Tremec TKO-600 Transmission sources

[Jazzman]

I am getting ready to order the transmission for my Roadster. My purpose is street use and the occasional track day. I am not interesting in drag racing. I might like to do an auto-cross just to experience it. I want a nice, smooth, short throw, easily shifted transmission that I don't have to fight. I know I will want the "mid-shift" option. I've compared prices from a local dealer and several online vendors, including the forum sponsors, and all seem to sell the Tremec TKO-600 for very similar prices, and not much variance for the cost of the Mid-Shift. I guess the decision will come down to service and reputation. Then I came across Liberty's Gears. They offer an "upgraded-synchronized" version of the TKO-600, and a "face-plated" version of the same tranny. I have called them three times, left messages, but no one has called me back. Does liberty offer anything worth buying, or is their "upgrade" smoke and mirrors? It looks like shipping would also be an added expense where most of the other vendors offer free shipping. Has anyone ever used this company? Have you used the "upgraded" transmission? Is it worth the extra money?

[jrcuz]

JAZZMAN
I believe Edwardb has used Liberty Gears for his tko 600 and has had good things to say about thqm
JR

[edwardb]

Surprised at your experience with Liberty's. I was just there literally 2 hours ago picking up the TKO600 for my build. I called them 4-5 times from order to delivery and never had trouble reaching them. If it helps, I worked with a gentleman named Brad. Talked to him for a while when I picked up my trans today. Nice guy. Maybe ask for him, and if he's not reachable, tell them you've called several times without a call back. I'll bet he calls.

This will be my second TKO with the syncro/shifter upgrade. I have 2,000+ miles on the first one and it's shifted perfectly since the first mile. Smooth, easy, and very precise. I like it very much. They told me it would shift just as nice as the T-5 in my first build, and they were right. Some will tell you the syncro/shifter mod isn't necessary, and they may be right. Some will say it just takes a while to break in. But lots of others complain how they shift (certain farm equipment, trucks and buses are cited...) so there must be something to it. But I've only used the modded version, so I can't cite the specific difference. Only that I'm very pleased with what I've got and wanted the same thing in my new build.

Several other comments: I don't know if their mod applies to the midshift. I've only done the stock rear shift location. Which BTW, if you turn around the shifter in the rear location (one of it's many possible locations) my experience is the shifter ends up in a very good location. You also don't want the faceplate mods. That's strictly a track thing, and would be very unfriendly for street use. Finally, Liberty's is very busy right now. They quoted 8 weeks when I ordered my TKO, and that's what it took. They looked very busy when I was there today.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

[Jazzman]

Thanks Edwardb, I thought it might have been you that had used them. Glad to hear they are just very busy. I guess that is good. You were probably there when I called!! Do you happen to have a picture of where the shifter location ends up relative to the FFR Transmission tunnel if you turn the shifter around in the rear location? I am trying to gain an understanding of whether I really need the mid shift option. I want to use a vertical shift lever, not the standard "45 degree from the rear" type of shift lever. Thanks.

[Bill Waters]

Jazzman - if your current plans don't work out, you might consider working with Mike Forte (a well-known vendor here). I'm on my third build with Mike's stuff. He always has the transmission to me within a week, and is very knowledgeable about the Tremec line. Also, can set it up however you want.

Bill

[DaleG]

I also got mine (TKO500) from Forte, with midshift option. Very satisfied. At that time (2013) Mike was not trimming the tail piece (or, I didn't ask); just lopped it off with a sawzall, no issues.

[edwardb]

Thanks Edwardb, I thought it might have been you that had used them. Glad to hear they are just very busy. I guess that is good. You were probably there when I called!! Do you happen to have a picture of where the shifter location ends up relative to the FFR Transmission tunnel if you turn the shifter around in the rear location? I am trying to gain an understanding of whether I really need the mid shift option. I want to use a vertical shift lever, not the standard "45 degree from the rear" type of shift lever. Thanks.

This post from my #7750 build thread explains about the shifter I used and pictures of what it looks like. The shift ball location is literally right under my hand while sitting in the seat and the motion is mainly front/back. I'm planning the exact configuration for the new build. http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?8296-Mk4-7750-Build-Progress-Update&p=136447&viewfull=1#post136447

[unrealmach1]

Will Liberty machine off the rear mount on the TKO like Forte?

