TKX MidShift Kit Installed (Fortes Parts)

[ekoffman]

Just a heads up to all. Mike Forte of Fortes Parts now has stock of a MidShift kit for a TKX. I just installed it. It was very simple if you take your time. Trust me, if I can do this, anyone can. Here are some pics I took. I should have taken more, but I was so deep in the work that I forgot to take more. Fortes is coming out with instructions and pics of their own to help everyone. Feel free to ask me any questions if you need anything.
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[dallas_289]

This is exactly what was on my agenda to look into this week, thanks for posting! I got my BluePrint 347/TKX last week and was looking at the SST kit. I already had a few things to get from Forte, looks like I may need to make a call this morning!

[mladen]

Is my understanding correct that by default the TKX comes with a rear shift, and there are mods for either mid or front shift? If so, any photos of what mid and front look like in a finished car?

[CaptB]

Just ordered mine from Mike.

[Doenut]

I did the STX kit, looks like a similar kit to the Forte. Here's where it lines up in the car (see photo's). It's nicely lined up with the steering wheel.

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[mladen]

Is this the Forte one (https://fortesparts.com/product/front-shifter-tremec/)? I'm sure it's top-notch but it costs more than twice than some other conversion kits.

[Lidodrip]

Is my understanding correct that by default the TKX comes with a rear shift, and there are mods for either mid or front shift? If so, any photos of what mid and front look like in a finished car?

The TKX has three shifter locations. It comes stock in the rear position. Changing to the middle position is very simple and does not require any modifications to the transmission or additional parts. However, the middle position would require the removal of one of the transmission tunnel cross braces (not a big deal). To change to the middle position, unbolt the Tremec shifter, spin it 180 degrees, and bolt it down in the new position. The forward position requires a new shifter (Forte, STX, Qwik Stik) and some modifications to the transmission. The forward position on the TKX is sometimes called the midshift position because it is the same position as the midshift location on the TKO transmissions, but as it relates to the TKX, it is actually the forward position.

The exact location of the shifter will depend on what engine you are using. The Coyote/TKX is shorter than most other engine combinations which means the transmission shifter locations are about 2" farther forward with the Coyote. Below are some pictures of my installed shifter (Coyote/TKX) with a 6" shift lever. I used the STX kit, but it looks like from ekoffman's pictures, the Forte kit would land in the same location. My shifter does look close to the CF dashboard, but there is no interference when shifting with my hand resting on top and the clearance is reasonable (the pictures make it look closer). One variable that I don't know is if there is a different throw distance between the various shift kits. If the throw distance was longer, there could be an issue with hitting the dash, particularly in the Coyote. Having used the front shifter location for go-karting, I like it and would do it again.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=177287&d=1672263647

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=177286&d=1672263647

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[Lidodrip]

Is this the Forte one (https://fortesparts.com/product/front-shifter-tremec/)? I'm sure it's top-notch but it costs more than twice than some other conversion kits.

I believe the Forte kit in your link is the front shift kit for the TKO, not the TKX. I would call Mike to get a price.

[mladen]

Thank you for the very detailed explanation. That helps a lot! Will definitely give Mike a call.

[Countrymile]

This is exactly what was on my agenda to look into this week, thanks for posting! I got my BluePrint 347/TKX last week and was looking at the SST kit. I already had a few things to get from Forte, looks like I may need to make a call this morning!

I was working on my Forte wish list and getting ready to order also. It looks like the list just became one part longer!

[ekoffman]

You can flip the stock shifter. So it’s more forward. The mid shift modification is the farthest forward you can go.

[Tooth]

This is an area of my build I haven't gotten to, and still flip flop on doing this mod. I think it's something I'm going to have to work out in the "go kart" phase. I've flip flopped so much on so many aspects of this build that I think I may run for office. :cool:

[mladen]

Called Mike Forte this morning and placed an order for the kit which is around $480.

[BrewCityCobra]

Just a heads up to all. Mike Forte of Fortes Parts now has stock of a MidShift kit for a TKX. I just installed it. It was very simple if you take your time. Trust me, if I can do this, anyone can. Here are some pics I took. I should have taken more, but I was so deep in the work that I forgot to take more. Fortes is coming out with instructions and pics of their own to help everyone. Feel free to ask me any questions if you need anything.
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Great to see.

Do you think the mod can be done in-situ? or would I need to pull the engine back out of the car to do the mod?

[mladen]

Great to see.

Do you think the mod can be done in-situ? or would I need to pull the engine back out of the car to do the mod?

Mike strongly suggested that I do it on the bench, but my context was that my engine is already out. It might be doable when already in place, with lots of care. Here are the instructions (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JWH4EYDJ9NO0ZpwSBiocTTHpC65ClnP4/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104691775092288760149&rtpof=true&sd=true) he shared with me that were compiled by another builder. The biggest risk is probably losing that pin inside the transmission.

[Lidodrip]

Mike strongly suggested that I do it on the bench, but my context was that my engine is already out. It might be doable when already in place, with lots of care. Here are the instructions (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1JWH4EYDJ9NO0ZpwSBiocTTHpC65ClnP4/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=104691775092288760149&rtpof=true&sd=true) he shared with me that were compiled by another builder. The biggest risk is probably losing that pin inside the transmission.

After reading through the instructions, I don't see any reason why you couldn't do the modification with the transmission already installed, particularly since you don't need to remove the tail section (which is what I had to do for the STX kit and the transmission was in the car). In the event that you did loose a pin, there is a magnet at the bottom of the transmission which it would attach to. You would then need to drain the transmission fluid, remove the drive shaft (if installed), remove the tail housing bolts and separate the tail housing a few inches from the transmission in order to grab the pin. Not a difficult task, but definitely preferable not to drop a pin! Certainly easier to do this modification on the bench top, but not too difficult if your transmission is already installed. Looks like a nice kit, good instructions.

