Best place to purchase a TKO600
 

Im restoring my 68 Firebird and I just ordered a 550hp LS3. Im looking to buy a TKO600 with all the upgraded goodies for the conversion to the higher HP LS motor. Where is the best place to order from? Good reputation desired

Go T56 Magnum close ratio and you won't have any regrets. :thumbsup:

Hurst Drivelines was the vendor I used and was very pleased with their service before and after the sale.

Don't want to cut the tunnel...

That was just about the easiest part of my entire install.

I can't say enough how please I am with my T56 mag 3 years later. I had a deposit down on a TKO and it would have been a huge mistake. You don't hear anybody say "I wish I would have went with the TKO instead" but on the other hand you do hear "I should or wish I would have installed the T56."

Besides the gear ratio compromises you have the high rpm shift issues that don't appear to have a guaranteed aftermarket cure.

You may not have to cut. Some do, some don't. I'd plan on it, but these cars vary so much that you just don't know until it's apart and test fit.

Ultimately it's your choice. :thumbsup:

If he isn't revving past 6500 rpm and beating the hell out of it, probably not an issue.

I don't always see the need for the double overdrive even though many say it's great.... even those who don't have one. :D

3:73's with 26.5" tire and 2,100 @ 72 mph is one good reason.

Though that doesn't apply to cars that don't get driven or live on jack stands. :underchair:

I am more than happy with my TKO 600. I had the same concerns about cutting the tunnel... but I do everything backwards and decided to upgrade the tranny after the build was done and the interior was in. :sieg: That made my decision a little easier.

I know everyone loves their T56 and it probably shifts a little better but for me, so far, I dont see the need. It is fine on the highway. I run 3.73's with a 19" wheel (dont recall how tall) and the RPM's are in the 2100-2600 on the highway which I am fine with. Not sure I'd get it into 6th often enough.

The mileage and smileage is way better than with my old Muncie. So much more enjoyable to drive.

You cant go wrong either way.

I got a quote from Hurst for their TKO 600 kit, I'm also going to look at American Powertrain before I buy,and compare parts/price at that time.

The T-56 would be nice,but I don't even drive my daily driver on the highway much,so I'm not too concerned with a double OD in my weekend toy.

This is very true! Problem is my dynamat, and heat barrier as well as the interior is already installed... Yes not a HUGE job to uninstall but the dyna mat would be a bitch.

Where is a good source to buy transmissions though? I guess a T56 isn't completely out of the question, just not sure the cost difference on the tranny and mating it with an LS3 would be...

A tko 600 belongs in one place, a school bus. Hated mine with an absolute passion. Two different clutches, put in carbon fiber synchros, different shifter, adjusted it by cluctch air gap...

I just drove a close ratio t56 magnum. Wow, what a nice transmission.

Spend the money once and do it right. Did I tell you how much I hated my tko 600. :lol:

You clearly didn't change the one thing that mattered......


the driver.

:hello:

Dick Trickle couldn't have shifted that UPS Truck trans. hahahaha

If it was easy it wouldn't be worth it. :unibrow:

Hurst Drivelines was exceptional for my purchase. APT.....I did business with them on a shifter, NO way would trust them with a trans deal.

Regarding cost......after you drive it 3K miles you won't care........and I'll guarantee the difference is much less than buying and installing a TKO and then taking it out and installing a T56. :D

Bowler Performance is where I would look. They offer tko's, t-56's, and also sell the Legend LGT-700 5-speed which is what I would be looking at if cutting the tunnel is your main concern. With all that being said I have one of Mark's modified close ratio magnums that has been flawless for 3 years of abuse, in fact it's the only part of the driveline that has not been blow-up or broken. http://bowlertransmissions.com/

I second the Hurst drive lines recommendation. Purchased a T56 Mag kit for my 69 Camaro and so far have no complaints.

I had a dream last night that my T56 started popping out of gear under load in 2nd..........that's worse than the falling in space on your bed dream. LOL

That said if I needed a modified trans Bowler would be a top choice.

My 73 Camaro LS3 has the TKO 600. Been driving it 3 summers. It's OK.

My 99 BMW 323 LS1 swap with a T56 Magnum is so much nicer to shift. Gates are narrower and short. Much more precise. The 600 isn't quite truck like but it's close when you drive the two back to back. I would not go back to the 600 in future swaps

No question, driver and installation error.

1. A transmission doesn't burn up clutches or cause clutch release problems
2. Most shifting issues are caused by clutch or bell-housing alignment.
3. The shifting feel was really no different than a Muncie or t-10 (so they suck too?)

I have had my TKO for a few years and has been a flawless transmission. The ONLY reason I want a Magnum is for 6th gear (.50). I went with the TKO initially, is because I had an OEM T56 and too much cutting. TKO was supposed to be a no cut option....but wasn't.

I agree. Todd built his car into a total dump truck, and he couldn't drive it nearly as fast as the competition, which must be why he sold it. :lol:

Let's just focus on this for a minute while I nuke the jiffy pop :lol:

Would never do buisness with APT ever again !!!!:badidea: :buttkick: :smiley_smack: Bowler!! or Hurst can't go wrong.

I remember from Todd's thread that he was very meticulous when he installed the TKO and even went so far as to rebuild the trans to improve some of its inherent flaws. If I remember right he's a trained technician too, so I suspect the install was better than spec.

I would chalk your disagreement on this with him up to a matter of opinion, not something that you did right and he did wrong.

For what it's worth, I don't have problems with my TKO, but it's all relative as it's far superior to the M21 I had before...I'm going to avoid driving a T56 as that will probably make me hate the TKO I currently have, lol.

We all have different levels of expectations and applications. The truth of the matter is they are a fine transmission for a mild application where high rpm/quick shifting isn't important. They are old technology and many agree with me. Especially if they have driven a t56 or many foreign manuals.

It's human nature to defend and sell what they possess. I understand that. Let us know what you think AFTER you drive a 56 mag.

My car had an aluminum 666hp big block with an aluminum flywheel that would zing to 6800. The trans didn't have a chance.

Thanks for the defense guys. It was installed correctly.

Still belongs in a UPS truck from my perspective.:thankyou:

Yeah, I didn't mean to be so "period-dot" :waveflag: . I know many people had shift problems with their trans (which I did too). I didn't align the bell-housing either. When I pulled the SBC and installed the LS, I was very meticulous too which it was off and corrected to near perfect. I shifted it at the 6800 rpms with no problems. When I destroyed a clutch I pulled it again and has a Tremec dealer go through it and install carbon fiber blocker rings, they said the trans was in perfect condition. Its been a nice little tranny, but Im sure the T56 since its OEM design will be a much smoother shifting trans.

We have both kits in stock for fast shipping with no deposit required to order.

With 500+ LS power, I'd go T56 Magnum for sure and they're not that much more compared to a modified TKO. Unless you're using shorter subframe mounts, tunnel mods shouldn't be required.

Jeff

Ive decided to just do the extra work and pull back out the interior and cut out the dymat, and just mod the tunnel! So T56 mag it is...

Smart move..