[Nova_Cobra64]

Well I talked to Jim at Hurst today for about 45 minutes and have a better understanding of what I'm up against. I never did much research with regards to RPM at cruising speeds in relation to tire size, which was largely what they were concerned about with my setup (shifter location and trans hump were discussed as well). I had intended on going with the T56 Magnum with the .5 overdrive. Cruising at 70mph with 28" tires (currently) would put the RPMs below 1800, which Jim felt was a tad lower than desireable. After some research around here I've concluded that odds are good I will end up with rear tires upwards of 29", which is what most guys are running with 18 or 20" rims. So now I've ruled out the .5 od T56.

Jim also put my mind at ease with regards to the shifting "issue" with the TKO transmissions. He raised the point that aside from some early recalls that were dealt with a few years back, there have not been all that many complaints about them, and those that are having issues above are pushing upwards of 6000rpm. He didn't openly say it but putting 2 and 2 together there were very few people saying anything negative about the TKO until Keisler started hyping their transmissions and playing up the 2-3 shift issue. Essentially he said that based on the transmission design expecting smooth shifting at unusually high rpm without significant upgrades is a bit much. It was also mentioned that the 2-3 shift pattern is also a tad different from a typical 4 speed and takes a bit of getting used to.

I don't really plan on spinning my motor past 6000rpm as GMPP's advertised max rpm is 6600. So the TKO is now back in play and the T56 Magnum with the 2.66 first and .63 overdrive is also a possibility. Both transmissions are very similar in terms of what I would get out of them as the final gear is only .01 difference. The T56 wouldn't jump out of the hole as quick being 2.66 as opposed to the 2.87, but I'm thinking a 480hp engine would just spin the tires that much more with the 2.87's anyway. The T56 is clearly the better transmission and has the benefit of 2 overdrive gears, but will require some transmission hump modifications and will have to be a hydraulic setup (mechanical can be done but actually costs more in the long run for those who didn't know). The TKO is going to fit better and can be significantly cheaper with the mechanical setup.

I have a bit of thinking to do over the next few days. If I really want to go with a hydraulic setup I think it would make more sense going with the T56 as at that point the cost difference is less significant (about $500). If I were to go with a mechanical setup the difference is closer to $1000. Maybe I'll get lucky and the answer will come to me in a dream.............