Anybody ever installed 5 or 6 speed?

[Pete R]

Has anyone out there ever installed a Tremec in a 1st gen? Specifically, I'm looking at Keisler "perfect fit'' setups...

[Ryatt-Motion]

I hear that they are on the money when comes to one stop shopping for all the parts necessary for the conversion, infact they were the company I was going to use when I was kicking around the idea of a tremec tko-550.

[Pete R]

They say the complete swap can be done in one day. I was originally looking at TKO 600s from a company in Mass., but I'll have to compare what's offered. Keisler supplies everything except the bell housing and clutch in their package & you end up with a hydraulic system. The other's I've looked at kept the mechanical clutch & was about $2000. Keislers are $3000 for the TKO and $4000 for the T56 setups.....

[Ryatt-Motion]

As I understand it, the number designation on the 500, 550 and 600 are indicative of the torque capability. I was under the impression that Keisler sold the bellhousing as well? There is another place that sells the bellhousing, something like Classic Chevy 5 Speed or something. I will try and find their website.

[Pete R]

I think you're right about both, the torque rating and the bellhousings. I've only seen 500's and 600's. Like I said, I had found a place in Mass that sold the 600's as a kit, but I don't think they included the driveshaft and crossmember (they recommended using a TH400 crossmember). They also used the original clutch linkage. So, while Keisler is considerably more, they might be a better value, especially if its really a bolt in solution. They even showed a picture of the final install and the shifter was dead on where it needed to be in the console! The only thing they don't seem to sell is a replacement shift pattern medalion for the console.

[Ryatt-Motion]

I think you're right about both, the torque rating and the bellhousings. I've only seen 500's and 600's. Like I said, I had found a place in Mass that sold the 600's as a kit, but I don't think they included the driveshaft and crossmember (they recommended using a TH400 crossmember). They also used the original clutch linkage. So, while Keisler is considerably more, they might be a better value, especially if its really a bolt in solution. They even showed a picture of the final install and the shifter was dead on where it needed to be in the console! The only thing they don't seem to sell is a replacement shift pattern medalion for the console.


Pete I don't know anyone that sells the drive shaft as part of the kit as it is a difficult part to sell due to all the varying applications. You would need to have one custom cut by Denny's Drive shaft service. They have a template that shows you where to measure for it and which makes it easier.

[Pete R]

I already had that issue as the Corporate 10 bolt's snout is longer than the original. I was told I would need one an inch shorter than the original....I would wonder if Keisler would already know what the measurement would have to be. This particular rear end is supposed to be a pretty popular swap....

[Ryatt-Motion]

Here is that link for you Pete, these guys should be able to help you with most of what you need if not all.

http://classicchevy5speed.com

[Pete R]

Thanks for the info. Lots of good ideas to consider. Given my budget, I may initially keep the Super T-10 that's in the car right now and swap it out in a couple years. I definitely want to end up with at least 1 OD gear as fuel economy on the highway with my gears (3.73s) at 1:1 would definitely be expensive.

[Ryatt-Motion]

Thanks for the info. Lots of good ideas to consider. Given my budget, I may initially keep the Super T-10 that's in the car right now and swap it out in a couple years. I definitely want to end up with at least 1 OD gear as fuel economy on the highway with my gears (3.73s) at 1:1 would definitely be expensive.


I may end up going with the TKO-500 Elite Combo when my time comes, right now every penny is wrapped up in the body.