Let's talk Transmissions

[AC Ventura2]

Originally Posted by PCW

Working with Peter to finalize my build cost and I have most of my build nailed down. Still deciding on the engine builder, but the car will be a FIA 289 with either a 331 or 363 ci with an 8 stack carb weber set up, targeting approx. 425-450 HP. The biggest question I still have is what trans to use.

I have had a lot of appreciated advice from the Facebook Group regarding engines and weber carbs vs weber EFI and decided to go with the carbs. Troy stated use the TKO600 w/the .82 final drive. But I keep finding threads about the Toploader (TL) and the Richmond Super Street 5 Speed (RSS), I see positive comments for all three.

So my plan at this point is to use on the street, but, I want to future proof the car as I feel I'm going to want to track it sometimes. I adding the ERA rear end, BIG brakes and the discussions with the engine builders have been a balance between a street/track motor. With all that said, what are your thoughts about transmissions? Pros vs Cons, likes and dislike etc..

Thanks Craig

I’m not as well qualified as some people on here, but I did agonise between a TKO 600 .64/.82. I was attracted to the .64 as I am in Europe and would have liked motorway fuel economy. But so many guys with the .64 said they were constantly switching between 4th and 5th at 70mph, that they regretted the decision. In the end I realised that I wasn’t building an economy car, went straight in for the .82. If you look at the ratios, it’s quite similar to the Toploader, but with an additional gear. It was the right decision and despite my car being a big block, I imagine 5 gears is enough for most Cobras, most of the time.
The TKO is as sweet as the old T-5, provided you dial it in, as mine was .022” TIR off centre ! The other thing I got right was having a short shaft fitted and a low profile bellhousing. This makes the whole drivertrain shorter, that helps with the heat out and allows a fractionally longer driveshaft.
My only mistake was the Super Street Pro 75236 12” clutch. My operating system has to be 1:1 and it’s ridiculously heavy, although it not that noticeable when you are actually driving.
In summary, live many owners I’ve found the TKO ideal and don’t see any reason to seek a transmission that’s longer, bigger and heavier.