Tremec TKX Midshift Option - STX Shifter Installed

[Lidodrip]

I have been waiting for Tremec to come out with a midshift kit for the TKX but it appears that it is stuck in development. When I spoke with Tremec in January, they could not provide an anticipated release date. I came across a midshift kit from Modern DriveLine which is the first I have seen for the TKX. I spoke with MDL and they said the product has been fully engineered and is in production. However, like the rest of the industry, they are waiting on parts. They expect the kit will be available in 8-10 weeks.

https://www.moderndriveline.com/shop/shifter-accessories/mdl-shifters/shifters-tkx/bop-shifters/tkx-qwik-stik-shifter-front-position-1-forward-offset/

James

[Theshandman]

What's the purpose of a midshift option? To my untrained eye, looks like 'just' a shifter assy relocation. I'm curious 'cause I have the TKX tranny attached to a BPE 347.
Art

[BEAR-AvHistory]

What's the purpose of a midshift option? To my untrained eye, looks like 'just' a shifter assy relocation. I'm curious 'cause I have the TKX tranny attached to a BPE 347.
Art

Its a personal thing. Some guys like the forward position with a straight stick better than the rear position with the bent stick. I have the bent stick & some of the guys in my group have the straight stick.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=153848&d=1632788863

As for the transmission it could care less where the stick is. Its an easy swap.

[Jim1855]

There are advantages and differences in the "feel" of the shifting. The rear position with the longer shifter shifts more up/down and a bit softer due to the leverage and length of movement. The mid shift with the straight vertical shifter runs for/aft for the gear changes and is a bit more abrupt due to the shorter arm and required travel.

I've driven both with a few different transmissions and prefer the vertical mid shift but it's your car and decision.

Jim

[zee]

Plus 289s had the normal 'mid' position with a straight short shifter. So if that's what you're replicating, then you need a mid-shifter.

[Sdonnel]

I’ve had both and currently have the mid shift on my TKO600. I was able to acquire a prototype MGW shifter for the mid shift position. Handle was about 7 inches long. I took 3 inches off of it and shifting is nothing more than the flick of the wrist. I prefer the mid shift position as most of us put a short throw shifter in the rear position and then connect a broomstick so it was comfortable to reach. Just my $.02.

[edwardb]

Keep in mind that the TKX has the same setup as other Tremecs, e.g. the rear shifter position can be removed and rotated 180 degrees. No parts are required. Just some new silicone sealant when putting it back together. This moves the shifter forward about 3-1/2 inches. The OP also shows this is going into a build with a Coyote. Which is about 1" or so shorter than a traditional SBF. Together, that gets the shifter into a position where the raked forward shifter like many have seen isn't required. Check it out. You may find you don't need the mid-shift to get the shifter in a more upright location.

[Lidodrip]

Keep in mind that the TKX has the same setup as other Tremecs, e.g. the rear shifter position can be removed and rotated 180 degrees. No parts are required. Just some new silicone sealant when putting it back together. This moves the shifter forward about 3-1/2 inches. The OP also shows this is going into a build with a Coyote. Which is about 1" or so shorter than a traditional SBF. Together, that gets the shifter into a position where the raked forward shifter like many have seen isn't required. Check it out. You may find you don't need the mid-shift to get the shifter in a more upright location.

Appreciate the insight as always. I have not done much with mocking up seating yet, but will certainly see how the flipped position works because it is easy and free. I have at least 8-10 weeks to figure it out!

[zee]

Keep in mind that the TKX has the same setup as other Tremecs, e.g. the rear shifter position can be removed and rotated 180 degrees. No parts are required. Just some new silicone sealant when putting it back together. This moves the shifter forward about 3-1/2 inches. The OP also shows this is going into a build with a Coyote. Which is about 1" or so shorter than a traditional SBF. Together, that gets the shifter into a position where the raked forward shifter like many have seen isn't required. Check it out. You may find you don't need the mid-shift to get the shifter in a more upright location.

