Tremec TKO 600 installation Question

[bkhicks66]

Hey guys


My plan was to buy a complete 347 turnkey package from Blueprint engines with TKO 600 Installed....I have an opportunity to buy a TKO 600 that was purchased but never installed from a local engine builder for $500.


My question is, how difficult is it to mate the transmission to your engine. I have zero experience doing this and like the idea of saving $2K if possible. Just would like to know if any inexperienced builder has tried this and succeeded.


Thanks
Brian

[edwardb]

Also posted on the other forum where I first saw your question: $500 for a (new?) TKO600 sounds a little like the proverbial too good to be true. But assuming it's the right one (there are GM versions and Ford versions) and the right final drive ratio, they are not hard to install. Depending on how complete your engine package is, you may need to also install the pilot bearing, flywheel, clutch, clutch arm, throw-out bearing, pivot, etc. But all relatively straightforward and well proven. IMO if you can build a car you can install a transmission. But I know some like the peace of mind of having someone do it turnkey.

[Avalanche325]

Easy - with a couple of tips.

Make sure that the engine has the pilot bearing installed. A little bearing in the crankshaft that the nose of the transmission shaft goes into. Some people have never heard of these.
Index your bellhousing - that makes sure alignment is perfect. Plenty of How-to videos out there.
Make sure you understand how the throw-out bearing sits in the fork. This is one that some people get wrong.
Make sure to use sealant on the flywheel bolts for a SBF.
Never use the bolts to pull the transmission in. My trick is to get it in as far as it wants to go. Then use a clamp on the clutch fork to disengage the clutch, then it will slide home.
Make sure you use a torque wrench on everything.

Use the CORRECT fluid. That is GM Snychromesh. Not an "equivalent" from your local parts store.

[Avalanche325]

$500 for a (new?) TKO600 sounds a little like the proverbial too good to be true.

I was going to put that exact phrase at the end of my post.

[NAZ]

A $500 TKO-600? That one ain't new, you can expect to pay ~$2,600 for a new one. Buy a $500 trans and roll the dice.

And then you need a flywheel, clutch, T/O system, bellhousing, (don't forget the mounts & shifter) and all the fasteners required to assemble it. You will also need some precision measuring tools to dial in the bellhousing. Compare that to the "turnkey" version from Blueprint before pulling the trigger on a piecemeal parts acquisition strategy.

Like was stated above, there are GM models and Ford models, and two different ODs to choose from. Selecting a bunch of component parts that are all compatible and fit your need is not an exercise for the inexperienced. Just selecting the correct starter for a SBF is a challenge for many. Make an honest assessment of you skill, knowledge, and experience before jumping into that. Of course we all have to start somewhere but most of us have experienced the buy it twice routine when we started. Education is expensive, and even more expensive from the school of hard knocks. So choose your path wisely.

Good luck, and have fun with your build.

[Robodent]

Sure saving 2k on your build sounds good. For me there was no compromise when it comes to shifting gears I went with a new tko600 and mike forte bolted it all together for me. The hardest part was putting oil in the engine hoist I borrowed from a buddy.

Rob

[chmhasy]

On the Tremec page there are the part numbers under Technical specifications that will show application and gear ratios and spline count.


https://www.tremec.com/menu/tko/

[Fman]

I just did this for the first time, installed a Quicktime BH, trans, TOB, clutch fork and Fortes hydraulic clutch. My engine builder put the clutch on for me and indexed the bell housing. Overall it was not too difficult of a task, mating the trans to engine takes a little bit of finessing but not too bad. I would recommend having two people which makes a big difference having a second set of hands.

There are a lot of different threads on this with some good pictures and documentation to help you out. IMO, I think it would be worth saving 2k DIY, that is chunk of change that could be used for other items on the car.