The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Driveline tremec tko 600 question

We were originally going to put a t-5 into our 51' 3100, but after talking to many people about the T-5's, seems they are not really made to hold up to the higher horsepower V-8's. (Hence the sale of our present T-5 in another forum)
So....as much as I hate to spend the extra coin, we are now trying to gather info on the tremec tko 500's or 600's. This purchase will definitely slow down our build and its' budget. Has anyone bought, installed and used one of these? What has your experience been? They are supposed to be a very smooth shifting trans with the overdrive gear. After many miles, do they develp a "whine" in any gear? Thanks in advance for the feedback. Brian and Grant

I used a TK0 600 in a 34 Ford cabriolet and am very pleased with it. The engine is a Roush 402 that dynos at over 500 lb/ft of torque so the trans people recommended the 600 over the 500. They don't give a whit about horsepower but go by torque. The 34 is very space limited so it was nice having three shifter position options. The rear and center can just be switched but having to use the frontmost is a bit more of a hassle. If your going with bucket seats then shifter position is a non-problem.

Brian,

send me a PM on your T5, or call me. you can build a T5 hybrid by putting a V8 camaro front on the S-10 rear housing and shift rail/cover and have 330lb-ft capable transmission. there are cryo-treated gears out on the market place to get you up to 450 lb-ft easy.

The TKO500 would be fine, the TKO600 is overkill unless you build more than 600 lb-ft of torque.

Brian,

send me a PM on your T5, or call me. you can build a T5 hybrid by putting a V8 camaro front on the S-10 rear housing and shift rail/cover and have 330lb-ft capable transmission. there are cryo-treated gears out on the market place to get you up to 450 lb-ft easy.

The TKO500 would be fine, the TKO600 is overkill unless you build more than 600 lb-ft of

Would like to hear more about your T-5 suggestions. Even after the hybrid swap, some trans companies and individuals seems ta think it still wont hold up to a mild street rod? They are also telling me I will have a hard time finding the tailshaft housing I need? What are your thoughts? Brian

I have the Camaro front/S-10 rear like Scott and like that setup. I'm only running a 235 and never really get into it though. Unless you are really improving the suspension you won't be putting a lot of that torque to the road so won't be stressing the tranny as much as it could. If it were me and I was building something stout and could get it to the pavement, I'd bump up to the 500 or 600 if funds were available. Over building and removing weak links is much more fun than breaking down on the road.

Dennis

Dennis:

What did you do about the torque-tube rear? How long have you been running this configuration? Did you encounter any issues with vibration?

Thanks,

~rocker~

Dennis,
As of right now, I plan to replace the torque tube rear with an more modern style rear, such as a gm 10 bolt or a 9 inch. whatever presents itself first. As far as the suspension, I was thinking about a 4 link rear setup with the panhard bar. Up front I will probably go with Scott Danforths IFS weld-in kit.
I think the truck should handle well like this and have a nice stance with drop spindles up front and smaller coils in the back to drop it alittle. Do you see any possible problems with this setup? Thanks, I love the way people on this site help you to avoid mistakes before you get there. Brian

My dilemma was that I wanted to her her looking as stock as possible. Other that a '57 235 (installed by PO) and 12-volt wiring it is all stock. That's also why I chose to replace the 3sp when it went out.

I can't afford a museum piece so I'm determined to upgrade to a more modern trans - at least something I can find parts for! And I'm looking to avoid the domino effect (trans change / axle change / wheel change / front axle change / ad nauseam.

As for your choices the 4-link will be a bit harsh but not any more than the ride you're used to and a lot better grip. My other '37 has 4-wheel independent suspension and it's like driving a sports car.