James

[jrcuz]

Although I have a TKO 600 I went from a mid-shift to a rear shift in my MK 4 while installed. Mike sent me the parts needed. I also searched good old youtube and found a video on how to do it.
JR

[CraigS]

For those of you on the fence w/ the decision this is my experience w/ 15 years of a MkII w/ a TKO500 and the FFR shifter. After the first 5-6 drives it becomes normal to you and you never think about it again. Personally I could see doing the free flip like ekoffman says, but the idea of spending $400+ I would never consider.

[ekoffman]

I hear ya there… only thing is to my understanding on the MarkIV you can’t flip it. It will hit the cross bracing.

[CaptB]

I ordered the mid-shift kit and realized that I can't use it on my build.

If anyone has an interest PM me, I will send it to you for $455 plus I'll cover shipping. I didn't get very far before I realized this will not work with how I built my center console with a mini-dash under the dash.

Capt. B

[JeffP]

I hear ya there… only thing is to my understanding on the MarkIV you can’t flip it. It will hit the cross bracing.

Little trimming... some have then added an offset brace to replace what is cut out, but I don't think it'll compromise the integrity.

https://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=165502&d=1650027110

[mladen]

Question for folks that have done this mod. I just received the kit and started with the installation. Removing the old one and installing the new cover plate is no work at all. So then I started on the placement for the new shifter. I was paying attention to the point about not dropping the pin into the transmission, so I put a paper towel underneath and proceeded to tap the pin out slowly. I did get to a point where the center selector started rocking back and forth, but I couldn't move it forward as the instructions seem to show, in order to use a second punch to pull the shaft back in. So I kept tapping, a bit more, and a bit more, and a bit more. And it only kept rocking side to side a bit. Until I tapped and the pin dropped out, and I had a mild cardiac event. Luckily, the paper towel was in there pretty tight and I was able to first pull the pin up a bit by a magnetized screwdriver, and then use this long-reachy-thingy with a really strong magnet. So, crisis averted, but I'm still not sure how to remove the center selector. I don't want to use force, but nothing's giving in. Any suggestions welcome.

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[mladen]

Ok, I figured it out. What I did is the following:

- Reinstalled the original shifter in it's position and added Mike's lever to it (you probably don't need to, but leverage makes it easier to operate)
- Then you can push forward on the lever and it will retract the rear selector and move the center selector with it. You then do need to push the rod a little bit forward, and the center selector will be out.
- Then as instructed, tap out the pins for the left and right selectors, just enough until they can rotate around. For the left selector, I could just slide it forward and then rotate it to expose the pin. There is a specific groove through which it will go, so keep rotating until you find it. It's very close to the original center position.
- Right selector did not want to slide forward so I had to slide the rod forward a bit as the instructions mentioned. The center punches I have are not super strong so to not brake it (and have it fall into the transmission) I put a screwdriver in between the lower and right selector, then pulled back on the shift lever slowly until it moved it forward just enough to release it
- After you remove both of the pins, rotate the selectors up, and then start punching out the pin on the lower selector. Once it can start wiggling, simply push the shift lever all the way forward and the selector will slide off. Then, make sure the left/right selectors are still rotated up, and move them all the way to the rear, this will give you enough room to wiggle out the lower selector

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EDIT:

Almost done. New selector is in place, original shifter is out again and cover plate in. I'm waiting for the red grease to arrive on Friday and then I can add the new shifter. So I left the old front cover in to prevent dust from falling in and such. I think if I leave it like this without either shifter, it makes it an automatic. ;) ok I'm not that much of a novice :D

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[ekoffman]

Ok, I figured it out. What I did is the following:

- Reinstalled the original shifter in it's position and added Mike's lever to it (you probably don't need to, but leverage makes it easier to operate)
- Then you can push forward on the lever and it will retract the rear selector and move the center selector with it. You then do need to push the rod a little bit forward, and the center selector will be out.
- Then as instructed, tap out the pins for the left and right selectors, just enough until they can rotate around. For the left selector, I could just slide it forward and then rotate it to expose the pin. There is a specific groove through which it will go, so keep rotating until you find it. It's very close to the original center position.
- Right selector did not want to slide forward so I had to slide the rod forward a bit as the instructions mentioned. The center punches I have are not super strong so to not brake it (and have it fall into the transmission) I put a screwdriver in between the lower and right selector, then pulled back on the shift lever slowly until it moved it forward just enough to release it
- After you remove both of the pins, rotate the selectors up, and then start punching out the pin on the lower selector. Once it can start wiggling, simply push the shift lever all the way forward and the selector will slide off. Then, make sure the left/right selectors are still rotated up, and move them all the way to the rear, this will give you enough room to wiggle out the lower selector

177650177651

EDIT:

Almost done. New selector is in place, original shifter is out again and cover plate in. I'm waiting for the red grease to arrive on Friday and then I can add the new shifter. So I left the old front cover in to prevent dust from falling in and such. I think if I leave it like this without either shifter, it makes it an automatic. ;) ok I'm not that much of a novice :D

177658

Hey! Sorry I didn’t see your post sooner. I’m glad you worked it out!! I’m the one who wrote the instructions for Mike. I hope I was able to make the process easy and understandable. I had no experience before this on this mod so I was writing it from my own words and experience. Feel free to msg me if anyone needs help.

[mladen]

Thank you for writing and sharing those. They were super helpful. Main thing I was missing was how the thing operated in the first place :) :)

[ekoffman]

Thank you for writing and sharing those. They were super helpful. Main thing I was missing was how the thing operated in the first place :) :)

Yah I get that. I was going blind in the beginning too. Good work on getting it done 🤘