who here has converted from auto to manual?

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jcolman

jcolman

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Before I pull the trigger on a TKX kit to swap out my torqueflight 3 speed to a 5 speed manual, I would like to hear from those who have already done this.

Specifically, would you do it again?
 
Thought you were selling that thing?
 
Good man. I put a TKO in my e-body and I hope the TKX is better. Actually, I know they're better because it's a different design. The TKO is a top loader truck style trans. The 2 to 3 shift is terrible.
The TKX fixes all of that. You will be very happy.
You may have trouble finding pedals. Don't know if they are reproduced. Los Angeles Craigslist has a set of A-body 4 speed pedals for $200 right now. Maybe he'll ship?
 
Someday I will replace the TKO with a TKX. Should be as simple as just changing the gearbox itself.
 
go-fish said:
Good man. I put a TKO in my e-body and I hope the TKX is better. Actually, I know they're better because it's a different design. The TKO is a top loader truck style trans. The 2 to 3 shift is terrible.
The TKX fixes all of that. You will be very happy.
You may have trouble finding pedals. Don't know if they are reproduced. Los Angeles Craigslist has a set of A-body 4 speed pedals for $200 right now. Maybe he'll ship?
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If he's getting a TKX conversion kit, the pedals are included- at least in the kits from Silver Sport and American Powertrain, and probably others. Brewer's has them in their kit too, but that's for a four speed- but they also sell reconditioned A body pedals separately.
 
jcolman said:
I've decided to keep it. At least for now.
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Big investment for the "keeping a while now." But you already know that I am sure......

I have done 2 TF to Factory 4 speeds. It's easy actually if you have all the parts. The most time consuming part IMO is the metal work on the floor. It just takes time to make it all fit right and not look like crap...

In your case I would ditch the mechanical bearing and go Hydraulic. It's also a good time to upgrade your driveshaft unless that's been done. Past that talk to the Vendor who can supply you everything (Brewer's?) and that will build a relationship so questions can be answered when they come up....

Would I do it personally? Nope. But in the much earlier years of my life it was all about 3 pedals in a hot car and there is nothing else like it. Definitely a project that is not that complicated IMO...

JW
 
There is a post where someone puts a TKX in a Dart and looks like the same amount of work as putting a TKO 600 as that is what I have/did. I've drive 4 different Tremec trans, two 3550's, a TKO and a TKO 600. All shifted the same. Mine shifts like butter at ant RPM, way better that the A833. 2 to 3 isn't a "H" type shift its more like "/" Where you shift over at an angle and not a 90 degree up over up.
 
I'm not a great manual transmission operator, I'll admit that right off the bat.
I'm having some trouble with the 5 to 4 downshift. Mine sometimes wants to engage reverse. I'll get a grind noise and my *** puckers up!
Also, it is too easy to go from 2nd to 5th. Dano is right, the 2-3 is more of a slight slant, not a zig zag like an 833.
 
SLOPAR72 said:
Big investment for the "keeping a while now." But you already know that I am sure......

I have done 2 TF to Factory 4 speeds. It's easy actually if you have all the parts. The most time consuming part IMO is the metal work on the floor. It just takes time to make it all fit right and not look like crap...

In your case I would ditch the mechanical bearing and go Hydraulic. It's also a good time to upgrade your driveshaft unless that's been done. Past that talk to the Vendor who can supply you everything (Brewer's?) and that will build a relationship so questions can be answered when they come up....

Would I do it personally? Nope. But in the much earlier years of my life it was all about 3 pedals in a hot car and there is nothing else like it. Definitely a project that is not that complicated IMO...

JW
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I know it's a big investment and one that is likely never to pay off if, and when, I sell the car, but I'm really not happy with a three speed transmission. I don't mind spending the money but I just want to make sure that I'm going to be happy with the swap. I've driven manual shift cars most of my life and I miss having a clutch and a bunch of gears to play with.

Silver Sport transmission has a kit with all the parts, including hydraulic clutch and driveshaft for just under $6k. Add another $2300 or so for a shop to do all the work and it's a lot to pay. But it will (hopefully) be worth it to me assuming I keep the car for a while.
 
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Thought I would update this thread. I pulled the chute and bought the TKX kit from Silver Sport.

dtRSU3C.jpg


The old 727 and center console is gone.

m6lZzSB.jpg


New transmisson is in the car, just waiting on a few other items to get finished.

HqNmH10.jpg


WG8NJ2s.jpg


New carpet going in on Monday. I'm also having the shop install Hotchkiss frame connectors to stiffen up the car a bit. Once all that is done, it will be time for a road test, then a chassis dyno tune session. Can't wait to get my car back on the road!
 
jcolman said:
Before I pull the trigger on a TKX kit to swap out my torqueflight 3 speed to a 5 speed manual, I would like to hear from those who have already done this.

Specifically, would you do it again?
Click to expand...
yes i would my 67 barracuda was auto on the floor i sold every thing automatic to fund some of the 4spd parts but i put a 4spd in
 
Arthur Sperotto said:
I'm enjoying this thread! The only thing keeping me from pulling the trigger on the exact same kit is the torsion bar crossmember cut you have to make at the top. Does that not concern you?
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Not really. The lower cross member that is supplied with the kit should do the job of replacing the cut crossmember just fine. The Hotchkiss frame connectors should also help stiffen the chassis a bit more.
 
Norm.P said:
Does that keep the same drive shaft angle? Do you get any vibration when you drive it?
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I'm not sure about the angle as the shop did all the work. You do need to replace the driveshaft as the length is different from when it was an auto. No vibration at all that I can feel. I really like the overdrive. I can now cruise at 70 mph at 1900 rpm's.
 
jcolman said:
Not really. The lower cross member that is supplied with the kit should do the job of replacing the cut crossmember just fine. The Hotchkiss frame connectors should also help stiffen the chassis a bit more.
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Any structural engineers want to chime in? I was wondering about this as well. I'm inclined to agree the lower cross member looks like it would absorb the load. But I know don't really know.
 
Norm.P said:
Any structural engineers want to chime in? I was wondering about this as well. I'm inclined to agree the lower cross member looks like it would absorb the load. But I know don't really know.
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I've put about 200 miles on the car since the transformation and I can't tell any difference in handling except that the car is stiffer, due to the sub frame connectors if that helps. I am going to remove the 1" lowering blocks that were installed at the same time as I'm getting a little bit of wheel hop on tight turns if I give it gas.
 
jcolman said:
I've put about 200 miles on the car since the transformation and I can't tell any difference in handling except that the car is stiffer, due to the sub frame connectors if that helps. I am going to remove the 1" lowering blocks that were installed at the same time as I'm getting a little bit of wheel hop on tight turns if I give it gas.
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What was the total cost for the tranny if you don't mind me asking?
 
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