TKX mid-shift cross-brace interference?

[richtersand]

Hey all, I am installing Coyote + TKX with the mid-shift kit from Forte. See image below. I am expecting interference in the cross brace at the top of the trans tunnel. Any suggestions on how best to deal with this? Forte suggested I just cut the diagonal and forget about it. He thinks it's overkill and legacy from older models and I'll be fine by eliminating it. If you don't agree, how have you dealt with that?

Do I need to cut this before I drop the engine+transmission, or can I cut with it dropped it? Ideally I wait to precisely locate the interference and cut, but let me know if that's not possible.

Thanks in advance, really appreciate the help!!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=147702&d=1620776569

[Sdonnel]

I have a 600 with a mid shift. I cut the brace out and haven’t given it a second thought. Haven’t seen any flexing of trans tunnel cover either.

Scott

[GoDadGo]

I had to do all sorts of goofy stuff to make things fit.
Just cut the sucker out and reweld some additional braces.
Shown below is my solution for my ZF-Gearbox which is about 30-60 seconds into the attached video:

https://youtu.be/_wnHDNgnNqs

Happy Cutting & Fabricating Because I Know You've Got This Brother!

[Al_C]

I have the mid shift mod on a TKO600. Maybe it's close to a TKX, but I really don't know. Anyway, in my experience, the mid-shift piece that fits onto the transmission interfered with the diagonal brace. I cut out the diagonal and bolted a backup bar in its place. Here are some photos:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=78225&d=1514327810

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=78224&d=1514327786

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=78222&d=1514327748

They're probably in reverse order. The wood is only in place to protect the transmission from my cutting activities. I cut out the diagonal, leaving enough to provide an anchor for the backup piece. I put steel bar inside the frame tubes in order to keep the tube from collapsing, and then bolted a steel bar to the diagonal anchors to shift the "load". Others (including 2bking) told me there was no real need to do this, but also agreed that the backup piece would contribute to frame stiffness. For the way I drive, it probably doesn't matter, but I feel better about it that at least I approximated the goal of the diagonal piece. I'm sure you could just cut out the diagonal and be done with it, but this method gave me a little more peace of mind. It's under the transmission tunnel cover, so whatever you do, no one will ever see it (unless you show it to them!).

[Hoooper]

The shift location you have looks like the middle shifting position, which is a different location than what people seem to refer to as mid shift which is the most forward location on the TKO. Assuming the same engine combo as the pictures above you will be right in the middle of the rear cross bar rather than the forward cross bar thats cut in those pictures. The locations between the TKO and the TKX look to be the same

https://i2.wp.com/americanpowertrain.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/TKOvsTKX-scaled.jpg?ssl=1

[Al_C]

Hooper - yes! It would appear that Richtersand's "mid shift" will definitely interfere with the "rear" diagonal rather than the forward one that my TKO mid-shift encountered. I like your photo comparison. It would seem to show that that the TKO mid-shift would actually be a "forward shift" on the TKX.

Richtersand - you have the same issue, just a different diagonal. Let us know what you ultimately decide!

[BrewCityCobra]

Hey all, I am installing Coyote + TKX with the mid-shift kit from Forte. See image below. I am expecting interference in the cross brace at the top of the trans tunnel. Any suggestions on how best to deal with this? Forte suggested I just cut the diagonal and forget about it. He thinks it's overkill and legacy from older models and I'll be fine by eliminating it. If you don't agree, how have you dealt with that?

Do I need to cut this before I drop the engine+transmission, or can I cut with it dropped it? Ideally I wait to precisely locate the interference and cut, but let me know if that's not possible.

Thanks in advance, really appreciate the help!!

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=147702&d=1620776569

Appreciate you included the photo.

Quick question. I, too, am ordering a TKX from Forte and asked for a "mid-shift kit" expecting the shift assembly to be actually attached to the forward mounting location (as opposed to the dog-bone style you have here). Do you happen to know how he listed that on your invoice? I just want to make sure I'm not missing something in my build.

[Jeff Kleiner]

Cut it out and move on. I'm willing to bet a hundred bucks that the wheels won't fold up or the car collapse when ya' do ;)

Jeff

[svassh]

Looks like Forte's mid shift kit is the dog bone.

147776

[rich grsc]

Cut it out and move on. I'm willing to bet a hundred bucks that the wheels won't fold up or the car collapse when ya' do ;)

Jeff
Oh sh-t the world will end

[P100DHG]

Looks like Forte's mid shift kit is the dog bone.

147776

I spoke to Mike about the dog bone solution today. Tremec doesn’t have a solution yet. Mike’s solution is the best we have for the TKX at the moment. Confirmed with Tremec immediately after that 1. a proper mid shift is in development and is 30-60 days from production. Though knowing production constraints might be longer. 2. Unsolicited the customer service rep said Mike Forte is one of the oldest and most knowledgeable Tremec dealers in the country. Kinda cool!


Appreciate you included the photo.

