bugs in tko600

[chpr1972]

I have read all the bad threads on the tko600 and most are old threads. my question is: has the problems with this transmission been worked out or are they still having problems with these transmissions. I will not be using it for racing or autocross or road racing. It is a cruiser with muncie and 3:50 rear gear and 25.4 tires. I will get on it, but no 3000-6000 launches. Right now I have it red lined at 5700 rpm and if I raise it it will only be to 6200 at most.{BBC 496}

[Schwartz Performance]

The only problems we have encountered is that they're a little hard to shift, especially at high RPM's. Most trans companies like Bowler, D&D, etc can modify the synchros I believe, and that'll get it shifting better. I don't believe Tremec has done any mods to combat that.

-Dale

[chpr1972]

Which company has the better transmission or it the same transmission? I should have asked in the 1st thread.

[nokones]

It is my understanding that either American Power Train or Hurst Drive lines has an exclusive option that they offer to help with the shifting problem. I believe the option cost is about $200 extra. What I was told that the 2-3 shift problem was from when drivers try to push the shifter through the gate instead of just pushing the shifter straight up and letting the mechanism do its job. I'll find out what the deal is when I get my car back in a couple of weeks. It'll have a TKO600 in it.

[Windycity1]

I have owned a TKO 600 for many years and have never had a problem. Most of the issues people have in my opinion are operator error.

[TwinSting]

I just sent mine to Liberty and they did there work to it to make it shift right. Havent tried it yet but read and heard good things about Liberty. They sell modified ones too.

[Bad94]

Bowlers has them in stock, and can put a complete package together.

[nokones]

I think it is safe to say that all those bugs have been fumigated/eradicated and the trannies are now bug-free.

[79 Camaro]

Got one of each. TKO600 in my Camaro and T56 Magnum in LS 99 BMW swap.

The TKO600 has been bullet proof. I don't shift at 6500 rpm. Again zero troubles after 6000 miles.

Did the 3 series BMW swap. LS1 with cam and head swap. Really had to think about the trans.

After driving the BMW the T56 mag makes the TKO seem like a mid 70's truck trans. It's that much better.

Seems odd Tremec doesn't mod the TKO600 with the updated parts.

[another69]

I really took my time dialing in the bell housing and my stock TKO 600 shifts nice. I bought mine before Keisler went out of business. For the 1st 500 miles or so it was a little tough to shift while it broke in but after that it has been really smooth, even at higher RPM (about 6000). For normal driving I gently push the shifter towards the next gear and it just clicks in.

[badazz81z28]

I contacted tremec a couple years ago about the rumors. They stated there is no problem with the transmissions nor has their been a design change. They will claim the shifting issues are caused by poor bellhousing alignment and clutch release issues. From having my tko behind a SBC and a ls, I believe them. I had shifting issues at high rpm on the SBC, dialed it in perfectly on the LS and used a hydraulic clutch release system, not a single issue.

[nokones]

I ran my new TKO 600 last weekend for the first time at the SCCA National Tour in San Diego. I had no problems with shifting from second to third at or above 6500 rpms. The shifting was very smooth and positive. My tranny has the Sidewinder II shifter and I am using a triple disk 5 inch Tilton with the hydraulic throwout.

Make sure that you used the recommended transmission fluid which is the GM Syncromesh Manual Transmission Fluid.

[another69]

A triple disk 5 inch? What kind of motor/power do you have? I will eventually put this trans behind an LS. I have an SBC with a quicktime bellhousing now - would you guys reuse this bellhousing behind the LS with a spacer or get an LS specific one?

[badazz81z28]

A triple disk 5 inch? What kind of motor/power do you have? I will eventually put this trans behind an LS. I have an SBC with a quicktime bellhousing now - would you guys reuse this bellhousing behind the LS with a spacer or get an LS specific one?

My LS made 460 to the tires and spun it to 6800rpms. I would recommend getting a LS specific bellhousing

[another69]

Yeah thats pretty serious. What bellhousing and clutch did you use?

[badazz81z28]

Yeah thats pretty serious. What bellhousing and clutch did you use?

I'm using the Quicktime LS bellhousing and was using a monster level 3 and now a Mcleod RXT twin.

[nokones]

A triple disk 5 inch? What kind of motor/power do you have? I will eventually put this trans behind an LS. I have an SBC with a quicktime bellhousing now - would you guys reuse this bellhousing behind the LS with a spacer or get an LS specific one?

All aluminum SBC brodix block with well over 600hp. I would use a specific LS bell housing.

[chpr1972]

thank u'all for the comments. Liberty sells a TKO600 that they do syncro mods and other minor mods that I think I will buy. It is $2695 and 155 shipping. For the mods the guy told me they do it is worth the extra money. he told me usual ship time is about 1 week