TKO-600 input needed before purchase

468malibu

Frequent Racer
Sep 13, 2003
425
0
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Binghamton NY
I'm trying to sell stuff so I can get this transmission to replace the 4-speed in it now. For what I'll be doing with the car, it will be overkill, but would rather have that then trying to baby it so it won't break. I plan on putting in a mild 454, should be around 400 horse and 500 ft/lb of torque, early Bronco rear with 3.5s and a posi. 255/50/16s for the rear. Traction will most likely be an issue, but this isn't gonna be a drag car, just a driver with a healthy motor.

If I understand it right, I can use the bell/linkage that is in the car now. But what else do I need?? The car has a console in it now, and want to put the shifter in the middle so it looks almost like an auto. I know there is a bunch of different shifters out there.

I'm not sure what the spline is on the current transmission, but don't think I can use it on this one. I also want to use the 153 tooth flywheel if I could too. I don't want to be spending all kinds of money if I can reuse all these pieces. Can't see what I couldn't get the SBC flywheel balanced for use in the 454.

transmission isn't cheap, just want to be sure it will work.....


http://www.summitracing.com/search/Department/Drivetrain/Section/Transmissions/Part-Type/Manual-Transmissions/Number-of-Gears/Five/Make/CHEVROLET/Input-Spline-Quantity/26/Transmission-Type/Tremec-TKO-600/Fifth-Gear-Ratio/0-64-1/?Ns=Rank|Asc
 

Doober

Moderator
Jun 2, 2003
14,704
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Catalina, AZ
www.cardomain.com
I think SBC and BBC flywheels are different. You can use all your stock linkage, etc.

Look on the main page of the site (not the forum) for Meat Drapes' install of a TKO into his Malibu, it should answer most if not all of your questions.
 

TURNA

MalibuRacing Junkie
Jul 6, 2003
6,028
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Socialist NY
http://maliburacing.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=29500
 

kevind

Dragway Regular
Jan 7, 2009
868
0
16
Whitley City KY
If the rear gears are 3.50's then the .64 OD maybe to high. My car has 4.10s and 2200 is about 70MPH with a 255/60 rear tire. I have a regular GM bellhousing not the weird Malibu type. I have the big flywheel. I ordered My TKO with the shifter the same as what My Muncie was which wasn't stock.
 

468malibu

Frequent Racer
Thread starter
Sep 13, 2003
425
0
0
Binghamton NY
I read Meatdrapes long a$$ post, but still have some questions. I want to use the existing flywheel and clutch to cut costs, but CAN I use them?? The flywheel I know will have to be balanced, or get a new one, not a big deal. I don't know what the spline count is on the Saginaw, the TKO is 26. Thinking they aren't the same.

As for a bell housing, what other one could I use?? Has anyone tried one from an 85-91 GM truck?? They have hydraulic setup already, and take an 11" clutch.

Oh and I'm gonna try the 3.5s first. But I don't think I'm gonna have any power issues. I'm used to trucks with 35s and 40" tires on them, and with those still had plenty of power. If it's too much then I'll swap to 3.73 or 4.10s....
 

Doober

Moderator
Jun 2, 2003
14,704
1
38
Catalina, AZ
www.cardomain.com
I have 3.08s in my '92 Sierra with a 700R4 and 275/60/15 (~28"). RPM may be better (helping mpg) being a little higher, but it moves along just fine as it is. If you're doing a mild 454 like you said, I think you'll be fine with you combo... 2000-2200 would probably be just right because it'll keep velocity/vacuum up at cruise conditions. By my calculating 255/60/15s and 3.50s put you at 1950 @ 70mph, just about right I'd say. You would need 4.10s to make any noticeable difference.

Far as a truck bellhousing, interesting idea. The 88+ trucks also have the larger hydraulic bellhousings but I'm not sure what bolt pattern their 5-speeds (NV3500) use, they may be integral.
 

TURNA

MalibuRacing Junkie
Jul 6, 2003
6,028
1
38
Socialist NY
What trans do you have in the car now?

If it is a 10 slpine shaft you will need a new clutch.

The flywheel you need is GM part number 3963537. That will work with the 606 bellhousing.

If your buying a trans you might want to look into a LS1 style T-56 with an adaptor plate you will be able to use your bell, linkage, pedal


May be a cheaper way to go.

cd32_1.JPG
 

TURNA

MalibuRacing Junkie
Jul 6, 2003
6,028
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Socialist NY
Also what year 454 block are you building that will also make a difference.
 

468malibu

Frequent Racer
Thread starter
Sep 13, 2003
425
0
0
Binghamton NY
The motor is from an 86, so two piece rear seal.

There are a couple different hydro bells. The early one from 85 or so, has the slave on the driver side like the 'bu's do. Then in 88 when the new body style came out they were pass side. 88-91 could have the 4-speed transmission like the older trucks do. I'm not sure but I think either will bolt up to the same bell housing. I have a NV4500 bell too. That takes an internal slave, but think the transmission pattern is different.

I'm trying to keep this simple as possible. I don't want to swap bells. I'd rather buy the right flywheel and clutch to work with the stock bell and the TKO.

Also did the math on the gear ratios. With 26" tall tire (255/50/16) .64 OD doing 70 mphs, R's are about 2026. With close to 500ft/lb of torque, I should be able to hold that speed on any hill. Last truck I built was a stock 454, 4-speed (no OD) 4.10s and 35s. Doing 65 was about 2500, would pull like a freight train up any hill without slowing down. So, I'd think in a car that is half the weight with more motor will be a whole lot of fun to drive!!!!!

http://www.4lo.com/calc/gearratio.php
 

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