Hey, does it mean that by rotating the plate and using a straight 289 shifter, the knob will be at the same point (where it is in this picture, except straight?)

163718

[JohnK]

Worth pointing out that flipping the rear shifter or going with a mid shifter will likely involve modifying or removing one of the diagonal frame braces in the trans tunnel.

[Lidodrip]

Worth pointing out that flipping the rear shifter or going with a mid shifter will likely involve modifying or removing one of the diagonal frame braces in the trans tunnel.

Good point. I have my engine/trans (Gen 2 Coyote/TKX) installed and can confirm that flipping the rear shifter to the forward position will require cutting a cross brace on the trans tunnel. The midshift position is close and may depend on how the actual shift kit installs. Either way (per several previous discussions), cutting a cross brace seems to be a non-issue.

[Hoooper]

If you get your dash and steering wheel in, even if just temporarily, you can take a look and see if the shifter will be better in the forward or middle positions. If you are going with a straight stick you want the ball directly to the side of the steering wheel provided that doesnt put the ball when in 1, 3, 5 into the dash or cups if you have cupholders. Ideally if you are looking for the highest performance the shifter ball would be directly next to the middle of the steering wheel both in vertical and front/back orientation, that mid shift kit doesnt indicate what length shifter stick it is designed for which would give me pause, you shouldnt just stick an 8" stick on a shifter base with fulcrum height designed for a 5" stick, or a 12", etc. Properly designed shift bases tell you what length stick its for and usually will have various bases for different stick lengths.

[Lidodrip]

If you get your dash and steering wheel in, even if just temporarily, you can take a look and see if the shifter will be better in the forward or middle positions. If you are going with a straight stick you want the ball directly to the side of the steering wheel provided that doesnt put the ball when in 1, 3, 5 into the dash or cups if you have cupholders. Ideally if you are looking for the highest performance the shifter ball would be directly next to the middle of the steering wheel both in vertical and front/back orientation, that mid shift kit doesnt indicate what length shifter stick it is designed for which would give me pause, you shouldnt just stick an 8" stick on a shifter base with fulcrum height designed for a 5" stick, or a 12", etc. Properly designed shift bases tell you what length stick its for and usually will have various bases for different stick lengths.

Thanks for the recommendations. Hope to get the dash in soon, still recovering from the stress of watching my 18-year old cut the holes in the carbon fiber dash. He did a good job.

[edwardb]

Hey, does it mean that by rotating the plate and using a straight 289 shifter, the knob will be at the same point (where it is in this picture, except straight?)

163718

Hard to say. Don't know if that's a Coyote build or not. My guess is it's not. As I mentioned, a Coyote is shorter than a SBF so will move the shifter forward in comparison. To be clear -- I'm not suggesting flipping the shifter will put you as far forward as the midshift kit. Obviously not. But it puts you further forward than many realize and with the right shift handle works very well. I've done it on two builds and was very happy with the location. Definitely is not the "lay down" shifter with the up/down motion. And yes, very likely with either the flipped shifter or the mid-shift you will be cutting a cross member in the tunnel. The hole in the transmission cover will be wrong too. But then it almost always is. :rolleyes:

[zee]

Another option is this, from Forte. I don't see it on their website though.

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

[JohnK]

That looks like a Modern Driveline shifter. I have their rear shifter (no offset) on my TKO600 and it's a nice piece. They offer them with a variety of offset levers so you can position it however you want.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=152458&d=1629568344

[Jammer369]

I have been waiting for Tremec to come out with a midshift kit for the TKX but it appears that it is stuck in development. When I spoke with Tremec in January, they could not provide an anticipated release date. I came across a midshift kit from Modern DriveLine which is the first I have seen for the TKX. I spoke with MDL and they said the product has been fully engineered and is in production. However, like the rest of the industry, they are waiting on parts. They expect the kit will be available in 8-10 weeks.

https://www.moderndriveline.com/shop/shifter-accessories/mdl-shifters/shifters-tkx/bop-shifters/tkx-qwik-stik-shifter-front-position-1-forward-offset/

James

I just got off the phone with Modern Driveline. This TKX midshift kit is only available as part of a kit when you buy the TKX from them and they install the midshift kit before shipping the TKX. They also offer a 10% military discount and free shipping if you buy a transmission and $1500 in add ons (clutch, Tilton throwout bearings, bell housing, etc).