[cnutting]

Mine is on order with Mike Forte with the midshift.

[JIMOCO]

Bought my TKO 500 and rear end from Mike Forte. It shifted smoothly right from the start. They were great to work with. Only have 2,200 mile on it but all is good.

[1932]

MLD
Modern Driveline
Worked good for me.

[Alig2]

Back in April, Liberty Gear quoted me 8 - 10 week delivery. Ended up ordering a stock TKO600 from Don Wood Racing, cheaper than everyone else by far, no tax, free shipping, 2 day delivery straight from Ford warehouse.

[edwardb]

Will Liberty machine off the rear mount on the TKO like Forte?

Yes, they know exactly what to do. Actually machined. No sawzall.

[pcww]

I got mine from Hanlon in Pennsylvania on the recommendation of Mark Doughtery. They added the syncros and ground off the extra piece. Shifts great. I was a little chafed at the charge for the grind but the rest worked out well. Would recommend.

[Dave Howard]

From the description of the end use of your project, I would recommend a bone stock Tremec TKO600. It'll cost you $500 for the "Synchronized/Shift" upgrade. Hell...All transmissions today are synchronized. Yes, the TKO shift throw is a little stiff outta the box, but then it's not like you're driving a Miata or a Solstice. EWWW . 2nd to 3rd is unnerving if you're very aggressive. When the transmission is in neutral, the shift ALWAYS lines up with 3rd and 4th gear. So for me, the 2nd to 3rd shift is pretty darn easy. It more of a fluid motion rather than a forced motion (I'm not racing). For street use and the occasional track day, the stock TKO will suit you fine. Also, Its easy to nip off the rear mount with a hack saw. Make it look pretty with a file and no one will know the difference. Haha, no one will ever see it. Spend the additional $500 on something that shows or a performance/driving attribute you'll actually use. 25,000 kilometers on mine and it shifts like a dream....well not like a Miata!!!!

[edwardb]

From the description of the end use of your project, I would recommend a bone stock Tremec TKO600. It'll cost you $500 for the "Synchronized/Shift" upgrade. Hell...All transmissions today are synchronized. Yes, the TKO shift throw is a little stiff outta the box, but then it's not like you're driving a Miata or a Solstice. EWWW . 2nd to 3rd is unnerving if you're very aggressive. When the transmission is in neutral, the shift ALWAYS lines up with 3rd and 4th gear. So for me, the 2nd to 3rd shift is pretty darn easy. It more of a fluid motion rather than a forced motion (I'm not racing). For street use and the occasional track day, the stock TKO will suit you fine. Also, Its easy to nip off the rear mount with a hack saw. Make it look pretty with a file and no one will know the difference. Haha, no one will ever see it. Spend the additional $500 on something that shows or a performance/driving attribute you'll actually use. 25,000 kilometers on mine and it shifts like a dream....well not like a Miata!!!!

To be accurate, the upgrade is $300 (not $500) and isn't just for the syncros. The mod includes carbon fiber backing rings for the syncros but mainly upgrades to the shift mechanism. The details are on their website. They don't charge for the tailshaft machining when the upgrade is purchased. I'm happy with mine. Enough that I bought a second time. But I agree completely it's not for everyone and I'm not promoting. Just citing my experience. Whether it's a good value or not is one of the many choices we all have to make with our builds. No question a stock TKO is a solid product right out of the box.

[2bking]

I seem to have a different experience with my TKO 600. I have the mid shift option and over 1500 miles on the transmission so I consider it somewhat broken in. The shifting, although smooth, is slow unless I force it. In normal driving I can out accelerate other cars from a light (not racing or showing off but with a little added throttle) and by the time I get second gear they have passed me. Second to third is slower than first to second. The mid shift uses a 6" to 8" shifter stick and directly engages the shifter rods inside the transmission thus eliminating the mechanism used on the rear shifter position. The direct access should be a shifting benefit but the short shift handle may be the problem. I have plenty of clutch release travel so its not a dragging clutch disk problem. The shifting lag is even more prevalent when down shifting.

