SPF Trans/Clutch Swap

JAM1775 · #1 (**permalink**) 09-08-2011, 04:50 AM

I just purchased a Superformance.

Can the transmission be moved back allowing enough clearance to remove the McCleod shield and replace the clutch and instal an AL flywheel ??

This is an earlier 2001 model. For next season, I was also considering a swap from TKO 500 to the Tremec 600. I was told seats must come out, rugs off and trans tunnel cover must come off to remove the TKO.
Uugh....maybe it's best to get it all done in one felled swoop ?
Any advice or assistance is appreciated .
Tx
Jam

jhv48 · #2 (**permalink**) 09-08-2011, 06:33 AM

Yep, you're going to have pull the trans out through the interior in order to change any of the above. Not
real difficult. Just make sure you have a lift or a strong buddy to lift the trans out of the interior.
Do a search for step by step instructions. Or join scof and their site will walk you through.

Mark IV · #3 (**permalink**) 09-08-2011, 07:12 AM

Pulling the seats and tunnel will take far less time than trying to snake stuff out without doing so. Before you pull the tunnel either remove the carpets (glued down but can be removed) of cover them with Road Wrap. The sealer on the tunnel to floor is stringy, nasty stuff that you don't want to try to remove from your carpets. We use the Road Wrap Protective Film : New Car Paint Protection : Paint Protector : Automobile Paint Protection : BuyRoadWrap.com

mpanten · #4 (**permalink**) 09-08-2011, 08:02 AM

You can do it through the tunnel or you can stab the engine and trans and do it outside the car. Sometimes its difficult to get the trans shaft in there so I just pulled the whole thing out. It may take a little more time but not as much as you think.

JAM1775 · #5 (**permalink**) 09-08-2011, 08:12 AM

Thanks guys....I will go from inside and just swap the tranny for the 600....DONE !

I also just noticed the slave cylinder had a bit of leakage as I removed the boot seal. Plus it only pushes out about 1/3 it's cylinder travel. If needed...where the heck do I locate a slave cylinder ?

mpanten · #6 (**permalink**) 09-08-2011, 08:23 AM

Forte has them, speedway motors sell them, summit..

jhv48 · #7 (**permalink**) 09-08-2011, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAM1775

Thanks guys....I will go from inside and just swap the tranny for the 600....DONE !

I also just noticed the slave cylinder had a bit of leakage as I removed the boot seal. Plus it only pushes out about 1/3 it's cylinder travel. If needed...where the heck do I locate a slave cylinder ?

I got my slave from napa. I think it cost about $14. Before you bolt in that new tko 600, make sure you pick the right fifth gear for your engine and driving style.

JAM1775 · #8 (**permalink**) 09-08-2011, 07:00 PM

Thanks again guys.....I am thinking of the .064 OD tranny...the motor has good low end torque. I also have a napa about a mile from my house !

Silverback51 · #9 (**permalink**) 09-09-2011, 03:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAM1775

Thanks again guys.....I am thinking of the .064 OD tranny...the motor has good low end torque. I also have a napa about a mile from my house !

I have the .64

and I hate it. I'm swapping out my transmission this winter for the .82.

Mark IV · #10 (**permalink**) 09-09-2011, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Silverback51

I have the .64

and I hate it. I'm swapping out my transmission this winter for the .82.

Several people who selected the .64 have told me they regret the choice. Unless you are crusing over 100 MPH you really won't use 5th gear with the .64. The .82 is useable with a 3.31 to 3.73 rear in the 60 to 80 range that the .62 will be lugging. Do some research, there are some other threads on this as well as some gear charts posted online.

JAM1775 · #11 (**permalink**) 09-09-2011, 05:10 AM

Yikes....I have a .068 OD in my Tremec and it feels fine at 60-65mph...the difference to .064 is something to consider !
Went on Summit last night but I think I need to get under the car again to match the right slave cylinder.

DonC · #12 (**permalink**) 09-09-2011, 07:18 AM

FWIW I'm running the 0.82 fifth with 17" rims and 3.07 rear gears behind a big block that's bored and stroked out to 450 cubes. At 70 MPH cruise I'm turning about 2200 RPM. Wind noise and exhaust noise are just about even. Very happy with this combination.
DonC

jhv48 · #13 (**permalink**) 09-09-2011, 07:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JAM1775

Yikes....I have a .068 OD in my Tremec and it feels fine at 60-65mph...the difference to .064 is something to consider !
Went on Summit last night but I think I need to get under the car again to match the right slave cylinder.

Pull off the old slave and take it to NAPA, or go online to their internet site and do a search. You will find one that matches the one you took off. As for the difference between a .68 and .64 overdrive, if you enjoy the .68 ratio, then the .64 will make little difference and you will hate the .82. In San Diego, we have freeways where you can drive 75-80 mph. My .64 and 3.46 rear end (along with a torquer of an engine) make for 2400 rpm cruising. No lugging or excessive noise. Want to pass a slower car? Push down the gas pedal. Want to pass really fast, shift down to fourth.
It all depends on your engine/rear end/driving style.

JAM1775 · #14 (**permalink**) 09-09-2011, 07:55 AM

Don.....
I just took out a calculator ....
Are my numbers messed up ?

I had 327's in the car with the Tremec 500 .68 OD Using a calcualtor just to compare ratios: 3.27 x .68 = 2.223

Now I still have the Tremec 500 but went back with the original SPF 373's .
3.73 x .68 = 2.536.
You mentioned you have 3.08 x .82 = 2.525
Assuming we both have the same 27" tall wheels ( I know you have 17' rims)
that makes our current combos very similar !

In keeping the 3.73 rear gears ...if I bought the Tremec 600 with .64 OD that would be: 3.73 x .64 = 2.387

That's actually steeper than when I had the 327's but not as steep as what am now running !

JAM1775 · #15 (**permalink**) 09-09-2011, 08:09 AM

Thanks Jim.....I agree on the gearing especially since I have the steeper 3.73's.
I will match up the slave this morning.

akfish · #16 (**permalink**) 09-09-2011, 08:38 AM

this is fun to play around with.......Tech Tips

Silverback51 · #17 (**permalink**) 09-09-2011, 04:08 PM

Here is a great site with all kinds of automotive calculators.

Wallace Racing - Automotive Calculators

JAM1775 · #18 (**permalink**) 09-09-2011, 04:45 PM

Hah ! Hey John Hall....I have the Wallace link in my favorites and have refeered to it many times especially last year when I bought my GT500 ! Thanks Bud !

Thanks boys for all your help. As we all know we are individuals with individual preferences. I have learned a lot from this thread !

Today I ordered the Tremec 600 and based on the motor making 450ft.lbs at 2800RPM decided on the .64OD . Thanks to Mike Forte's guidance I also ordered a RAM clutch & Ford Racing AL flywheel.
I am looking forward to how she runs with the 373's.....and the long 2.87 first gear .
All advice was much appreciated...............Jam