Like James stated, they said they are about 8 weeks from being able to ship the midshift option.

Troy

[Chainsaw]

Does anyone have any updates on any mid-shift options for the TKX?

[marshc56]

I have been considering a forward shifter for the TKX. Until recently, not much luck. I found this and a couple other sites

https://www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwiY7dDMwJ35AhUGHq0GHb4UCAEYABAPGgJwdg&ae=2&ohost=www.google.com&cid=CAESWOD2Qmtlgh9aKWCfGGSjbXUUt3Kk0NKo0c59CnmXYN lCwnoM2q7XRnTCUDEX16RNXFdBmjcRTUoUdKwGVUkNViDb7Kuq iX88Fmmg-ZhHNHCHBxNP14dHAa0&sig=AOD64_2ruGXRZNQ1TI4e_utQ3ZdOMfKXuw&ctype=5&q=&ved=2ahUKEwiKxsnMwJ35AhWTLH0KHedxCaQQ9aACKAB6BAgBE Eg&adurl=

[marshc56]

This link might work better.

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/TKX-Mid-Position-Shifter-No-Offset-Billet-Aluminum,488195.html?sku=91029017&utm_medium=CSEGoogle&utm_source=CSE&utm_campaign=CSEGOOGLE&gclid=Cj0KCQjw54iXBhCXARIsADWpsG9J7L-Rgv72U3jH3iEMFe8fvzLVDBQFbPzpErRmUz4UBESDKoJOdfYaA jz6EALw_wcB

[Hacksaw84]

I have a midshift kit for my TKO from Silver Sport Transmissions and really like it. It looks like they have a "Front Shift" kit available for the TKX:

https://shiftsst.com/stx-shifter-tkx-front-shift-conversion-kit.html

[Lidodrip]

I ordered the TKX Speedway shifter as it was advertised as a bolt on shifter - not the case. At a minimum, the center lug needs to be removed and flipped similar to a TKO install. However, there are no instructions for that shifter and Speedway tech support had no information about install. They told me to call a transmission specialist - Joe Dietrich- who was great to talk to, but did not have any information or experience with this shifter. Quick Stix makes a very similar looking shifter, but they also don’t have any install instructions. I ended up returning the shifter to Speedway. I have the STX shifter on order. I did speak with STX before ordering and they sent me a very complete set of instructions. It is a very different shifter kit than the Speedway kit. They have sold quite a few of these shifters and they work well per report. The STX shifter also retains the 5 to R lockout. I was planning on sharing some pictures and my experience once I tackle the install. I ordered the STX shifter from Jegs as it was significantly cheaper.

James

[Chainsaw]

I asked Tremec about this month ago and they said they should have their mid-shift for sale in October ‘22. We shall see.

[Lidodrip]

I asked Tremec about this month ago and they said they should have their mid-shift for sale in October ‘22. We shall see.

Tremec told me the same thing, but it was October 2021!

[Doenut]

I ordered the TKX Speedway shifter as it was advertised as a bolt on shifter - not the case. At a minimum, the center lug needs to be removed and flipped similar to a TKO install. However, there are no instructions for that shifter and Speedway tech support had no information about install. They told me to call a transmission specialist - Joe Dietrich- who was great to talk to, but did not have any information or experience with this shifter. Quick Stix makes a very similar looking shifter, but they also don’t have any install instructions. I ended up returning the shifter to Speedway. I have the STX shifter on order. I did speak with STX before ordering and they sent me a very complete set of instructions. It is a very different shifter kit than the Speedway kit. They have sold quite a few of these shifters and they work well per report. The STX shifter also retains the 5 to R lockout. I was planning on sharing some pictures and my experience once I tackle the install. I ordered the STX shifter from Jegs as it was significantly cheaper.

