Tko 600

[gsmith]

Hey guys it's been a while since I been here but I have a 67 camaro with a small block and th350 trans. Im thinking about swapping out the th350 for the Tko 600, and wanted to check if anyone has any ideas on what it would cost as far as labor goes? I can do most mechanical projects but unsure about this swap. Thanks

[badazz81z28]

Swapping the transmission will be super easy. Are you going Hydraulic or Mechanical clutch linkage?

I would go for the T56 Magnum tho...The TKO-600 really has no benefit other than being a little smaller (Not easier to install). It doesn't like to shift from 2nd to 3rd under WOT runs. Max RPM is 6000. I really despise my TKO.....

[Todd in Vancouver]

I contacted the guy I got my TKO600 from and according to him the TKO is great but if you want to overcome the shifting issues mentioned then it is best to install an upgraded shifter .
There seems to be a lot of guys running them so I would assume they must be a decent part.

[DarkoNova]

Gotta agree with Todd.

I've never driven anything with a T56, but I bought my TKO kit new and had to decide between a TKO and T56. At the time, I thought I'd never use the 6th gear, but now I regret going with the TKO.

If your rear gears aren't that low, and/or you don't plan on driving your car hard, the TKO might be perfect for you. But if you plan on doing any autocrosses or have 3.73's or lower, you'll want the T56.

What's the most mechanically involved thing you've done to your car? Most recently I've rebuilt my engine and rewired the whole car, but prior to that, I'd just done basic bolt ons, with a few random things like installing a shift kit in my TH350, etc. Swapping from my TH350 to my TKO was easy as pie. I got my kit from Classic Chevy 5 Speed (now Hurst Drivelines) and everything went perfectly, with awesome customer service.

I even bought a hydraulic clutch conversion kit from another company, installed it and had problems, so I took it out and reinstalled the stock mechanical linkage and then reinstalled the transmission...all by myself, on my back, with nothing but a floor jack and hand tools.

If you're mechanically inclined and have a basic set of tools, you can do the install yourself.

[gsmith]

Thanks guys for the help. I have built my car from front to rear with all Hotchkis suspension and Baer SS brakes, I have also built my 383 stroker engine and transmission. I have worked on this project over the past 12 years when money allows. I've been saving for the Tko 600 because it seemed to be the better deal but if y'all think the t56 magnum will work better im gonna have to take a look at it. I have been on this site for several years now and have almost completed my car, thanks to you guys and this site.

[badazz81z28]

I contacted the guy I got my TKO600 from and according to him the TKO is great but if you want to overcome the shifting issues mentioned then it is best to install an upgraded shifter .
There seems to be a lot of guys running them so I would assume they must be a decent part.

Theres no way to fix the shifting issue without breaking into it. The cost involved in that would pay for the difference for the magnum. The most current shifter I'm using is from American Powertrain. APT, Hurst, and the stock one....Same issues. The shifter is not to blame.

[TheJDMan]

I have been looking that the Kiesler SS700 5 speed but delivery seems to be a big question mark. My plans are turning more and more toward the T56.

[badazz81z28]

I have been looking that the Kiesler SS700 5 speed but delivery seems to be a big question mark. My plans are turning more and more toward the T56.

I agree. I Wouldnt be waiting in line for one (Too risky). If they were available to ship today, they are ideal for a non modification install. But until then, stick with the Magnum.