My experience with manual transmissions is quite dated and spans three vehicles, a 1967 GM three speed column shift, a 27T Roadster with GM 3 speed, and a floor shift 1963 Ford Borg Warner T10 four speed. All of these would shift as fast as I could operate the clutch as memory recalls.

I'm not sure what "shifting like a dream" and "easy shifting" really equates to.

[ThickCobra]

On this same topic, I'm soliciting some input. I purchased a Ford TKO 600 from Forte along with the Midshifter Pro 5.0 (shipped separately) and a .64 5th gear. Reading in the summit catalog, this transmission is best suited for a 3.55 - 4.10 rear end ratio. A while back I chose to purchase the highway friendly 2015 IRS with the 3.31 rear end ratio. Should I be fine or do I need to re think my set up.

[edwardb]

On this same topic, I'm soliciting some input. I purchased a Ford TKO 600 from Forte along with the Midshifter Pro 5.0 (shipped separately) and a .64 5th gear. Reading in the summit catalog, this transmission is best suited for a 3.55 - 4.10 rear end ratio. A while back I chose to purchase the highway friendly 2015 IRS with the 3.31 rear end ratio. Should I be fine or do I need to re think my set up.

The transmission doesn't care about what the diff ratio is, so I wouldn't put any stock in the "best suited" recommendation from Summit. What diff ratio to use depends on many factors: Engine, transmission, tire size, and how you plan to use the car just to name a few. I generally recommend using a gear ratio calculator like this one: http://www.tremec.com/calculadora.php. Plug in your setup and check the calculated speeds/RPM's versus your targets. With a .64 5th gear and 3.31 diff ratio you'll probably be a bit under 2K RPM at 70 mph and 5th will be pretty much only a highway cruising gear. Some performance engines may not like being lugged down at that RPM. Others may be fine. In very general terms, your current combination is more of a cruising setup than pure performance like you might get with a 3.55 or even 3.73 (which I don't generally recommend for these cars). But it's all relative and (again) depends on what you want.

[ThickCobra]

Edwardb,

Thanks for the feedback and what a great calculator. Based upon my inputs, installing a 351w Dart to 427 stroker, and using it for cruising, I should be fine. As always, thanks.

[Mesa Mike]

I'm considering a TKO600 because I track a lot and am going to increase my HP to about 600HP. My T-5 is doing OK but I'm sure it won't take the higher HP. However, if you are only going to just autocross there are a lot of cheaper trannies out there that will do the job just fine.

[first time builder]

Liberty is great ! We had a stock TKO and was one of the unfortunate people to get a hard shifting unit with a load of problems. Sent it to Liberty for the full treatment. Never better NO problems after alot of miles. But not cheap !
Kenny

[MisterAdam]

another satisfied Forte customer here!! very competitive and a wealth of knowledge.....plus he is a great guy

[BEAR-AvHistory]

Got mine from Summit racing. Cutoff the tail shaft with a edge cutter

[TMScrogins]

I currently have a Liberty's TKO 600 with the "syncro treatment". I have actually had a bone stock TKO-600 on my previous drivetrain and now have a Liberty's TKO-600. The service was great and they were very helpful on the phone. I too would second Edward's comments regarding faceplating. Really not for the street. However, having both of these transmissions in the same car with the same shift location (rearward), my experience is I couldn't tell the difference in shifting ease between the two transmissions. I was just as happy with the stock transmission.

Just another perspective.

Trevor

[wareaglescott]

I currently have a Liberty's TKO 600 with the "syncro treatment". I have actually had a bone stock TKO-600 on my previous drivetrain and now have a Liberty's TKO-600. The service was great and they were very helpful on the phone. I too would second Edward's comments regarding faceplating. Really not for the street. However, having both of these transmissions in the same car with the same shift location (rearward), my experience is I couldn't tell the difference in shifting ease between the two transmissions. I was just as happy with the stock transmission.

Just another perspective.

Trevor

Appreciate this perspective. I know sometimes I get carried away in the marketing and every enhancement sounds like a great idea that I must have. It is easy for some of these enhancements to exceed the need for what I am wanting to do with my car.