Tremec 3550 vs. TKO500/600

[USChoice]

Hi Guys,
Been shopping awhile for my Cobra in SoCal and came across a candidate with a Tremec 3550 five speed. Not being experienced with these, is there any reason to be concerned about not choosing something with a newer TKO500/600? Car has a 351 Woodruff's Stage 2, 385HP.
Thanks All,
Dave

[blykins]

You should be ok in a street application with that transmission behind that engine. From a service standpoint, it may be a little harder to get parts for the older transmissions now. A lot of things are different between the older 3550's and the newer TKO's.

[mpanten]

I believe around 2004 o4 2005 when borg warner bought them they changed the numbers, the 3550 is the 500, and the tko is the 600. I shouldnt say anything because i will jinx myself but im running a 3550 with close to 600 hp with no problems.

[blykins]

There were actually several flavors of the older boxes. The 3550's were usually rated for about 375 lb-ft. The TKO's and TKO II's could hold up to 475.

The newer stuff is much more torque capable, with the TKO 500 holding 500 continuous lb-ft and the TKO 600 holding 600 lb-ft. Lots more options available as well, including different overdrive ratios and such.

I would trust it for a mild application such as a 351W.

[Dwight]

Lainhart is running a 3550 behind his KC 427/487c.i. 620 hp motor. No problems.
His Cobra is 19 years old and spend the first eight years on the race track with a 3550. When he bought it they had replaced the 3550 with a new 3550. Tuff trannie.

Dwight

[blykins]

Street tires will make a lot of things live...