Tremec TKO500 And TKO600 5 Speed Transmissions

By: Keith Farren

There are three basic models available: the TKO-500 and two variations of the TKO-600. The wide-ratio TKO-500 is rated for a continuous 500 lb.-ft. of torque, and offers a deep 3.27:1 first gear ratio and a 32% overdrive ratio in fifth gear. The close-ratio TKO-600 is rated for a continuous 600 lb.-ft. of torque, and has a 2.87:1 first gear and either an 18% overdrive or a 36% overdrive ratio in fifth gear. The rated torque capacities are said to be quite conservative, as there are a significant number of cars in the field with engines that exceed the torque rating by a large margin, and failures are rare.

The TKO uses a three-rail internal shift mechanism, eliminating any external linkage and the adjustment issues that go with it. The short throw billet aluminum shifter can be removed, flipped 180 degrees, and then reinstalled to provide an additional shift position. Optional custom shifters are also available from Keisler Engineering in several different configurations to mimic the shift positions in various musclecars. The TKO utilizes cast iron shift forks, a one-piece counter shaft, and tapered roller bearings on the input, output, and counter shafts for added strength.

Every TKO transmission provides both mechanical and electronic speedometer outputs. The mechanical output is a Ford design, but you can get hybrid speedometer cables for GM or Mopar applications. They also feature a reverse light switch and a neutral safety switch that can be wired into your vehicle’s existing harness. The transmission has an internal reverse lockout feature that prevents you from accidentally going from fifth gear into reverse. You have to go into the center of the “Neutral” gate before it will allow you to shift into reverse.

The Tremec TKO is an excellent choice for the musclecar, hot rod or street rod owner that enjoys shifting his own gears and wants to drive his car to distant car shows or other events. I have one in my 1967 Pontiac Firebird and have driven a number of other cars with TKO transmissions installed. The overdrive makes a huge difference on the highway, and there aren’t many other overdrive transmission choices out there that will stand up to the kind of power that the TKO can take. None of the other overdrive transmissions available at this time offer as much versatility as the Tremec TKO.

Source: Articledashboard.com

Category: Repair