Best place to purchase a TKO600 - Lateral-g Forums

Bonebuster29 · #1 10-06-2014, 05:31 PM

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

**Sieg** · #2 10-06-2014, 05:41 PM

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

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

Bonebuster29 · #3 10-06-2014, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sieg

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

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...

**Sieg** · #4 10-08-2014, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bonebuster29

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.

**Flash68** · #5 10-08-2014, 12:12 AM

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.

**Sieg** · #6 10-08-2014, 12:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flash68

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.

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.

Richio1 · #7 10-08-2014, 02:07 AM

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.

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.

ilikeike · #8 10-08-2014, 09:12 AM

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.

Bonebuster29 · #9 10-10-2014, 05:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sieg

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.

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...

Vegas69 · #10 10-10-2014, 05:40 PM

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.