Transmission Choices?

[wolf k]

Larry, here is another option for you http://www.keislerauto.com/images/Sa...2012-10(2).jpg
I have used their products before, good service.
Wolfgang

[LMH]

Jeff, it looks perfect! So does the rest of the car for that matter.

Wolfgang, thanks for the link. Now we're talking! Note the shifter on the Keisler modified TKO.



The next question is, on a 289 model with a TKO, is that shifter location the correct one? Offset is I'd say but what about front to rear?
Am I a pain in the butt or what!
Larry

[wolf k]

Larry, I am after the same thing you are, a five speed with the the shifter location as in an original 289 car. I did some rough measuring with the TKO, the shifter would need to be located from the middle plate, called a mid-shifter. They are available through Keisler and others. However, it would not be offset to the left as the original, you would have to use a lever with an offset. Personally, I am leaning towards the modified T45 from Keisler because of the better shift quality. You have a TKO and I have a TKO so we both know about the shift feel.

[blykins]

Guys,

McLeod has some shifters that retain the nice aftermarket shifter options (spring loaded, adjustable stops, etc.) but can be ordered with 4" of offset in all directions. You can also combine offsets, like if you would need the shifter to be moved 2" back and 2" to the right, etc.

[LMH]

Yeah, that would solve the correct shifter location issue and if the Keisler T45 has the better shift quality, I think that's the trans for me. I'll do a little reading on the T45,
Larry

[blykins]

I can also supply the T45 with the adapter bellhousings if you decide you want more information on them. My trans supplier also makes the aftermarket gearsets for the T45 and supplies a lot of cores to Keisler.

[LMH]

Does using the T45 shifter location but with an offset shifter, put the shifter in the same location as it would be with a toploader?
I'm not sure of the shifter location on a toploader measured from the bellhousing surface. It looks like the Keisler is 20.5".
Larry

[blykins]

The McLeod shifters that I was talking about are not available for the T45, just TKO's and T-56's.

You could probably go with something like a Pro 5.0 or a Steeda Tri-Ax and use a custom handle.

The shifter location from the bellhousing surface on a Toploader also depends on which tailhousing and shifter plate that you use. There are lots of different positions.

Where do you need to be?

[LMH]

Lets back up a little. I'm looking for a 5 speed overdrive transmission, that will have the shifter in the stock location on a 289 model. 289's used a BW T10 with a long tailshaft.
The 289 shifter is similar in location to this photo:


This is not a Cobra T10 but the shifter is in about the right location. The T10 case measures 10", so I'm guessing the shifter line would be 12"- 13" as measured from the bellhousing mounting face. I don't know if a toploader had the same shifter mount location or not but wondered if it did. Guess it depends on tailshaft.
It looks as though the TKO will work if an offset shifter can be used. Maybe the Keisler as well given the same offset shifter. So far, I can't find dimensions on a Keisler T45 but still looking.
Larry

[blykins]

Yes, the Toploader can be configured to put the shifter in that location. Some 289 Cobras had Toploaders as well.

As for the T-45, keep in mind that the bellhousing is made into the transmission and you will have to use an adapter on anything but a Modular Ford engine.

From the front face of the bellhousing to the shifter C/L is 27". From the front face of the bellhousing to the transmission mount is 24.5".

A TKO with the midshift will get you about where you need to be.

[LMH]

Cool! Thanks Brent.
Larry

[blykins]

Post edited with dimensions.....

[LMH]

Thanks Brent. I didn't know Keisler's trans had it's own bellhousing. Good info.

Here's what I've found:
Measured from the bellhousing mounting surface to the centerline of the shifter,
the TKO is 12.65" at the mid-shift location.
The Richmond Street 5 spd is 20".

Knowing that the gear case on a BW T10 is 10" and the shifter centerline is approximately 2" - 3" beyond that, it looks like the TKO is closest to original using the mid-shift location. Now I need to find an offset shifter for the TKO mid-shift location to move it towards the driver's side and I should be set for what trans I can use.
Geez! I didn't do this much homework when I was in college!
Larry

[wolf k]

Well here is more to ponder, Keisler mills off the integral bellhousing from the T45 and installs their own front cover so that you can bolt it up to what ever bellhousing you want. They also offer multiple shifter locations for that transmission. That web link shows shifter location 12 in. from bellhousing mount. Wolfgang

[LMH]

Originally Posted by wolf k

Well here is more to ponder, Keisler mills off the integral bellhousing from the T45 and installs their own front cover so that you can bolt it up to what ever bellhousing you want. They also offer multiple shifter locations for that transmission. That web link shows shifter location 12 in. from bellhousing mount. Wolfgang

Just have to throw a wrench in the works, don't you!
Larry

[blykins]

Originally Posted by wolf k

Well here is more to ponder, Keisler mills off the integral bellhousing from the T45 and installs their own front cover so that you can bolt it up to what ever bellhousing you want. They also offer multiple shifter locations for that transmission. That web link shows shifter location 12 in. from bellhousing mount. Wolfgang

We also make bellhousing adapters too....

[razerwire]

The comp cars by the old finishline motorsports out of Las Vegas are running Jerico, Tex Racing or G force 4 speeds. You can pick each gear ratio for all 4 gears, comes with internal oil pump to which you hook up radiator. Straight cut gears with dog rings. Mag case with Teflon coating and o ring seals. I like the slight whine, I think its kind of cool. Also shift with no clutch if you want is fun also. Some of the Viper guys run them.

[LMH]

Thanks Jeff! Appreciate the info.
Larry

[bkozlow]

What does anyone know about the Keislar RS-600 trans. This is their own designed trans and I was recently speaking to them about it. I asked, why theirs was better than a TKO. This is from one of the biggest distributors of TKO's in the country. They said that their trans shifts at high speeds much better than TKO and that the TKO was basicly 60's technology. Price wise they are about the same. Has anyone had any experience with this line of transmissions?

bkozlow

[ERA 778]

How about the weights of these various options? I went with the Richmond Gear 5 speed, which R-G says is 90 lbs. but trying to get that thing into the car -wow!- it seems like more than 100 lbs.!