Any recommendations?

[mitch_04]

I'm looking at putting a TKO600 behind my fathers '67 Firebird w/a Pontiac 455. Already has a Muncie 4spd in it, but with the 4.11 gears it isn't much fun to drive down the highway. I priced 2 places, American Powertrain was $4000 for a drop in kit, Hurst Conversions was $4500 for their drop in. Both included clutches, offset shifters, bellhousings, etc etc...



Is there any other vendors I should be looking at for a manual overdrive transmission within the same price, or possibly less? Am I missing anything obvious? Also, I like to support site vendors whenever possible, within reason.

[19,69camaro]

You could always do this. Should be a heck of a lot easier http://www.gearvendors.com/hrgm4sm.html

[mitch_04]

I've considered that before, haven't researched it as much as I probably should. I don't think swapping to a TKO will be difficult with the correct parts, seems like it's been done enough to be refined. One other problem with the current tranny is that it has a close ratio, which isn't the greatest for first gear take off and seems to make 2nd almost useless. A gear vendors wouldn't help me with that unless I swapped the 1st gear, which would result in about the same overall cost.

[mitch_04]

Also, the overdrive is .78 vs a TKO600 being .64, much better for the 4.11 rear.

[mitch_04]

Anyone else have any recommended vendors? Any tips as to what I'm trying to accomplish?

[Yenko68]

I'd ask the guys here. So many guys constantly upgrade you might be able to find someone that has one that has never been installed or opened. Wait.. I have one of those kits for my 68 Camaro complete with upgraded short throw. I've had it 2.5 years and it went from the delivery truck to the garage and only the top has been opened. I got it from hurst drivelines. I'd might consider selling it. My TKO600 has the .64 O.D mechanical speedo along and is for the mechanical shift linkage. Did I mention I have the cross member and drive shaft?

[68EFIvert]

You may want to consider a T56 6 speed. I have one in my Mustang and love it. Having 2 OD gears is great. 5th is geared like a road race 5 speed and 6th is like the TKO600 5th gear (.68 or so).

[mitch_04]

Any idea if the T56 can fit in without beating up the firewall?

[Mr Nick]

Stay away from Keisler, that's my only advice.

[mitch_04]

That's what I've been reading. Honestly, American Powertrain has had some scary stories as well, but I can't quite decide if it's enough to warrant not doing business with them. I haven't read anything bad about Hurst, yet anyways!

Can anyone tell me if there is a Pontiac scattershield that allows a T56 to go into a '67 Firebird while using mechanical linkage and no modifications to firewall or shifter opening? I read the thread about Hurst's option with a Chevy engine, but I hadn't seen anything for the Pontiac.

[68EFIvert]

I wish I could answer your t56 question. I know it fit in my Mustang with only about 1/2" trimmed around the shifter opening.

[agto8u]

You can use a Quick Time bellhousing/scatter shield that will allow you to bolt up a t56 to a pontiac motor. You should be able to use the mechanical linkage but not 100% sure since I got the hydraulic set up. I ordered everything from American Powertrain. The t56 was back ordered when I ordered it and updates were slow at first but then they went above what I expected to keep me updated. I even got a couple of calls from the owner! Very satisfied and would use them again.

[mitch_04]

agto8u, does the Quick Time bellhousing fit without any firewall mods? And is the shifter in the correct location?

I'm getting my hopes up!!! Now I just have to talk my father into a T56 instead of a TKO600...

[Quickboat]

Hurst was a smooth deal for me and after research the + 500 bucks was because of a more complete kit.

[mitch_04]

When I was quoted for the TKO600 it was 500 higher, but included a scattershield as well. I had asked for an email copy, but never received it. I might call them back and talk a little further.

[TheJDMan]

You can buy the Hurst Powertrain T56 from Summit and get it shipped the same day. Since you currently have a muncie installed in the car you can buy a tranmission adaptor plate and retain your current clutch setup. You would need these two parts to bolt up the T56 to your existing bellhousing.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/aaf-all26112
and
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mcl-8-207

[agto8u]

I've only mocked it up and it fit. very snug but no cutting on the firewall. There was a small spot on the drivers side that needed a little persuasion. I only needed to push a small spot, 1" diam., in about 1/2 inch. The shifter area required minor trimming for the shifter tower about 1-1/2" towards pass.side. I haven't installed drive shaft and checked angles so it might have to come up more, but at the time the calibrated eyeball put it about same height as the muncie.

[mitch_04]

TheJDMan, wouldn't those adapters push me closer to the firewall than a new scattershield?

agto8u, thanks for the info.

[ROBS6T8]

You can buy the Hurst Powertrain T56 from Summit and get it shipped the same day. Since you currently have a muncie installed in the car you can buy a tranmission adaptor plate and retain your current clutch setup. You would need these two parts to bolt up the T56 to your existing bellhousing.

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/aaf-all26112
and
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/mcl-8-207

Steve, obviously these parts are for the LS1 t-56? I was looking at a used LT1 and there seemed to be too many "changes" that needed to be made. I'm assuming all new t-56 are the LS1 type. Thanks.

[mitch_04]

Yeah, I don't think it would work with a Pontiac motor either...