TKO Swap on a budget - Lateral-g Forums

NvrDun71 · #1 04-30-2008, 09:44 AM

I realize Budget and TKO conversion don't belong in the same sentence, but what is the cheapest and effective way of approaching an auto to TKO swap for my 71' Nova. Is a kit form the most cost effective way to go about this or does some research and careful planning and part selection allow it to be done for less?

The car will have a 400-425 horse small block and Ideally I would like to run the tko600 as it would be the perfect pairing for my 3.55 geared rearend. At the end of the day tho the initial purchase price for eveything is a bit hard to swallow. Any advice? What route did you guys go for your conversions? Just trying to figure out where I can cut costs and what I can't afford to skimp on for the complete swap. Any advice is appreciated.

wiedemab · #2 04-30-2008, 10:13 AM

Depending how many of the factory stick shift parts you have available it may be cheaper to just buy the transmission. It all depends on how much you value your time.

Anyone can correct me if I'm wrong because I don't have first-hand experience with this model year, but here goes.

If you buy a GM spec TKO you should be able to use a factory GM bellhousing and all of the associated pedal setup and linkage, flywheel, clutch (26 spline usually) - basically just as if you were bolting in a 4-speed. The items that I know of that will change are the driveshaft length and the transmission mount point (either modifications to the stock crossmember or a new one). I believe the year Nova in question would have a center shifter location so you shouldn't need any special shifter (to locate it in the factory location, if you cared to) - the one that comes with the tranny should work. I'm not sure whether or not you will need to modify the trans tunnel. Obviously if your car is an automatic you are going to have to cut a hole for the shifter, but you may also have to trim the tunnel back and widen it out as the TKO is quite a bit wider up high than a 4-speed.

I hope this makes some sense.

Later

**scherp69** · #3 04-30-2008, 11:16 AM

I got a complet kit from Classic Chevy 5 Speed for about $3500. Also, talk to Frank at http://www.gpsuperstore.com/ he's a dealer for Tremec also. His prices are always really good.

72 RS/SS · #4 04-30-2008, 07:59 PM

I got my kit from CC5S as well. But you can save some $$ buying just the tranny and modifying the crossmember and having your driveshaft resized to accomodate the TKO.
Personally, I would rather not hassle with fabrication and just bolt everything up at once with a kit and be done with it.
Either way you're gonna love the 5 speed. Good luck.

NvrDun71 · #5 04-30-2008, 10:57 PM

Appreciate the input fellas, any idea on where the cheapest place to pick up a TKO600 would be?

ProdigyCustoms · #6 05-01-2008, 05:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NvrDun71

Appreciate the input fellas, any idea on where the cheapest place to pick up a TKO600 would be?

<-------- has hand in air.

I will be hapy to help you find used stuff, or at least tell you what to look for.