James

James

Am very interested in how this works out
Was aiming at getting one in the next couple of weeks
I looked up the Speedway Shifter earlier this week, but as of today the link has been taken down

Thanks

Dave

[BrewCityCobra]

I click on this damn thread every time somebody posts to it thinking my prayers have finally been answered - but never are. Damn mid-shift kit for TKX

[flyboyjy]

https://www.racetuning.com/products/tremec-tkx-5-speed-mid-shift-conversion-shifter-qwik-stik

I ordered this for my TKX but have not tried it yet. Give it a look.

[Hacksaw84]

I click on this damn thread every time somebody posts to it thinking my prayers have finally been answered - but never are. Damn mid-shift kit for TKX

I posted the one from Silver Sport Transmissions. The one I have on the TKO is nice.

[BrewCityCobra]

https://www.racetuning.com/products/tremec-tkx-5-speed-mid-shift-conversion-shifter-qwik-stik

I ordered this for my TKX but have not tried it yet. Give it a look.

Wow, looks good. Please do post when you get it installed, would be very curious to see how it jives.

And thanks for the link, I will investigate.

[BrewCityCobra]

I posted the one from Silver Sport Transmissions. The one I have on the TKO is nice.

Well clearly I haven't been paying close enough attention. I swore last time I looked into Silver Sport it was limited to TKO's only. I'll look into this as well. Thanks!

[rich grsc]

Maybe,don't do a mid shift?

[Chainsaw]

https://www.racetuning.com/products/tremec-tkx-5-speed-mid-shift-conversion-shifter-qwik-stik

I ordered this for my TKX but have not tried it yet. Give it a look.

I look forward to seeing how this works out.

[Lidodrip]

https://www.racetuning.com/products/tremec-tkx-5-speed-mid-shift-conversion-shifter-qwik-stik

I ordered this for my TKX but have not tried it yet. Give it a look.

The Qwik Stik shifter looks identical to the one I got from Speedway Motors, except it is anodized red. It requires some modifications to the transmission, however, there are no instructions on what needs to be done. I did call and speak with Race Tuning and they said the only literature they had on how to install this shifter was the TKX parts diagram from Tremec. You might just need to remove the center lug and flip it 180 degrees, but I was not about to take that risk on my best guess.

My Silver Sport Transmissions STX shifter arrived yesterday and that is my next project. They have complete and detailed instructions (5 pages with lots of photos) on how to install and part of the kit includes 3 new lugs (Speedway and Qwik Stik do not include any lugs). I spoke with Shane at Silver Sport and he has been very helpful answering questions and seems very knowledgeable about the shifter. 2 steps forward, 1 step back (sometimes 2)...

James

[Hacksaw84]

My Silver Sport Transmissions STX shifter arrived yesterday and that is my next project. They have complete and detailed instructions (5 pages with lots of photos) on how to install and part of the kit includes 3 new lugs (Speedway and Qwik Stik do not include any lugs). I spoke with Shane at Silver Sport and he has been very helpful answering questions and seems very knowledgeable about the shifter. 2 steps forward, 1 step back (sometimes 2)...

Awesome, Looking forward to hearing how it works out for you. I have been really happy with my TKO one.

[BrewCityCobra]

The Qwik Stik shifter looks identical to the one I got from Speedway Motors, except it is anodized red. It requires some modifications to the transmission, however, there are no instructions on what needs to be done. I did call and speak with Race Tuning and they said the only literature they had on how to install this shifter was the TKX parts diagram from Tremec. You might just need to remove the center lug and flip it 180 degrees, but I was not about to take that risk on my best guess.

