the driveline angle issue that the C2 has....
Last edited by jforb; May 24, 2026 at 10:48 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 486
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From: northern colorado usa
That is good news about the driveline angle (non) issue for C1's. Your earlier post was very helpful as well. I sure don't wish to hack-up my tunnel if avoidable. Thank you.
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C1s have horrible driveline angles. In fact, to the best of my knowledge, C1 u-joints operate right at the maximum recommended angles, even with a stock length drive shaft. Shortening the driveshaft to accommodate a longer transmission causes the angles to be even worse.
Last edited by jim lockwood; Yesterday at 11:23 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2011
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My 61 T10 is pretty beat up so I'm exploring options like the TKX 5 Speed right now. I'm also looking at a Super T10 4 speed. I have a 3:08 rear, so I don't really need the extra gear. I like the look of the stock shifter and would like a tranny that installs without having to make alot of alterations.
My 61 has a 383 and the stock T10 isn't robust enough to handle it. I'll be watching this thread to see what you decide. Also curious about the best place to buy.
My 61 has a 383 and the stock T10 isn't robust enough to handle it. I'll be watching this thread to see what you decide. Also curious about the best place to buy.
Good to know you sound happy with the 3.08"s
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,111
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I did machine custom wedges for my '59 rear end spring pads
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,111
Likes: 258
I don't understand your comment.
C1s have horrible driveline angles. In fact, to the best of my knowledge, C1 u-joints operate right at the maximum angles, even with a stock length drive shaft. Shortening the driveshaft to accommodate a longer transmission causes the angles to be even worse.
C1s have horrible driveline angles. In fact, to the best of my knowledge, C1 u-joints operate right at the maximum angles, even with a stock length drive shaft. Shortening the driveshaft to accommodate a longer transmission causes the angles to be even worse.
Almost Retired
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,299
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From: Akron, Ohio
Don't let the nay sayers deter you. If they are having vibration problems they probably didn't follows the instructions.
I have a tremec in my 62 since 2009 with over 40,000 miles on it. No problem with driveshaft angles. Which Tremec depends on rear end ratio, gives us a few more details.
I have a tremec in my 62 since 2009 with over 40,000 miles on it. No problem with driveshaft angles. Which Tremec depends on rear end ratio, gives us a few more details.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 486
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From: northern colorado usa
Thank you for the input.
phil
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,375
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From: Redondo Beach, California
Have the Tremec TKO 5 speed in my C3. Really love it. Crisp short shift lever throw. I have a 3.73:1 differential. The overdrive results in nice low rpm readings on the interstate.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 486
Likes: 149
From: northern colorado usa
Don't let the nay sayers deter you. If they are having vibration problems they probably didn't follows the instructions.
I have a tremec in my 62 since 2009 with over 40,000 miles on it. No problem with driveshaft angles. Which Tremec depends on rear end ratio, gives us a few more details.
I have a tremec in my 62 since 2009 with over 40,000 miles on it. No problem with driveshaft angles. Which Tremec depends on rear end ratio, gives us a few more details.
The shifting is difficult, especially second to third and third to second. It occasionally pops out of third gear on deceleration. The linkage was adjusted, by a real mechanic, and there was a slight improvement, but the negative symptoms remain. It makes the car difficult to drive.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 575
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From: Fort Worth Texas
I have a TKX in my 67 coupe and I just love it! I don't know how it would compare to a C2. The shifting is so smooth and precise. I also have a 525hp LS3 and the TKX can handle 600 ft lbs. of torque, so it isn't a problem in that regard. H
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 3,111
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To understand your post, these wedges would then offer some adjustment capabilities for the drive shaft angle? Would these adjustments be by slightly rotating the rear end to accommodate the drive shaft angle or would they reposition the height of the rearend, relative to the drive shaft, to enhance the angle?
Thank you for the input.
phil
Thank you for the input.
phil
I had them custom milled (for angle, to keep them thin and be able to weld) and then tack welded them to the spring pads.
I run the original shifter(s) in my car : one for T10 and one for Muncie - have never had any shifting problems with either tranny.
Weird about 3rd gear jumping out - usually it's 2nd
Last edited by QIK59; Yesterday at 12:09 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 486
Likes: 149
From: northern colorado usa
The wedges (angle shims) were to rotate the rear end to get the U-joint angles in closer agreement.
I had them custom milled (for angle, to keep them thin and be able to weld) and then tack welded them to the spring pads.
I run the original shifter(s) in my car : one for T10 and one for Muncie - have never had any shifting problems with either tranny.
Weird about 3rd gear jumping out - usually it's 2nd
I had them custom milled (for angle, to keep them thin and be able to weld) and then tack welded them to the spring pads.
I run the original shifter(s) in my car : one for T10 and one for Muncie - have never had any shifting problems with either tranny.
Weird about 3rd gear jumping out - usually it's 2nd
Yes, I misspoke. It is 2nd gear. Thank you for your wonderful input.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2024
Posts: 1,585
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From: Florida
I wonder if some are getting the TKO mixed up with the TKX?? I know the TKO is larger and had fitting problems in most cars.. The TKX is smaller