If you’re a late model performance enthusiast, chances are you know about Tremec.
The TKO-500 has a 12- or 26-spline input shaft and 31-spline output along with 500 ft-lb torque capacity. The premium TKO-600 sports a 26-spline input shaft and 31-spline output for 600 ft-lbs of. Find Bellhousings Tremec TKO 500 Transmission Type and get Free Shipping on Orders Over $99 at Summit Racing!
Along with Borg-Warner, Tremec has manufactured some of the most well known 5-speed and 6-speed transmissions ever to be used as factory equipment in modern Mustangs, Camaros, Vipers, and other performance vehicles. Tremec manual transmissions have since become solid retrofit choices for just about any rear-wheel drive car in the high performance world.
Since Tremec and Borg-Warner essentially merged in the 1990s, most of the most popular 5- and 6-speed transmissions are now under the Tremec umbrella. Tremec offers a variety of aftermarket and motorsports-focused transmissions through companies like American Powertrain. These transmissionsare based on legendary originals like the T-5 and T-56, but include new and better features.
To help make your Tremec aftermarket options more clear, we’ve put together a quick guide to Tremec transmissions and Tremec shifters. We’ve included an American Powertrain cross-reference name, an overview of each transmission, a breakdown of the specs and fitment guide (courtesy of Tremec), and some popular Tremec shifter options.
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Tremec T-5 5-Speed Transmission
Originally a product of Borg-Warner, the Tremec T-5 was introduced in the early 1980s and is still an original equipment transmission in overseas markets. Capable of easily handling up to 300 ft.-lbs. of torque, the T-5 offers smooth shifting and a deep overdrive.
Specifications
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Dimensions
Tremec T-5 Shifter Options
Tremec TKO 5-Speed Transmission
American Powertrain: TKO 500 and TKO 600 Transmissions Titlemrs. ingrams class website.
For higher-horsepower vehicles, step up to the latest iteration of the legendary Tremec TKO 5-speed. American Powertrain sells the TKO 500 to handle as much as 500 ft.-lbs. of torque; the TKO 600 can take on as much as 600 ft.-lbs. of tire-shredding torque. Tremec recommends the TKO line for high-powered street machines and sportsman racers because of its combination of brute strength and street manners.
Specifications
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Dimensions
Tremec TKO Shifter Options
Tremec Magnum 6-Speed Transmission
Known as the TR-6060 in its factory form, the Magnum 6 is the aftermarket descendant of the T-56, which originated in the 1992 Dodge Viper. The T-56 eventually ended up in cars like the Mustang Cobra R, Chevrolet Corvette, and Chevrolet Camaro to name a few.
Tko 500 Installed In A A Body
The Tremec Magnum 6-speed takes the best of the T-56 and incorporates features like a bolstered one-piece countershaft, stronger input shaft, redesigned shift forks, and highly modified transmission case. The Magnum 6-speed is built to deliver short, crisp shifts and handle up to 700 ft-.lbs. of torque.
Tko 500 How To Change The Shifter
Specifications
(all charts courtesy of Tremec — click to enlarge chart)
Tremec Magnum XL 6-Speed Transmission
The Tremec Magnum XL is based on the regular Magnum 6-speed, but adds an extended length tail section to eliminate the clumsy “semi-remote” shifter found in many popular late model applications. This shifter is currently only available for 2005-up S197 and S550 Mustangs and includes an SFI-approved bellhousing with enclosure plate, swap-specific crossmember, and an OE-quality transmission mount. Like the Magnum, the Magnum XL can handle up to 700 ft.-lbs. of torque.
Specifications
(click to enlarge chart)
Dimensions
Tremec Magnum/Magnum XL 6-Speed Shifter Options
Tko 500 For Sale
SOURCE:TREMEC
The Tremec TKO 5-speed is the transmission that started a revolution in manual overdrive conversions. It is one of the most versatile 5-speed transmissions in the market today, as well as one of the strongest. With an impressive 600 lbs./ft. torque capacity it can survive years of abuse and outlast multiple sets of rear tires. The compact size and design of the Tremec TKO also makes it a great replacement transmission for anyone looking for an overdrive gear.
The Tremec TKO is designed as a 4-speed replacement and will fit nearly any factory GM and Ford 4-speed bellhousing. The design of the input shaft also allows the use of the factory mechanical clutch linkage. With multiple shifter locations and aftermarket shift lever adapters, you are able to match the shift lever location up to many of the factory 4-speed consoles to keep a clean original look in the interior.
There are also multiple gear sets available to allow you the ability to better match the transmission to your existing rear gear ratio and rear tire size for maximum performance and optimum cruising RPM. Bowler Performance takes pride in the fact that we are a Tremec Elite distributor with the ability to provide you a complete conversion package to fit your needs.
Over the years, and as popularity of the TKO swap has increased, so has the availability of direct fit swap kits for many of the popular hot rods and muscle cars. This has created a whole sub-market of components specifically for the Tremec TKO transmission swaps. We are seeing specific clutch kits, hydraulic release bearings, vehicle specific hydraulic master cylinder kits, custom bellhousings, transmission crossmembers, and many other parts coming back into reproduction to accommodate swapping a factory automatic car to a manual. 4. gps to designdesign water supply system.
Even though there are only GM and Ford specific models of the Tremec TKO, there are still options to utilize either version behind other brands of engines. With the wide array of custom Quick Time Bellhousings the options are almost limitless for bolting up a TKO in your ride.
The Tremec TKO features a 26 spline input shaft and 31 spline output in all models except for one Ford version that still uses a 10 spline input for greater flexibility on conversions. Each model of the Tremec TKO comes equipped to operate an electronic or mechanical speedometer as well as a reverse light switch. The transmission mounting pad is also GM and Ford specific to allow you to use existing isolator mounts.
Depending on the application you are doing, the swap in some modifications may need to be made. The Tremec TKO is a very universal fit unit, so keep in mind that not all transmission tunnels are large enough to accommodate it. Some of the more common cars we see needing tunnel modifications are the GM A-Body , 64-70 Mustang, 63-67 Nova, and most all the older Mopar muscle cars.
The extent to which you need to modify the tunnel is different for every installation. You just never know what your car may have been subject to in the past, so there’s no direct formula to get the proper fitment. Our advice is to just make sure you make enough room to get the transmission installed at the correct driveline angle while still allowing clearance for some vibration and torque twist.
As good as the Tremec TKO is, you knew that we would still find the limits and figure out a way to push past them. When the popularity of the TKO exploded so did the demand for upgrades. There are several internal upgrades available today that help extend the max RPM range at which the transmission can shift. The most popular are the brass shift fork pads, brass shift stub cup, and carbon fiber lined blocker rings.
Here at Bowler Performance we also offer an option to modify the shift rail system for crisper shifts and better gear engagement. The upgrades can be done in various stages, but we’ve found that if you’re going to do a little, you might as well go all the way.
Tremec TKO 500 5-Speed Transmissions for Sale
It’s been over 20 years now since the TKO revolution began and we see no signs of it slowing down. As more and more enthusiasts realize the benefits of an overdrive, not just for fuel economy, but for less noise and more comfort, we will continue to see the Tremec TKO and big brother the T-56 Magnum getting swapped into every variation of vehicle. The aftermarket will continue to grow and support more and more direct swap applications making the conversions even easier than ever. There has never been a better time to make the jump to overdrive than right now.