Quick question. I, too, am ordering a TKX from Forte and asked for a "mid-shift kit" expecting the shift assembly to be actually attached to the forward mounting location (as opposed to the dog-bone style you have here). Do you happen to know how he listed that on your invoice? I just want to make sure I'm not missing something in my build.

Same here, wonder what the invoice looks like for the dog bone.

[CaptB]

Is this the midshift kit you'all are talking about: https://fortesparts.com/product/mid-shiftier-tko-500-600/

[Cutter 54]

Is this the midshift kit you'all are talking about: https://fortesparts.com/product/mid-shiftier-tko-500-600/

I too was talking to Mike yesterday in person about this issue. To answer above question, NO. The TKX mid shift kit option from Tremec does not yet exist. Likely it will look similar to the above TKO shifters. The "dog bone" is fabricated by another big shifter manufacturer (sorry I forgot the name) and is external to the tranny proper as you see in the first photo. When I asked Mike if this mid shifter mod will extend above the aluminum transmission tunnel cover, requiring cutting or modification, he said I should contact the forum poster (i.e. Richtersand) for the answer because this is new territory. I did not ask about timeline availability or price of the dog-bone mod, but I may call him to find this out.
So, for the TKX mid shift crowd, we will have to wait for Tremec or try this aftermarket mod. Watch this space....

[CDXXVII]

This is from American Powertrain. I have not verified availability.

I personally see no advantage to the dogbone shifter and would wait for a proper midshift setup.

TKX with American Powertrain Mid-shift conversion

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=147813&d=1620918305

[BrewCityCobra]

This has all been extremely helpful, thank you to everybody who responded. Interesting that Tremec would have released the TKX without a mid shift option ready to go right away.

Richterstand, you will need to post some photos when you get that bad boy installed in the chassis for all of us TKX newbies as you blaze a trail into the unknown. I personally am interested in whether it sits above the aluminum or not as that my influence my purchase decisions.

Thanks again guys, this kind of stuff is why this forum is so great.

[BrewCityCobra]

This is from American Powertrain. I have not verified availability.

I personally see no advantage to the dogbone shifter and would wait for a proper midshift setup.

TKX with American Powertrain Mid-shift conversion

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=147813&d=1620918305

So I actually gave American Powertrain a call and he confirmed that they do not have a mid-shift option for the TKX at this time either. He even seemed to allude that the current models of TKX that are out there won't be able to be converted to mid-shift (something about how a new generation of TKXs will need to be developed to even allow this change to happen). I may have mis-understood his comments so take my second point with a grain of salt, but it was clear that American Powertrain doesn't have a mid-shift option at this time either.

[edwardb]

FWIW, it's possible to have a perfectly fine shift position by turning around the rear shift plate (something it's designed to do) and using the right shift lever. I've done several TKO builds and never used the midshift. No regrets. Coyote makes it even better because it's a bit shorter than a SBF. But that also runs into one of the cross braces.

[P100DHG]

So I actually gave American Powertrain a call and he confirmed that they do not have a mid-shift option for the TKX at this time either. He even seemed to allude that the current models of TKX that are out there won't be able to be converted to mid-shift (something about how a new generation of TKXs will need to be developed to even allow this change to happen). I may have mis-understood his comments so take my second point with a grain of salt, but it was clear that American Powertrain doesn't have a mid-shift option at this time either.

This is pretty much Mike told me too. Something about 3 rods or 1 rod and/or detents. I know nothing about transmissions so it made no sense to me. What I can say is that I put my transmission order contingent upon a proper mid shift and said he can send it to me when it’s sorted out.

To @Edwardbs point,
Though I am going with an SBF I’d rather the traditional look of the longer shifter arm over the dog bone but ideally the a true mid-shift is my preference. Though he has a good point over all that it’s not really super necessary.

[Avalanche325]

The standard Cobra shift location takes all of 5 minutes to get used to. Then you never notice it again. In case you want to hit the easy button.

But if you want mid shift...go for it.

[rich grsc]

The standard Cobra shift location takes all of 5 minutes to get used to. Then you never notice it again. In case you want to hit the easy button.

But if you want mid shift...go for it.
The only way to roll

[P100DHG]

Sounds convincing for those of us on the fence can recommend a good looking shift lever?

[richtersand]

Thanks all for the helpful discussion. This is listed on Forte’s invoice simply as TKX Midshifter for $400

[GoDadGo]

The standard Cobra shift location takes all of 5 minutes to get used to. Then you never notice it again. In case you want to hit the easy button.

But if you want mid shift...go for it.

Amen Sir Avalanche Regarding The Angle Of The Dangle For The Forward Leaning Shifter!

https://youtu.be/UJwM5godh88

Personally, I like the leverage angle compared to my old beloved Corvette which had the exact same ZF trans.

https://youtu.be/svZX2BMSDEs

[BrewCityCobra]

The standard Cobra shift location takes all of 5 minutes to get used to. Then you never notice it again. In case you want to hit the easy button.

But if you want mid shift...go for it.

Strangely enough I was on the fence when making my decision as I prefer the look of the "classic" shifter but preferred a true mid-shift for tracking. Looks like this may help make that decision a bit easier. Appreciate all the input here.

