Im thinking of buying one but have heard some bad things. I want some opinions from people who actually have them. Any opinions thanks. Oh yea what rear ratio are you using?
Thanks

Had one for about three years now in my 70. Works fine so far. I used GM syncromesh fluid in it. Shift feel is pretty good, not as good as a six speed T56 but about like a good Muncie. Have a 2;73 rear axle, just a hair too high I think. Been looking for a 3:08 posi, hard to find, but thinking about building one from new parts next spring. The Tremec seems to be a good deal all around.

The thing I have heard aboutthe t56 is it is somewhat computered controlled. Ever heard of something called skip shift? I think the t56 has a problem with this

I've never heard anything bad about the TKO II. I plan on putting one behind my big block. I only hope that when I purchase mine (March) they will have the 2.98 first gear option instead of the 3.27 standard.

------------------
The Plan: Merlin 540ci/650hp, Tremec TKO II, Moser 12 bolt, 13" Baer Brakes, PST front end, L-88 hood, complete M&H wiring, Autometer dash, 17" Fikse FM5.
Taking a $600 car and shooting for mid 11's on the street.
ETA - 8/01/04

Skip shift doesn't do anything if it's not hooked up. It locks out 2nd & 3rd gears for fuel economy purposes, but only if the solenoid is energized. In an old car with no PCM to throw a service light, there is no reason to hook it up.
So, to answer the question, no the T56 isn't computer controlled. I've been enjoying mine for nearly nine years. But, of course, you know this. http://www.nastyz28.com/ubb/wink.gif

[This message has been edited by Todd80Z28 (edited November 19, 2003).]

whats wrong with a 3.27 first gear on the TKO? sorry Im not a gear expert. Im leaning toward the TKO because of course the 525ftlb and the price. But like all of you said before about the 3.27 first. the Site I looked at fortes I think says the TKO has a better ratios than the t56. can someone explain this?

<font face="Arial,Verdana" size="2">Originally posted by badazz81z28:
whats wrong with a 3.27 first gear on the TKO? sorry Im not a gear expert. Im leaning toward the TKO because of course the 525ftlb and the price. But like all of you said before about the 3.27 first. the Site I looked at fortes I think says the TKO has a better ratios than the t56. can someone explain this?</font>

There's nothing 'wrong' with the 3.27 1st gear in the TKO/TKOII. It is a pretty deep gear, and you wouldn't want to run deep rear end gears (4.11, 4.56, etc). Otherwise you'll be shifting out of 1st before the crosswalk! A 3.55 or less gear is much more appropriate.

To determine an approprate 'launch ratio', multiply the 3.27 1st gear by your rear end gear. Such as
3.27 * 4.11 = 13.4 (way too much)
3.27 * 3.73 = 12.1 (still a lot)
3.27 * 3.55 = 11.60 (good)
3.27 * 3.08 = 10 (good)
3.27 * 2.56 = 8.7 (too low)

Generally speaking, you want to be in the 10-11 range. And of course your tire diameter plays into this. A short tire will make your rear end ratio seem shorter, and a tall tire will make it seem taller. 26.5" is a pretty good 'average' tire height.

5th (or 6th) gear is also important to consider. You don't want a real big lumpy camshaft that wants to rev high, and be idling down the highway at 1000rpm.

To determine the right gear ratios, you'll need to consider your driving intentions, engine, tire size, and personal preference.
All of the parts of your car need to be properly matched for optimum performance and driveability.

Forte is a road racer and drag racer by heart. He just prefers the gear spread in the TKO over the T56. That's primarily personal preference, not that one is wrong and one is right.

Todd is right about the T56 and not having to worry about electronics. You will want to hook up the reverse solenoid though, to make shifting into reverse much easier. It's a simply 12v switch. Apply power via a switch when shifting into reverse. The TKO doesn't have this.


Hope that helps!
Mike


------------------
Mike Pell, JAM Performance Transmissions
TREMEC Distributor for Forte's Parts Connection
http://www.5speedtransmissions.com

my intentions was a 406 with close to 475hp. It will mainly be my street car for fun. So you reccomend a no lower than a 3.55? how does that effect 2nd 3rd 4th? I rememeber my saginaw with a 3.42 first gear and I had a 3.73 rear 1st gear was gone quick. but all the other gears wear good
I think im going to get a tremec TKO.
Another Q the site mentions the TKO II has a stronger 3rd gear. What does that mean in dummy terms?

the best one out of the three
t56 tko11 richmond 6 speed

The TKO II has upgraded steel and ratio changes for 5th gear. .83 instead of .68.
The TKO II is really designed for road racing with the lower 5th gear. But the upgraded steel would lend to a stronger gear box even though they still list torque at 525 lbs.

------------------
The Plan: Merlin 540ci/650hp, Tremec TKO II, Moser 12 bolt, 13" Baer Brakes, PST front end, L-88 hood, complete M&H wiring, Autometer dash, 17" Fikse FM5.
Taking a $600 car and shooting for mid 11's on the street.
ETA - 8/01/04

The way I understood it was that a TKO II was exactly the same as a TKO except for 3rd and 5th gear. The actual gears are stronger. For a street ride you would probably be happier with a regular TKO. Better gas mileage in 5th also with the TKO.