TKO600 - keep it or sell it.

[The WidowMaker]

The one thing that really is detering me from getting a T56 is the possibility that I'd have to cut the tunnel again

i was worried as well, but it fits with a lot of clearance. i would say that if you had at least 3/4 all the around your tko that it would fit. i was most worried about the trans to bell mount area. the front of the magnum is large, but again, mine fit without any more cutting.

[scherp69]

Heard back from Liberty this morning. Looks like their prices have gone up. Here's the reply I got:

For a TKO 600 we normally recommend doing the internal linkage upgrade, bronze fork pads, carbon lined blocking rings, surface enhanced hubs and sliders, and threaded front cluster cap. The cost to do these processes if you send in the complete transmission is roughly $700. They are roughly 5-6 weeks turn around time.


I'll have to check the clearance I have around my TKO. I don't mind expanding the shifter hole, but really don't want to cut the whole tunnel out again for a T56. Does anyone know how much farther back the shifter is on a T56?

[strtlegal]

Mike I can almost guarantee you will have to cut the floor crossmember. I cut all the way back to the point. The rear bolts on my TKO shifter are right there.
I know the T56 does sit further back.

[scherp69]

You're right Chuck. Went out and checked the clearance. I barely have 1/4" clearance in a couple spots so would require a complete tunnel chop to fit a T56. Don't think that's going to happen. I would have to redo a ton of work that is already finished. I emailed Liberty back to see if they deal with anyone in Canada that could do the upgrades. If not, I could ship it to them from Canada and have them ship it to the border when I order a bunch more parts.

[BBC71Nova]

Mike I'd run it and if you don't like it then yank it and have it tweaked. Thousands of those were sold and I'd say the vast majority love them. Just extreme instances and a number of bad ones will be what you read about online like anything else. Heck by the time you decide it isn't up to snuff they might have proved that the RS600 really is the best thing since sliced bread . I think the TKO600 resale has/is tanking at the moment due to the trade-in program and so many wanting to move to RS due to the hype.

The T56 requires extensive tunnel mods from what I could find out.

[scherp69]

Originally Posted by BBC71Nova

Mike I'd run it and if you don't like it then yank it and have it tweaked. Thousands of those were sold and I'd say the vast majority love them. Just extreme instances and a number of bad ones will be what you read about online like anything else. Heck by the time you decide it isn't up to snuff they might have proved that the RS600 really is the best thing since sliced bread . I think the TKO600 resale has/is tanking at the moment due to the trade-in program and so many wanting to move to RS due to the hype.

The T56 requires extensive tunnel mods from what I could find out.

You know John, that's actually crossed my mind also My problem is I get an idea into my head (which is the easy part) and then have a hell of a time getting that idea out of my head. I should actually rename my build project from Overtime to Buy and Sell. Buy parts, change my mind, sell them at a loss, buy new ones that are usually more expensive and hope that I don't change my mind again. You are right though....I might be very happy with the trans I have. And the thousand bucks that I'd end up spending to get it upgraded would buy some pretty nice new parts to actually get my car closer to being done. Why can't I think more logically

[strtlegal]

Sorry Mike but you wont be happy...hahaha

Once you feel the upper rpms that your LS motor can do you will find yourself shifting there all the time..It happens so quick you will be grinding gears..Mine never was super notchy, its always fealt like a synchro'd trans but when I spun the motor you could feel them working against you..

I think Blake cut his crossmember out but he built a cage also..So take that for what it's worth

[scherp69]

That's what worries me and why I still haven't ruled out sending it off to Liberty. I created this same thread on pro-touring.com and there was an interesting post about the RS600. Don't think it's an option anymore. I think I will end up sending my TKO to Liberty. Even though I could wait and try it first, and I might be happy with it, I don' want to chance it. I would rather pull the trans out now, while it's still easy to do and I don't have to worry about paint, etc. I was planning on pulling the engine again anyways so would be much easier to do now than later. Plus, if the trans is gone for a couple months, I really won't miss it right now. I will when the car is done though.

[214Chevy]

Originally Posted by The WidowMaker

i just did the same thing and would make the same decision over again; sold the tko for a t56 magnum. it is larger, requires a different bell, shorter driveshaft and different height trans mount setup. if you dont mind the work its the best trans out there right now. if you dont want the work, send the tko to liberty because youre still way under the 3200 for a RS.

btw, i ended up selling my tko for 2k locally with the harnesses. i kept the yoke and the poly mount. the magnum fit in my tunnel, so other than the bell and ds im all good.

What you just said is exactly the same thing I did. I sold my whole TKO600 setup for $2500 on a truck forum. Put a little more money with it and bought my T56 Magnum. I did have to raise my tunnel though.

[JKnight]

I'm one of the weirdos that is really happy with the TKO behind my 406 (aluminum flywheel, so it revs pretty well). I haven't had any issues shifting in the 5-6k rpm range and the 2-3 shift seems to go perfectly if you don't hamfist it. Just a little nudge.

I love the one in my dad's 72 GTO as well, so it's not like I got one that was made on a Monday. I say set it up as perfectly as possible with your offset dowels and give it a shot, you might just like it.