Older Richmond 5-Speed in My 1969 Firebird

[Ron Fox]

Originally Posted by camcojb

as compared to what? Compared to a Richmond 5 speed, yes, the TKO has an overdrive gear for fifth instead of the Richmonds 1:1 fifth gear. If you're cruising down the freeway at 70 mph with the Richmond and you're turning say 2800 rpms, you'll be between 1800-1900 rpms at the same speed with the TKO, depending on whether you run the TKO500 or the 600 (one is .64 overdrive fifth and the other is .68).

Jody

You mentioned when Doug Nash (now Richmond) came out with the 5 speed it's main benefit was less rpm drop between gears...so does the TKO have a drop off between gears?

[camcojb]

Originally Posted by Ron Fox

You mentioned when Doug Nash (now Richmond) came out with the 5 speed it's main benefit was less rpm drop between gears...so does the TKO have a drop off between gears?

every transmission has a drop off between gears; that's what makes the car go faster as you upshift. If the gears did not change the car would not accelerate.

The TKO is like a 4 speed with an overdrive gear to lower rpms for fifth gear. The Richmond 5 speed would have less drop between gears as it has five gears from start to 1:1 ratio gear whereas a TKO and T56 have 4............. however, the Richmond doesn't have the overdrive which is a big deal to anyone who goes on the freeway or takes long trips. The overdrive fifth gear will lower engine rpms, less wear and tear, less engine noise when cruising, engine will last longer, and better fuel economy as it isn't spinning as fast.

[Ron Fox]

Originally Posted by camcojb

every transmission has a drop off between gears; that's what makes the car go faster as you upshift. If the gears did not change the car would not accelerate.

The TKO is like a 4 speed with an overdrive gear to lower rpms for fifth gear. The Richmond 5 speed would have less drop between gears as it has five gears from start to 1:1 ratio gear whereas a TKO and T56 have 4............. however, the Richmond doesn't have the overdrive which is a big deal to anyone who goes on the freeway or takes long trips. The overdrive fifth gear will lower engine rpms, less wear and tear, less engine noise when cruising, engine will last longer, and better fuel economy as it isn't spinning as fast.

Great lesson.