My Silver Sport Transmissions STX shifter arrived yesterday and that is my next project. They have complete and detailed instructions (5 pages with lots of photos) on how to install and part of the kit includes 3 new lugs (Speedway and Qwik Stik do not include any lugs). I spoke with Shane at Silver Sport and he has been very helpful answering questions and seems very knowledgeable about the shifter. 2 steps forward, 1 step back (sometimes 2)...

James

Excellent. Would love to see any photos you are willing to share. Good luck!

[Lidodrip]

I just finished installing the Silver Sport Transmissions STX TKX Front Shift Conversion Kit. My overall impression is that this is a well made, good quality shifter. It comes with all the necessary parts, excellent instructions, and installation was straight forward. I have a Gen 2 Coyote and the engine/transmission was already installed. Aside from the actual transmission work (described below), I was able to install the shifter with only having to remove the drive shaft and safety loop while the car was on jack stands. I am not using the FFR emergency brake handle and it might be helpful to remove this if one has it installed. While it is certainly preferable to do this modification before engine/transmission installation, it not too difficult to do after the fact. Below is brief overview of the process and some pictures.

First step was to drain the transmission fluid and then remove the stock TKX shifter and front shift cover plate. It becomes quite clear after removing the front shift cover that a simple bolt on shifter solution is not possible, the center lug faces down covering the area where the shifter would need to drop into.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=170794&d=1660007591

Next I had to drive the three pins out of the lugs which were eventually removed. They pins fall down into the transmission (there is a magnet at the bottom) and are retrieved after the next step. I had to unbolt the transmission extension (11 bolts) which was easier than I expected. The extension slides off the main transmission, but does not need to be completely removed. All the stock shifter parts from the extension are removed.

The only irreversible modification to the transmission is that the two steel outer shifting rods need to be trimmed back about a 1/2 inch. The kit has a trim guide that makes this surprisingly easy and accurate with a cutoff wheel. Below shows the outer rods cut, prior to installation of the new lugs.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=170797&d=1660007591

The kit provides 3 new lugs that slide on and then are secured by pins in the original holes.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=170803&d=1660011777

The transmission extension is bolted back on and the shifter then drops in and just bolts down.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=170796&d=1660007591

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=170795&d=1660007591

After everything was done, these are the parts that end up being removed:

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=170793&d=1660007591

Overall, this was easier than I anticipated and I enjoyed the project. There is no interference with the tunnel crossing bracing (no cutting!) using a Coyote/TKX and I suspect that other engine combinations would be fine as well since most place the transmission a little farther back than the Coyote. With my setup, the front shift location places the shifter in line with the steering wheel. I am glad to have this project done, as I have been waiting for a while for this option. Happy to answer any questions.

James

[CaptB]

Forte advised me yesterday that his are on order. For those of you considering it, you may want to reach out to Mike for details.

[Doenut]

Thanks for the write up James
Will be getting my own shortly

Thanks

Dave

[Hacksaw84]

Forte advised me yesterday that his are on order. For those of you considering it, you may want to reach out to Mike for details.

Is he just reselling a Pro 5.0 kit? I think that is what he offered for the TKO.

[Chainsaw]

My BPE crate is ready to ship, so I guess it's time to commit to this option. Seems to be the only real option and straightforward to do.

[Lidodrip]

My BPE crate is ready to ship, so I guess it's time to commit to this option. Seems to be the only real option and straightforward to do.

While I have only done go-kart runs, the STX shifter seems to work well. I am using a 6" stick which was recommended by STX. It does take a little time to break-in.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=174774&d=1668189434

James

[ekoffman]

FYI, Fortes Parts has a midshift kit for the TKX in stock. I just installed it. I started a new thread about it. Feel free to ask any questions. https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/showthread.php?44860-TKX-MidShift-Kit-Installed-(Fortes-Parts)