Tremec TKX 5 Speed Transmission Installation

[chipmaker 1985]

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

Yup!

Do you have access to a mill for personal projects? Have you considered making yourself a nice blanking plate out of something like 1/4" aluminum? I could measure the overall size of the original shifter and the locations of the holes for you, if you'd like.

Yessir, my dad has a full manual machine shop, and thank you super much for the offer. The problem is the way they cut it. The rear 4 bolt bosses are gone and the cover has a radius that seals on the round casting for the shifter rod. (Yeah, the cover seals on a non-machined surface) there is a sharp drop off just behind the forward 2 bolts that creates a shape 90* (stress riser, SMH)
I'll try to upload pics.

I'm sure I can whittle out something. I'm going to leave it as is until the warranty runs out. The whole reason I wanted them to install the shifter was so I would have a "sealed" unit with a warranty that I didn't have to open.

Should have just installed the shifter myself.

[pjmoreland]

I don't understand why that modification was necessary

[chipmaker 1985]

Me either. I could understand if room was an issue, but a high-hump is a breeze. I would have much rather had a cut floor than transmission case.

My best guess is they mass order them this way so they can bolt on any of their shifter kits without mods. My issue is I was never told the mod was going to be preformed giving me the chance to opt out. I'm OCD about stuff like that, and feel like I got ripped off in a way.

It puts me in a bad spot. It's kind of like getting a bad steak. Do you just eat it and never go back, or send it back to the kitchen and risk eating revenge spit? LoL

I just gotta put it out of my mind and stay positive, my ole jalopy is going to be a ripper!

Thank you being cool about me posting on your thread.
*edit- I didn't mean to hi-jack or make this a cry session for me. I just want anyone looking to do this mod to know what they are getting.

[Chevy nutcase]

Sorry to keep blasting you with questions about this install but maybe I'm a timid wuss when it comes to unfamiliar territory and/or I don't enjoy ordering wrong parts which may lead to disaster. I believe I located the site where you purchased the mid shift kit and their site instructions are basic at best and the pictures are from about 6 feet away and blurry when zoomed in which reminds me of old b&w Chilton manuals. I gather it's not a complicated conversion as there's 4 shift dogs held by roll pins that have to be removed. The aft one on the rear two shifter positions is completely removed, the front center one has to be flipped and ground for some reason and the left and right dogs are just reinstalled? I'm hoping better instructions accompany the kit. There's only one useless short on YouTube badly explaining this change on a tkx but the guy waits till the end to mention its for his cobra so I doubt anything he said is applicable. I originally thought I could get away with a shifter pretty close to my bench but I think trying that would be more of a hassle than getting this upgrade

[pjmoreland]

That is the shifter I have. The instructions that came with the shifter were just as hard to read as the online version. I don't know why I neglected to take any photos of that vague step in the instructions. The 3/4 selector gets flipped over. There are two bevels on opposite corners of the two bumps on the selector. Since the selector gets flipped over, these bevels end up being on the wrong corners, so new bevels need to be added to the other corners. I used a diamond file and very carefully filed new bevels on there. Per the instructions, these bevels make the 2-3 shift smoother.

[Chevy nutcase]

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

That is the shifter I have. The instructions that came with the shifter were just as hard to read as the online version. I don't know why I neglected to take any photos of that vague step in the instructions. The 3/4 selector gets flipped over. There are two bevels on opposite corners of the two bumps on the selector. Since the selector gets flipped over, these bevels end up being on the wrong corners, so new bevels need to be added to the other corners. I used a diamond file and very carefully filed new bevels on there. Per the instructions, these bevels make the 2-3 shift smoother.

So just so I'm not misunderstanding, 4 roll pins are removed, tail housing removed, the one I marked "A" is filed so all 4 corners match and clocked 180° facing down, B & C are reinstalled in same locations they were removed from with no modifications and D is left out, tail housing replaced and badaboom. Thank you so much for taking time to answer my questions. I deeply appreciate it

[pjmoreland]

Originally Posted by Chevy nutcase

So just so I'm not misunderstanding, 4 roll pins are removed, tail housing removed, the one I marked "A" is filed so all 4 corners match and clocked 180° facing down, B & C are reinstalled in same locations they were removed from with no modifications and D is left out, tail housing replaced and badaboom. Thank you so much for taking time to answer my questions. I deeply appreciate it

That's exactly right

[pjmoreland]

You might also want to consider the MDL Qwik Stik. It preserves the 5-4 shift reverse inhibitor mechanism.

https://www.moderndriveline.com/shop...ody-no-offset/

[Chevy nutcase]

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

That's exactly right

Thank you again 🙏 I feel bad relying on all the legwork you've done piecing that puzzle together just so my install has less question marks. Only thing I can say is I hope I can one-day pass these tips on. There may be more questions as this project evolves. I'm swapping to a V8 at the same time greatly increasing my chances for complete failure lol

[pjmoreland]

Originally Posted by Chevy nutcase

Thank you again 🙏 I feel bad relying on all the legwork you've done piecing that puzzle together just so my install has less question marks. Only thing I can say is I hope I can one-day pass these tips on. There may be more questions as this project evolves. I'm swapping to a V8 at the same time greatly increasing my chances for complete failure lol

The main reason I started this thread was to start a discussion about installing the TKX, so please keep us updated on how you go about doing the install. The way I did it isn't necessarily the best way.

[Chevy nutcase]

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

The main reason I started this thread was to start a discussion about installing the TKX, so please keep us updated on how you go about doing the install. The way I did it isn't necessarily the best way.

