Help requested from experts.

bkniep · #1 (**permalink**) 05-18-2004, 09:39 AM

If this is a FAQ item, please direct me to the correct thread.
Thanks in advance.

I am looking at a SPF mk III and need some advice from the experts here about transmission.
My last two cars were a Z28 (horrible shift feel, long throws etc.)
and a Honda s2000 which has the best shifter I have ever used.
I know I will never get close to the short throws and great feel of the Honda box, but what would be the best manual tranny to use that will come closest.
My ideal cobra would not be an over the top monster, but rather a car I could use often.
I am thinking about a 351W in the 400-425 bhp range.
Thanks for help.
Bill

HighPlainsDrifter · #2 (**permalink**) 05-18-2004, 10:03 AM

Hey Bill,
A 5 speed tremec is a good trans, fill it with synthetic fluid and a good aftermarket shifter and it will give years of trouble free smiles per mile.
Perry

Clois Harlan · #3 (**permalink**) 05-18-2004, 10:09 AM

Hey Bill,

I will second the Tremic as long as you go with the .83 5th gear and not the .67. Ford Motorsports makes a great aftermarket shifter that has (IMO) a better feel than the Honda. I have driven my sisters S2000 and I prefer the Cobra 351W and a Tremic (TKO).

Clois

CC5S · #4 (**permalink**) 06-26-2004, 12:10 PM

Bill:

Here's a break down of the gear ratio for the Tremec Ford TKO 600's:

TKO-600 (part #5008) 1st = 2.87 2nd = 1.89 3rd = 1.28 4th = 1.00 5th = .64

TKO-600 road-race (part#4617) 1st = 2.87, 2nd = 1.89, 3rd = 1.28, 4th = 1.00, 5th = .82

Both will handle 600 ft/lb torque

If you are looking to race (keep RPM's up) in 5th then you should consider part # 4617. If you want to cruise in 5th then you should consider # 5008.

Also make sure you check into what rear gears your are going to run.

CALHOON · #5 (**permalink**) 08-05-2004, 06:46 AM

I think if you did not like the feel of the T56 , you will not like the Tremec/ TKO either. You could get a shorter throw shifter(aftermarket) but it would just increase the feel / shift load. I have not experienced a Honda S2000 but other Hondas with cable shifte have acompletely different shift foscus. They have an extreme amount of isolation and produce a soft and vary vague shift. If this is what you want, you may never get there.

MidOHasp · #6 (**permalink**) 08-05-2004, 08:03 AM

I think Honda has changed the shift feel on their shifters. I have an '03 accord V6 w/ 6-speed and it is a very tight, crisp shifter. Totally different feel than the Tremec, but it is far from soft and vague....

FWIW......

The tremec is a very nice shifting tranny. It's fairly smooth, well defined, and will take powershifts and clutchless shifts very well.

CALHOON · #7 (**permalink**) 08-05-2004, 08:12 AM

I prefer the defined( some call them notchy) shifts Not clunky but crisp. I should look at the latest Honda stuff ( I have not). I have not listed my car here because it is not a Cobra. I have a trans am w/ T56 and I find it quite to my liking for shifte feel. I have a Hurst shifter installed but retain the factory isolator stick. I also have a WRX 5 speed. A mast different feel here too.This is not a steller feel for shifts the synchros ar weak ant it readily clashes if it is pushed too hard (which is not all that hard)

RedBarchetta · #8 (**permalink**) 08-05-2004, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by CALHOON

I prefer the defined( some call them notchy) shifts Not clunky but crisp.

Install a Pro 5.0 aftermarket shifter (like I did) and this is exactly what you will achieve on a Tremec/TKO.

clayfoushee · #9 (**permalink**) 08-05-2004, 09:16 AM

Bill,

Considering that you're entering the Cobra world, why are you not considering the venerable and bullet-proof top-loader? A close ratio with 3:31 rear is hard to beat and provides very short, precise shifts.

IMO, the only downside would be if you intend to do a lot of extended highway cruising above 70mph. The motor will turn slightly over 3K (which is OK), but the noise may get to you after a while.

marcocsx3121 · #10 (**permalink**) 08-05-2004, 09:23 AM

I'm surprised about your reaction to the T56. I've had two (Z28 and C5 'Vette), both with Hurst shifters, and found the throws to be very short, although the effort was on the high side.

Jack21 · #11 (**permalink**) 08-14-2004, 03:02 PM

I have a close ratio (2.95 1st, .73 5th installed) T5-Z with a Hurst shifter behind a stout 351W. Box is filled with Moble 1 synthetic ATF and now has 15,000 trouble free miles on it. If Honda like shifting is what you're after, this is it.

That being said, noting the above, it looks like Tremec now has a close ratio 5 speed. Might be worth a look first.

ToyCollector · #12 (**permalink**) 08-14-2004, 03:08 PM

I personally find a toploader with the Cobra Hurst shifter to be one of the nicest transmissions to shift. Short positive throws that many liken to the feel of the bolt action on a rifle.

Goober · #13 (**permalink**) 08-14-2004, 03:20 PM

Superformance Dealers use a lot of TKO and TKOII behind small and big block engines. They are pretty tough and shift pretty good with the SPF shifter. You can upgrade to a short shift setup if you want. The new TKO 600 Scott mentioned might be the upcoming standard for SPF shortly. If I was ordering a new SPF, I would go for the 600.
Just my 2 cents

Mark