Tremec TKX

[Gasserdays]

I am considering changing out the 4 speed for the new TKX 5 speed in my 62 409 Biscayne. Has anyone had any experience with this swap. Tremec says it will fit in the same space as a conventional 4 speed.

 

[1964SuperStocker]

 

[pvs409]

To my knowledge any TKX or Tremec will require the entire tunnel section in 61 to 64 Chevys from the firewall to the 5 speed shifter location be raised at least 2 inches to clear the TKX or Tremec transmission. I have checked this for the last 5 years and I have seen no change.

That is why I have a Richmond 5 speed in my 62s (both 409 cars I use a 3:08 posi and end up with 2800 RPM at 65 mph first gear is 3.28) I have zero factory tunnel modifications. and the factory 61-63 4 speed tunnel cover can be used so the a shifter boot on the floor fits correctly.
Tremecs fit very close to the X frame and the parking brake linkage.

My Richmond 5 speeds use the factory frame mounts (I had a curved rear mount made for my Richmonds -actually I have had 3 of them made)

Perhaps the TKX may not have the issues I note but check it first...
The TKX site does not list 61-64 Chevys and does not have a rear transmission mount they sell (same as the Tremec for 61-64 ).

I just purchased a 5 speed overdrive Richmond for my 62's for $2600 with $250 of new parts

The Richmond 5 speeds and 6 speeds are 21.57 inches overall length
Muncies 4 speeds and BW 4speeds are 21.5 inches overall length
Tremecs are 24.07 inches overall length
TKX 5 speeds are 23 & 3/4 inches overall length (So a TKX 5 speed transmission is 2 & 1/4 inches longer than Muncies and Richmonds....)

Richmond, Tremecs and TKX I think use a Turbo 400 driveshaft yoke

Muncie and BW 4 speeds rear factory mount using the factory crossmember= 14.25 inches
Richmond 5 speed and 6 speed rear mount = 16.5 inches or 18.0 inches ( I have the 16. 5 mount on my 62's)
Tremec TKO rear mount -22.1 inches ( 4 inches further back than any Richmond 5 speed or 6 speed......)
TKX 5 speed -trying to find this

Shifter location is another item to check to clear a bench seat in 61-64 Chevys along with the height of the shifter above the floor
or match a SS factory 4 speed shift plate like the ones in my 2-62 SS 409 cars both with Richmond 5 speeds

I have a chart that I need to update for the TKX compared to the transmissions I listed Above and the factory mounts and X frame

Paul

 

[our1962]

I have a tremec 6 speed in the 63 Biscayne, I didn't install it but it does have a 1/2 or 1" plate attached too the bellhousing and the gentlemen I bought the car from had someone build a different transmission crossmember, The tunnel isn't raised but it is cut as the shifter mounts in middle top of the transmission and sets back from a original 4 speed.

 

[rsavage]

I do not have a Tremec in my '62 Impala, but I do have one in my '61 Corvette. I bought the kit through Silver Sports Transmissions. It is a TKO 600. Silver Sports modifies the transmission so that shifter comes up right where the stock shifter was. New drive shaft, crossmember etc. included in the kit. A C1 Corvette also has an X frame center section and has much tighter clearances to tunnel than does my Impala. I had to do no modifications to the car other than cut the fiberglass cup off the bottom of my ashtray. I don't know if Silver sport has put together or is in the process of putting together a TKX set up for '61-64 full size Chevys, but you might want to check with them. They did a wonderful job engineering a TKO to fit in a C1, the instructions for install were awesome, and the technical support was outstanding. Not cheap as I was over $4000 by the time I was done and I did the install. I like the .68 overdrive but I don't use it a whole bunch as I don't do a lot of highway driving.

 

[our1962]

this is the interior and you can see the shifter is used with a bench seat

 

[boxerdog]

The new TKX looks like a great option. It's more compact and, unlike the TKO, it can be shifted at higher RPM. I'm trying to come with an excuse to try one in something.

 

[Gasserdays]

Thanks everyone for the great feedback. I spoke to Gary at American Powertrain and they are going to build a conversion kit for the X frame car. The kit will include a special shifter adapter so the stock lever will be in the correct location. At this time they have not received any customer installation feedback because the TKX is so new.

 

[Skip FIx]

One of the guys on my Pontiac board just got one and is very happy with it. No tunnel mods for it to fit.

 

[boxerdog]

I guess the biggest drawback right now is availability....hurry up and wait!

 

[63 dream'n]

My understanding there are several aftermarket companies or powertrain specialists who make the shifters so that they can be moved to multiple locations for either the TKO or the TKX so that you can put them back into the standard shifting position where they use a console or not......McLeod is one of them..... “White lightning”, “black jack” and McCleods version is “slick stix”

 

[Gofish]

Thanks everyone for the great feedback. I spoke to Gary at American Powertrain and they are going to build a conversion kit for the X frame car. The kit will include a special shifter adapter so the stock lever will be in the correct location. At this time they have not received any customer installation feedback because the TKX is so new.

That’s the sign of a good company.

John