Your thread is very much like a walk through or tutorial. From where I'm sitting you did a fantastic job on a clean and very professional install. It's serendipitous that you completed this just as im starting mine. If I were to start a thread I'm afraid it would devolve into a "help me I'm an idjot" thread but I wouldn't mind others learning from my mistakes

[pjmoreland]

Thank you, RustyPile, for repairing this severely worn OE clutch pedal pushrod for me. The ends turned out really nice. It is painted now. I am looking forward to installing it in a few days after the paint has cured.

[RustyPile]

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

Thank you, RustyPile, for repairing this severely worn OE clutch pedal pushrod for me. The ends turned out really nice. It is painted now. I am looking forward to installing it in a few days after the paint has cured.

Think nothing of it, Patrick... Working (doing any work) on old cars (anyone's old car) is therapy for me.. Keeps me moving and thinking so my old blood doesn't settle to the bottom... Thank you for those clutch linkage pieces.. I've already repaired the one with the circle worn into it..

[MySons68C20]

This is a fantastic thread I think it should be made a "sticky"!
I sure appreciate the detailed answers and explanations.
Thanks to PJ and all who have contributed.

[pjmoreland]

Originally Posted by typerr

Do you have a photo showing your choice of shifter when shifted into second or fourth gear and how close the shift knob is to your seat or console? Is your seat at stock height? I'm trying to figure out the shifter for my TKX which also has a mid mount conversion but not yet on the road. Thanks.

Here are more photos that show the 16" Hurst 53801HST shifter stick in reverse and first. By the way, the 16" doesn't include the bottom portion that overlaps with the shifter. The overall length is 18".

[pjmoreland]

Originally Posted by chipmaker 1985

Just wanted to check in and see if you've clocked any miles yet. I'm curious about the rpm at 60.

I ordered the same trans as you, got my pre-shipment pics today!

Here's the RPM at 60 MPH

[pjmoreland]

Finished rebuilding and installing the manual steering column. No more grabbing the wrong shifter.

[pjmoreland]

I installed one of these 40-511 floor shift sponge seals. It fit quite well around the base of the shifter, but it needs to be thicker in order to contact the bottom of the floor. I will order another one at some point and see if two will stack in there.

https://www.classicparts.com/mobile/...ctinfo/40-511/

[chipmaker 1985]

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

Here's the RPM at 60 MPH

Heck yeah! Exactly what I was hoping for. This gives me hope of being able to commute to work in my old girl without costing a fortune.

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

I installed one of these 40-511 floor shift sponge seals. It fit quite well around the base of the shifter, but it needs to be thicker in order to contact the bottom of the floor. I will order another one at some point and see if two will stack in there.

https://www.classicparts.com/mobile/...ctinfo/40-511/

Thanks for sharing this, I was thinking of something similar but didn't know quite what to use yet.

Your rig is too sweet. Gotta admit I'm a wee bit jealous

[pjmoreland]

Originally Posted by chipmaker 1985

Heck yeah! Exactly what I was hoping for. This gives me hope of being able to commute to work in my old girl without costing a fortune.



Thanks for sharing this, I was thinking of something similar but didn't know quite what to use yet.

Your rig is too sweet. Gotta admit I'm a wee bit jealous

Thank you. I'm looking forward to seeing how you like the TKX in your truck.

[chipmaker 1985]

Sweet! It'll probably be another couple weeks before I start the swap. I plan on starting a build thread soon to document the install and the whole build. I'll definitely keep ya posted. I'll try to get good pics of the hydraulic clutch set-up install and post them here so people can see both ways and compare mechanical vs hydraulic.

Thanks again for the help and motivation!

[pjmoreland]

Installed the repaired factory clutch pedal push rod. It lines up with the center of the firewall hole. The reproduction one was way off center. Also, the clip holes in the ends are placed at convenient angles for installing the holes, whereas the reproduction one had the holes at awkward angles. I don't know if it is in my mind, but I think the pedal feels more solid and less springy.

[Chevy nutcase]

Looking back through your posts has me wondering about my starter. The 77 sb that's getting a new top end for its new home in my truck has a perfectly fine starter that came with it but since I'm reusing the factory bellhousing will I be able to reuse the bell mounted starter on my 250 or should I start looking for a new one? After some digging I believe I can reuse my 6cyl flywheel that I'll need to have resurfaced unless I'm wrong about this

[pjmoreland]

I bought the wrong starter initially. I believe I should have bought an ACDelco 336-1849
They do list that same starter for a 250, so it seems like you should be good. My flywheel has 168 teeth.

It was pointed out to me that cast flywheels aren't safe for high revving engines, so I am in the process of switching over to a billet steel flywheel.

[chipmaker 1985]

Originally Posted by pjmoreland

I bought the wrong starter initially. I believe I should have bought an ACDelco 336-1849
They do list that same starter for a 250, so it seems like you should be good. My flywheel has 168 teeth.

It was pointed out to me that cast flywheels aren't safe for high revving engines, so I am in the process of switching over to a billet steel flywheel.

From what I've researched, it's cheap insurance to go with the billet flywheel in most cases. Especially with the quality of China castings these days.


Update on my deal: I spoke with Shane from Silver Sport yesterday. Apparently I was accidentally sent a transmission that is modified for a GM A-body. Long story short, they are going to exchange my transmission for the proper one on their dime.

Super stoked about this and the customer service from Silver Sport.