[P100DHG]

Amen Sir Avalanche Regarding The Angle Of The Dangle For The Forward Leaning Shifter!

https://youtu.be/UJwM5godh88

Personally, I like the leverage angle compared to my old beloved Corvette which had the exact same ZF trans.

https://youtu.be/svZX2BMSDEs

Well… I feel it’s imperative to get the mid-shift because not only is it in a funny position but it’s looks like shifting an 18 wheeler the throw is so long.

I would miss the original look but this help me make up my mind.

Thank you so much for posting this video! Super helpful!!

[GoDadGo]

Thank you so much for posting this video! Super helpful!!

Remember always that you are building your dream and your car will be a true reflection of you.
That is what I love about Factory Five Racing & the community they created.
You decide what your car will be & then you execute the plan.
This truly sets Factory Five apart from their rivals.
Glad my video helped you decide!

[Hacksaw84]

I have a TKO 600 and went with a midshift. I like it but as others said its real easy to get used to the normal position. Most midshift kits are the Pro 5.0. Mine is from Silver Sport transmissions, it does not look like they have a TKX version out yet but might be worth a call. American Powertrain also makes their "white lightning shifter" (but as BrewCityCobra said they don't have a TKX yet). I did cut and move my diagonal brace to make clearance for it. It looks like you will have to cut the rear one instead. Just looking at the pic I would also be curious if the dogbone hits the tunnel cover? I assume the clearance has been checked by Mike. Also, I have the Hurst 6" lay back shifter arm on it.

147851 147852

[P100DHG]

Remember always that you are building your dream and your car will be a true reflection of you.
That is what I love about Factory Five Racing & the community they created.
You decide what your car will be & then you execute the plan.
This truly sets Factory Five apart from their rivals.
Glad my video helped you decide!

So get this, I sent the video to my father in law who I am going to be building the car with and he got the opposite impression and likes the original shift location. So great great video and like you said it’s all about building it your way. So maybe we won’t have a mid shift LOL

[tbl100]

Here is what I did.
147868

[Hoooper]

Well… I feel it’s imperative to get the mid-shift because not only is it in a funny position but it’s looks like shifting an 18 wheeler the throw is so long.

Just remember, with the right shifter base it doesnt matter how long the stick is, the throw can still be short.

[richtersand]

Alright, dropped the engine this weekend and got this sorted out. Overall looks like a solid fit. It easily clears the aluminum. Needed to cut the diagonal but not the end of the world as you guys pointed out. Here are some pics:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=147997&d=1621312658

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=147998&d=1621312679

[nucjd19]

Alright, dropped the engine this weekend and got this sorted out. Overall looks like a solid fit. It easily clears the aluminum. Needed to cut the diagonal but not the end of the world as you guys pointed out. Here are some pics:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=147997&d=1621312658

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=147998&d=1621312679

Wow! the TKX puts the shifter right on the crossbar when you flip it forward. Excellent pictures for everyone going forward with the TKX to know what they are dealing with.

[BrewCityCobra]

Thanks for the pic!

[FFinisher]

Cut it out and move on. I'm willing to bet a hundred bucks that the wheels won't fold up or the car collapse when ya' do ;)

Jeff


I will bet $1000.

Cut it and forget it.

[coup in australia]

150345

option Im using for my 65 coupe, 351 w

[Chainsaw]

That’s the ticket.

[BrewCityCobra]

Really nice! If you don't mind me asking - where did you source the mid-shift kit?

[richtersand]

Really nice! If you don't mind me asking - where did you source the mid-shift kit?

Forte!

[Tbev]

I'm confused, I spoke with Mike today regarding my Coyote/TKX order and he told me that the mid shift kit was not yet available for the TKX. I must of misunderstood him because it looks like you have one.

[BrewCityCobra]

Whelp. Looks like Mike may be getting a call from me in the near future.

Appreciate you presenting this to the board.

[BrewCityCobra]

150345

option Im using for my 65 coupe, 351 w

Just realized where some of the confusion may be coming. That isn't a TKX is it?

[Tbev]

Just realized where some of the confusion may be coming. That isn't a TKX is it?

I spoke with Mike again today, just to confirm I heard him correctly, and he said that Tremec has created the mid shift kit for the TKX but they have not assigned a part number to it yet and it is not for sale as of now. There are other options to simulate a mid shift on a TKX but as of right now there is no Tremec manufactured mid shift kit.

Edit-I went back and read the whole thread and see P100DHG mentioned what Mike told me in post 11. If I had done that to begin with I wouldn't of been confused and would of saved myself, and Mike, a phone call. Sorry if I created anymore confusion for anyone. Now I will go back to just reading posts. :D

[chuckster]

I have a 600 with a mid shift. I cut the brace out and haven’t given it a second thought. Haven’t seen any flexing of trans tunnel cover either.

Scott

What he said.

[Hoooper]

Just realized where some of the confusion may be coming. That isn't a TKX is it?

Yeah, that picture was a T56 magnum which midshift kits are available all over the internet for