Top Loader to a TKO600, Any Regrets?

[LightNFast]

Originally Posted by Obsessive

I have to agree. I've built a couple of these (Cobras with 427 FE motors stroked with a 428 crank) and my favorite combination is the WR TL with 3.08 rear end. I recently, went through my CSX and detuned the motor with a more streetable cam (.507 lift with 274/284 duration), blueprinted the Holley 850 DP and it now feels like the best street set-up I've ever experienced. Personally, I love the character of the car without the 5th gear but enjoy the high gearing for freeway speeds. The motor has way more torque and HP than any of us really need on the street and this seems to be an excellent combination. I have a shifter that I purchased from Dan Williams Toploader years ago and it's nearly perfect. My only complaint with the shifter is that it abandoned the reverse lockout. Call me quirky, but I actually liked that feature in the original set-up. I'm a sucker for originality and the 4spd TL satisfies my need for it being correct. However, my inner hot rodder side took some liberties and I really enjoy this set up.

Hope this helps.

"I'm a sucker for originality"

Same here Obsessive. I think having the original configuration adds to the experience. There's probably not too many original CSX's running TKO's either.

Anyway, if you'd like to have the reverse-lockout feature restored, I'd highly recommend contacting Bill Heeley at fordshifterinfo@verizon.net. He restored mine back to original condition and yes, the lockout feature really is pretty cool!

Best of luck!
Regards,