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My Cobra began life with a wide ratio top loader and a 3.50 9" rear gear behind a 351W. Because I built the car as a cruiser and not as a race car I didn't like turning nearly 3000 RPM at 65 mph on the interstate. Fortunately, when the car was built I had modified the top loader bell housing to use a late Mustang cable clutch setup. Last year I swapped out the top loader for a super duty T-5 and matching late Mustang bell housing and flywheel. The hole in the tunnel for the shifter had to be slightly relocated and the rear trans cross member had to be modified. Also the drive shaft needed to be shortened a tad. I'm very happy with the results; smoother shifting and turning 1750 RPM in 5th at 65 MPH. Unless you are planning mega horsepower and a race machine, a well built world class T-5 will hold up nicely and perform well.
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I have a TKO 600 behind my stroker Windsdor. I had ordered a .82 5th gear but the .64 was installed by error. I am glad that it was, and I find 1st through 4th nicely spaced for the 3.46 rear end ratio in my car. I use 4th mostly cruising and up to about 55 mph then shift into 5th on the highway. I do not race, so I am very happy with the .64 final. Go for the 5 speed regardless, you will not be sorry that you did!
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4 speed = old school. 5/6 speed = new school. Much more user freindly and drivable.
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Jdog-what is your 1st gear ratio?
JWD-a lot of ignorant peole come from the "new school".There isn't a TKO on the planet that shifts as smooth as a properly set-up Toploader.And lowering rpms in top gear has very little to do with driveability. All of you who think cruising at 1700,2000,2300 rpm is great-think again.At those engine speeds,your advance isn't all the way in-you're actually LOSING MPG. |
I have a Jag 4pd with electic O/D ,which sometimes does'nt work and sometimes does.I would use a 5 spd for sure!!
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Quote:
I come from the "old school". I've had cars with top loader's, M-22 Muncie's, super T-10's etc. and my TKO 600 shifts better than any of them. As far as your comment on vacuum advance, if it is hooked up to full vacuum like it should be , you WILL be getting the best mileage and performance. |
five speed
I have a TKO 600 2.87 1 St. and .64 5 Th.
5.0 stroked to 354, 3:55 rear gears, 323 rwhp & 375 rwtq cruise at 1500 rpm 50 mph and 70 mph about 2000 rpm 20.8 miles per gal I have a lot of low end torque which makes this combination great for cruising Dwight |
CobraBill, although it's true that all your mechanical advance may not be in by 2000 RPM, if your distributor has vacuum advance there should still be significant advance present because while cruising you will still have good manifold vacuum.
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If I were building from scratch again I would go with the TKO 600. I chose a toploader behind my 427 w/ 635 hp and a redline of 6800. I will be switching over probably this winter. I road race and on the longer tracks (Road America 4 + miles) where you can hit speeds in excess of 140 mph a .86 5th gear would be very nice.
However, my toploader is almost bullit proof because I have been racing the car in excess of 6000 miles without a single transmission issue. I am not sure the TKO will hold up as well. Clois = |
4 or 5
Thanks to all that responded.
I'm going with the 5spd. sbk |
A lot of us have been through the meat grinder on this one.I rebuilt a top loader used with Hurst comp plus shifter,it was a great setup.The problem was turnpike driving,and running the 460 hard.Solution! was a Tremec TKO and a 3:73 rear gear,making 1st gear an absolute spine crusher,5th gear overdrive made turnpike driving a pleasure.Not that I use the turnpike much,now I don't dread having to jump on it once in a while.
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