Toploader vs TKO 600 Subjective Shift 'Feel' Rankings

[Anthony]

I think you'll get people saying each is the better tranny, but the main thing is to get the right rear end ratio for the particular tranny you pick, because if you donlt, some gears may be "useless", or the ratio's may not be optimal for cruising/acceleration.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by Anthony

I think you'll get people saying each is the better tranny, but the main thing is to get the right rear end ratio for the particular tranny you pick, because if you donlt, some gears may be "useless", or the ratio's may not be optimal for cruising/acceleration.

Yep, I remember somebody writing last year that his 1st gear took him to 70MPH, in a street car no less.

[vector1]

if you're using a 289/302 block you could easily use an aftermarket t5 and save 30 lbs and put more hp to the rear tires (i've heard the tremecs will eat more hp, don't know about the toploader). t5 75 lbs., tko's 105 lbs.

i drive a tko600 behind a 351 with 30-hrs and it shifts better now i believe with more use. the shifting is quick 1-2-3-4, as the pedal is going in the shifter is coming out and going into the next gear by the time the pedal hits the floor at lower rpm's. going to 5th is over and up so takes more stuff. i'm using a roller pilot bearing so this might help, i also broke the tranny in with reg. synchromesh for as few easy miles as i could stand then went to pennzoil synchromesh which i read is supposed to be a preferred lube. i think the heavier gears of the tkos take a little to get used to shift wise, the t5 is supposed to be better shifting.

actually i have two different setups, one has the .64 od, the other 82. the 64 is nice to cruise at hiway but the rear gear is too small so it takes a downshift to pass. the .82 is another gear compared to the 64, with your 302 based engine i would stay with 82 od or similiar t5 or 1-1 toploader.

use a lightweight flywheel clutch assbly also, helps tremendously.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by vector1

...use a lightweight flywheel clutch assbly also, helps tremendously.

Very good point. Almost every car on this forum should have an aluminum flywheel (IMHO).

[RodKnock]

An old thread to refer to:

Tremec 600 -5spd Toploader

I remember Joe Weight at Kirkham telling me that virtually all Kirkhams get built with a Tremec.

[WildBill3]

My third gear is nearly imposible under WOT no other shifts are a problem on the 600 I have the replacment shift lugs from Fortes but have never put them in thats my next project and im running the penziol syncro fluid also.We had a M21 back in the day never a problem shifting.If I had to do it over it would be a Jerico RR tranni.

[badrich]

While there's a lot of good information here, I believe the original question was about shifting "feel." I've had top loaders and now a Tremec 600RR with Hurst linkage behind my big block and I think they've all rated 9+. I purchased a Tremec package from Modern Driveline and everything works just fine. Even looks like an original (from the top). Rich

[tkb289]

Even more info ... gotta love Club Cobra!

(and thanks Rodney for the link to a past discussion)

I have not picked a motor builder yet, but do know that at this point I have been consistently leaning towards a fairly mild 289/302, but one that is reliable, well balanced and that sounds good, especially at higher RPMs. (I have a normally aspirated 2001 Cobra Mustang with the 32 valve motor, that just rips at high RPMs)

Per the advice above, I'll take all of the different factors into account, before buying any major components.

To answer some of the questions above ...

- I plan to keep the car along with my trusty TR6 ... which with a whopping 104 HP, is a lot of fun to drive.

- Plan on weekend drives and Club Cobra events, no racing aspirations.

- This may sound un-American, but for me at this point, I would rather have a car that might be deemed underpowered by some, but still fun. Don't want scary fun, just fun, if that makes any sense.

- Gas mileage and long freeway trips are less of a priority. I am fortunate to live near some great roads that wind through the coastal mountains ... and am just a few hours away from the Sierras.

All of this factors into the choice of transmission, which is one of the many important items to be considered. Decisions ... decisions

Thanks again for all of the input!


- Tim

[Got the Bug]

Originally Posted by tkb289

I have not picked a motor builder yet, but do know that at this point I have been consistently leaning towards a fairly mild 289/302, but one that is reliable, well balanced and that sounds good, especially at higher RPMs. (I have a normally aspirated 2001 Cobra Mustang with the 32 valve motor, that just rips at high RPMs)

Per the advice above, I'll take all of the different factors into account, before buying any major components.

- Plan on weekend drives and Club Cobra events, no racing aspirations.

- This may sound un-American, but for me at this point, I would rather have a car that might be deemed underpowered by some, but still fun. Don't want scary fun, just fun, if that makes any sense.

- Tim

Tim,

The great thing is that you get to build your car exactly how you've dreamed about it. A high HP engine is great for bragging rights or track time, but with the exception of a blast here and there, the power is overkill for the street. I love the motor in my car, but I could live with less HP and be happy as a clam.

[twobjshelbys]

Mine is a TKO600. I like the "short throw" linkage. I drove my '08 SGT once before it went away, and my Cobra's TKO600 is very familiar. I remember the trans's from the 60's and the shifters were so LONG compared to these.

[snakebitekit]

tbk289, I am currently in my build FIA/ERA #2119. Should be finished in about 45 days or less. I bought the tremec 500 and have had installed once already, (don't ask), the shifter position for me is perfect. When I installed it and sat in the seat I grinned from ear to ear. Put my arm and hand to the shifter lever and just sat there in perfect position.
I will keep you informed if you like after it is on the road.

snakebitekit

[tkb289]

Originally Posted by snakebitekit

tbk289, I am currently in my build FIA/ERA #2119. Should be finished in about 45 days or less. I bought the tremec 500 and have had installed once already, (don't ask), the shifter position for me is perfect. When I installed it and sat in the seat I grinned from ear to ear. Put my arm and hand to the shifter lever and just sat there in perfect position.
I will keep you informed if you like after it is on the road.

snakebitekit

sankebitekit,

Please keep me posted! Sent you a PM.

tkb289

[vector1]

i am using the shifter that came with the tko600, no problems here, haven't tried the steeda so i can't compare.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by vector1

i am using the shifter that came with the tko600, no problems here, haven't tried the steeda so i can't compare.

I have, from time to time, missed third in a fast, hi-rev shift. So I understand what the Steeda is all about. I still don't have any plans on changing it out though... when I miss a shift, I just go back and do it again.

[blykins]

Come on Patrick. Stimulate my economy buddy.

[patrickt]

Originally Posted by blykins

Come on Patrick. Stimulate my economy buddy.

Think you could put a Steeda in through the ring hole?

[blykins]

I can assemble an engine through the exhaust port.