Big block & tremec tko 600 in a 1965

[PORKY]

Has anybody put a Tremec TKO 600 and a big block in a 1965? I am attempting it using 1969 big block engine stands and mounts but the transmission is hitting the tunnel. I certainly can modify the tunnel but I was wondering if anybody else had found another way.

[TJ's Chevy]

Put a TKO600 behind my hopped up 292 6 banger. lol You can get the lightening shifter to help limit the mods to the tunnel....but other than that...you should only need a 3rd member and shorten the drive shaft and you should be good to go.

[PORKY]

I believe the big block is taller than the 6 cyl.
The mid shifter is not the problem, I can cut a hole big enough to clear that.
The front of the transmission (where a front shifter would go) is hitting the seam where the firewall meets the tunnel.
It wouldn't take much of a notch to make it work, but I just hate to cut it if there is another way. The only other solution may be a shorter stand??

[Captainfab]

I do not have any experience with your particular installation, but I would likely just notch the lip where the interference is. The '68-'71 BB engine mount brackets should be just fine. Any other engine mount won't change things enough to be worth the work. You did not say what trans crossmember you are using. It is possible that it is too high. Have you checked the engine angle on the carb pad?

[PORKY]

I'm using a CPP tubular cross member. Yes I did check drive angle, it was about 8 degrees down towards the rear end with the tranny hitting the tunnel. The rear end is pointing up towards the engine approx. 3 degrees. So the engine needs to come up about 5 degrees. Which without cutting is impossible as it is. I think I'm going to cut a section out and make a bolt in removal tunnel cap. This will allow future easy access. My biggest reason for not wanting to cut is the carpet fitment after I modify that tunnel. But I guess we can seam and add on if need be. I'll keep you posted.
Thanks all for input!

[Captainfab]

So your truck has the non-removeable low hump?

[PORKY]

Yes, non removable low hump.

[Snowbound]

Porky, how did you make out with this?

I also had a low hump and had to cut it out and install a high hump. I'm running a small block with factory inline 6 mounts.

I'm having an issue with the CPP trans crossmember being too low, and the driveline angle is way off (like you reported). I had to shim about 1.5" to get the carb flange close to level!

Brian

[PORKY]

I wished I could tell you I had it all done and was driving it.
As soon as the nice weather got here back in April, I started playing with
my other truck, that was running. I just started to get back to the 1965 these past few weeks, been 6 years now. I put 1-1/4" blocks between the frame and the crossmemeber & cut the tunnel very carefully. I have about a 3 deg. angle towards the rear now. My carb flange is less than 1 deg. towards the rear.
I think all the angles will work. I may have to trim the floor a bit more and I will likely have to fabricate some type of a removalable tunnel cover.
I'm thinking of making a removable console. Then I won't have to be concerned about the carpet fitment. It also will sure make life easy if I need to access the tranny. Also this summer, I put a TKO 600 in my other truck (1987-454). There was sufficient clearance there, just had to cut the hole a bit bigger. Well worth it though, it's a different truck, great tranny. Good luck.