Keisler LS 5 speeds

[Firehawkta81]

Has anyone had any experience with the Keisler LS 5 speeds? I am planning a 6.0 ltr swap and have been looking for a 5 speed to complement it. Would love the 6 speed but I want to keep stock shifter location. Thanks for any insite.

[Sieg]

T56 with the Hurst Blackjack shifter and offset adapter allows you to retain stock location in a '69 Camaro. Tunnel mods will most likely be required though as the T56 is canted left thus taller right of center. My tunnel needed .5" - .75" to clear the top cover bolts with the motor and trans at 2.5* downward. Keep in mind body sag, subframe mounts, and ??? create variables from car to car.

I doubt you'll have any disappointments with a close ratio T56, gear spacing is great. The taller close ratio first gear with my 355ci motor 3:42 gearing and 26.7" tires is no problem, first gear is actually usable.

I almost went TKO/600RS and I'm very glad I didn't, the gap between a 1:1 4th and .64 5th would have been annoying. If you do go with a TKO get the close ratio with .82 5th and adjust your rear end ratio to meet your driving needs.

[Firehawkta81]

Thanks for the info, I will check into it. I am putting it in my 66 Elco, so far I have not found a shifter that will go into stock location for my A-body.

[69MyWay]

I've put two in (non LS engines) modified applications from Keisler.

I found their instructions, parts, and detail to do the job to be top notch.

The transmissions performed very well - but there was always that mental block of not having that 6th gear to go.

As far as fit and finish and cost to install - you can't beat them.

[wmhjr]

Originally Posted by Sieg

If you do go with a TKO get the close ratio with .82 5th and adjust your rear end ratio to meet your driving needs.

I do not at all agree with this as a general statement. It really all depends on your build, driving style, how much and what kind of track use you'll get, etc.

I considered going with the road race .82 overdrive, but am extremely glad I did not. In order to get 5th where I wanted it using the .82 (for "cruise" use) I would have had to move 1st through 4th where I didn't want them for the track.

I would put it like this. You need to use a gear calculator, include variables such as tire height, rear gear ratio, and YOUR TORQUE CURVE to determine what combinations will work for you given your own desired driving conditions. For me, that meant 3.73 rear end and .64 overdrive.

[Vegas69]

I agree, as much as I like to race, I'm not giving up my REAL overdrive. Kicking it into 5th and kicking back at 80 is one of my favorite things to do in my car. The 56 is definitely the best way to go for multiple reasons.

[Sieg]

Originally Posted by wmhjr

I do not at all agree with this as a general statement. It really all depends on your build, driving style, how much and what kind of track use you'll get, etc.

I considered going with the road race .82 overdrive, but am extremely glad I did not. In order to get 5th where I wanted it using the .82 (for "cruise" use) I would have had to move 1st through 4th where I didn't want them for the track.

I would put it like this. You need to use a gear calculator, include variables such as tire height, rear gear ratio, and YOUR TORQUE CURVE to determine what combinations will work for you given your own desired driving conditions. For me, that meant 3.73 rear end and .64 overdrive.

Agree.

I guess my key point is that's the problem with the 5-speed and where the 6-speed shines. If I would have installed a 5-speed I'd have been disappointed and wanting a 6-speed...............

[wmhjr]

Originally Posted by Sieg

Agree.

I guess my key point is that's the problem with the 5-speed and where the 6-speed shines. If I would have installed a 5-speed I'd have been disappointed and wanting a 6-speed...............

TOTALLY agree with that one from my perspective! Had the T56 Magnum existed when I bought my tranny, that's what I'd have. Further, if the T56 Magnum would not require even more clearance, meaning I'd have some fabrication work to do on a "finished" and detailed car, I would seriously consider swapping. Because of these limitations, I'll stick with the TKO. I will also say, however, that for "street" driving, I don't believe I'd really be any happier with the T56 Magnum than I am with the TKO600. That being said, I recognize that I have gobs and gobs of low end torque, which not every combo has, so it's easy for me to say that.

[Sieg]

I also factored future motor upgrades and transmission resale value into my decision process.

Bill - Yes, your motor mas much larger appendages than my little old school 355.

Firehawk - If the T-56 will hit the Camaro's stock 4-speed location wouldn't that close to the Elco?