Which TKO to use

[BBQCYCLEWERKES]

Which TKO trans do you recommend for a sbf motor. 408CI approx 500 HP and 500 TQ. Any good deals out there to be had on a transmission. I'll need the complete set up. Advise and leads would be greatly appreciated.

[Kit Cars Mexico]

TKO 600
TCET 4617
.82 R

I always use it with good results.

Alfredo

[Dwight]

The 500 and 600 will meet your tq needs. Your tires are the weak link in a lite Cobra.

The 500 has a 3.27 1st gear and the 600 has your choice of 3.27 or 2.87 1st gear.
You need to consider your rear end ratio and tire size.

The 3.27 was to low for my 25 inch tires. First gear was use-less.

I chose the 600 with the 2.87 1st gear.


You have a choice of .64 or .82 5th gear in the 600.

Calculate you highway cruise speed to help you chose the correct trannie or do like I did and buy & test till you find the correct one.

Side note; Lainhart has a 3550 that spend eight year on the track with a 427 s.o. in front of it. We don't know the mileage but the front end and motor were worn out!
Motor rebuild by KC to a 617 hp 487 c.i. moster. Same 3550. Oh yea 12" wide rims and tires on the back.
Great trannie.

Dwight

[blykins]

I'm a supplier for Tremec along with a myriad of other drivetrain part manufacturers. I'd be glad to help you with any questions that you have.

The TKO 500 is rated for 500 lb-ft of continuous torque. Likewise, the TKO 600 is rated for 600 lb-ft. There is only $90 between the two.

Here's the flowchart that I usually use in my brain for helping customers with their drivetrain packages:

If you have an existing small block Toploader setup with a lower horsepower engine, it's worthwhile to look at the 500, since you can reuse your clutch components.

Otherwise, it's worth the extra $90 to have the extra 100 lb-ft of torque capacity. The clutch components are generally the same price.

Again, feel free to email me or call: 502.759.1431 We can discuss bellhousing requirements, transmissions, and clutch components. Everything can be perfectly matched to your particular combination.

I give a discount to Club Cobra members and the larger the package, the more I'm able to discount.

[RET_COP]

My 3.27 first gear with a 26" tire and 3.27 rear gears at 8MPH at idle (1000rpms) is nice for cruising through parking lots and car shows, parades, and slow downtown traffic while setting off car alarms and rattling windows.

[Mac VABCH]

I personally like the T5. I know there are going to be nay Sayers that will say it won't survive behind that kind of power but I have a stock T5 behind a + 600 hp motor. It shifts very smooth and it's lighter that the TKOs. You can find nice used one for under 500. Not sure how much they are new I think around 1100-1500. If your going to drag race or put 17" drag radials on it then I would say go with the TKO, but if not a T5 will save you money and weight.

[mkassab]

[quote=blykins;1093729]Again, feel free to email me or call: 502.759.1431 We can discuss bellhousing requirements, transmissions, and clutch components. Everything can be perfectly matched to your particular combination.
QUOTE]

BBQ.... do yourself a big favor.... call Brent (B2 Motorsports) and discuss. He'll help you in so many ways and worth building the relationship.

Mark

[Excaliber]

That first gear ratio is really an important factor, for me, I prefer a higher 1st gear ratio. I'm running the TKO600 for that reason.

[wideglidejoe]

Originally Posted by Excaliber

That first gear ratio is really an important factor, for me, I prefer a higher 1st gear ratio. I'm running the TKO600 for that reason.

X2 what Excaliber said. I'm running a stroker FE, and first gear ratio was a huge decision factor for me picking the 2.87 first gear 600 over the 3.27 1st gear of the 500. Depending on your rear axle ratio, your first gear can be useless.

[pusherfans]

I have a TKO 600 with .82 OD, but it revs too much on the highway, but then my motor has a big cam and does not like to cruise below 2200 RPM (but will pull from there) if I were to do it again, I would get a smaller cam so it would cruise easier below 2200 RPM and go with the .64 5th gear to get it to relax more on the highway.

I can send you the excel file for you to change the numbers to fit your application. (and so you can see it better, I was unable to attach a zip file or a pdf for some reason) Just PM me with your email address.

[charles roybal]

408w 527 hp, I am very happy with tko 500... 3.27.... 17's wheels ,315's rear. I can climb Trans Mount road in 5th(.68) w/ a passenger full tank of gas speed at 50 mph rpm's at 1,600 and it's PULLING!!!! 70mph 1,900rpm .. great for cursing...the pipes are not screaming..you can hold a normal conversation w/passenger.

[Slick61]

aluminum 427 windsor with a nasty cam, 612 hp, 3.73 rear, TKO-600 w/0.82 overdrive... turns about 3k rpm @ 75-80 mph... right in the sweet spot of the cam...