Transmission Questions

[Dave O]

I have 3 questions concerning transmissions. I'm sure all have been thoroughly discussed. I have done a lot of searches on this and the other forum, and yet I still would like to get the latest thinking from those of you with experience in this area.

Question 1 - In regards to TKO shifter position, I see a lot of people going with the mid-shift. Why? Its it all about feel and ease of shifting? I would think the rear position would give more room between the shifter and the dash.

Question 2 - With the mid-shift position, are frame mondifactions required on the MKIV?

Question 3 - Does anyone have experience with the Keisler RS transmission? A friend has one and is very impressed with it, especially the smooth shifting....no missed shifts he says. I see a lot of references to missed shifts with the TKO, yet most people say that is the way to go for the higher torque/HP engines.

All comments appreciated.

[Bob Cowan]

I have a TKO, one of the older ones. Purchased it back in 03 or 04. To begin with, it was a little notchy and took some getting used to. But after a few miles it loosened up a little bit. Some people complain because it is a little bit notchy, and "difficult" to shift well. It's not as buttery smooth as a new Audi, Beemer, or Mustang. personally, I like the way it shifts; very solid feel, I know where it's going. I like it a lot more than I liked my '08 Mustang.

People use the mid shift position because that's what they're used to. You can use a shorter handle, which would - in theory - allow you to shift faster. Then your foot on the clutch becomes the limiting facter. Personally, I like the backwards shifter. It felt a little strange the first 10 minutes, but after that it felt pretty normal. A lot of people ask about that, too.

[snakeboost]

The Keisler RS is NOT a new unit as they claim it is a rebuilt T45 transmission from a 94/5 mustang that has modified internals

Steve

[CraigS]

Re: the backwards or rear shifter position. I have it on my MkII w/ TKO500. I drive an 08 civic 5 speed daily. My wifes daily driver is a 10 Mustang GT w/ 5 speed. I switch back and forth between these and my FFR. When I hop in the FFR there is never any 'Oh, I have to get used to this for a few miles' feeling at all. No transition what so ever. I like the classic look too so no thought of changing shifters.

[tjmotter]

I have seen posts on the other forum indicating that the midshift position requires modification of the square frame member on the top of the tranny tunnel. This problem doesn't occur on the old MKI's because they had a different bracing mechanism but one of the cross members appears to sit directly over the front of the shifter making it impossible to get into 1st or 3rd without cutting the member out.

While I have a T5Z I must say that the rear mounted shifter arrangement works great. I recognize that it is "different" from today's cars but there are no functional nor esthetic issues that I have encountered so I suspect that it is simply a "taste" issue.

HTH
Todd

I have 3 questions concerning transmissions. I'm sure all have been thoroughly discussed. I have done a lot of searches on this and the other forum, and yet I still would like to get the latest thinking from those of you with experience in this area.

Question 1 - In regards to TKO shifter position, I see a lot of people going with the mid-shift. Why? Its it all about feel and ease of shifting? I would think the rear position would give more room between the shifter and the dash.

Question 2 - With the mid-shift position, are frame mondifactions required on the MKIV?

Question 3 - Does anyone have experience with the Keisler RS transmission? A friend has one and is very impressed with it, especially the smooth shifting....no missed shifts he says. I see a lot of references to missed shifts with the TKO, yet most people say that is the way to go for the higher torque/HP engines.

All comments appreciated.

[jlfernan]

In regards to modifying the frame for the TKO, yes. You need to remove one frame brace. Some people opt to re-weld it in a different position, trying not to lose any frame rigidity. I don't feel it's necessary.

http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/5710/dsc02907p.jpg


http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/2561/jorgec.jpg (http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/private.php?do=newpm&u=111)

[Scott7644]

I have the MK4 with the coyote motor and the TKO600. I installed the mid shift (while in the car). I like the way the mid shift feels while shifting. I did not like the way the rear position shifted.

I did NOT have to do any frame mods.