Trying to decide between the T56 Magnum or TKO600

[rogue]

Motor is a zz502 that will eventually end up being around 670ft/lbs or torque. Car spends the majority of its time at HPDE events and the occasional road trip. I'm looking for the extra fuel economy and more speed.

Just got off the phone with Classic 5 speeds.

The guy told me to go with the T-56 Magnum 6 speed i would need the following:
T-56 Magnum 6speed $3645
Aluminum Scattershield $485
Hydraulic Clutch Kit $545

Total $4675

Or he recommended I just go with the TKO600 5 speed for $2895 and it uses all my existing bell housing and clutch linkage...

TKO600 would be at 2500rpm @ 80mph top speed 190mph
T-56 would be at 2000rpm @ 80mph top speed 240mph

So I guess the real question is, is it worth an extra 2k to do 240mph and where the hell would I ever get to go that fast. Not even Cal Speedway. Only place would be time trials events.

Seems like the TKO600 is the smart choice?

[XLexusTech]

well do a Search for TKO and leak. That should give you somthing to think about. form what i have read when properly allighned they have a great reputation. However search around the net for leaking and vibration issues. Then contact the OP pf those issues and see what they resolved to. I dont pretend to know squat about them from experience.

Although I agree thats alot of gear it is a great option to be able to cruise at 2000 rpm at 75 getting 20 + mpg.

[Vegas69]

Two hundred and forty. LOL Your not driving a Bugati. As much as you race your car, the road race version of the tko 600 could be a good choice. 4th gets me to about 125 and then it's a drop from 1:1 to .64 od. Not ideal to pull top speed. That's the beauty of the 6 speed. It's basically the road race version of the 600 with one more gear for OD. I'm not interested in going a whole lot faster than 125 anyway. So the regular version works fine for me.

[rogue]

Two hundred and forty. LOL Your not driving a Bugati. As much as you race your car, the road race version of the tko 600 could be a good choice. 4th gets me to about 125 and then it's a drop from 1:1 to .64 od. Not ideal to pull top speed. That's the beauty of the 6 speed. It's basically the road race version of the 600 with one more gear for OD. I'm not interested in going a whole lot faster than 125 anyway. So the regular version works fine for me.


Bugati's aren't as much fun :lol:

So basically you're saying the 5th year is too much of a freeway flyer gear to be of any use on a road course. Say Autoclub Speedway. The upshift from 4th-5th would only be in 5th gear for about 10 seconds. Is that wasted time without the road racing version?

I'm a bit confused between the 2 versions. Is one better suited to Road Racing and the other for highway crusing?

[rogue]

Hmmm. The road racing version of the TKO600 with the .82 would only get me to around 150mph, whereas the normal one would be 190 :D

I think I'll take the normal one. :lol:

[Vegas69]

:rofl: :rofl: Yep, 150 is about it on the road race at 6k. I guess the .64 would be better for top speed but you will be disappointed with your shift from 4-5 on a road course, I can guarantee you that. Just put a bigger cam in it and turn it to 6500 and you have your 135 you need in 4th. How often do you plan to take that 40 year old car over 150?:unibrow:

[rogue]

:rofl: :rofl: Yep, 150 is about it on the road race at 6k. I guess the .64 would be better for top speed but you will be disappointed with your shift from 4-5 on a road course, I can guarantee you that. Just put a bigger cam in it and turn it to 6500 and you have your 135 you need in 4th. How often do you plan to take that 40 year old car over 150?:unibrow:

Interesting. Thanks for the info. The cost increase to go with the T-56 is pretty insane. Almost double of the TKO-600. I think that $2k would be better saved for a full cage before anything else.:lol:

I think you'd be surprised how often both of our cars will spend at the top of the gears on the faster courses out there. At Cal speedway I was pinning the rev limiter at 6k at 125mph or so the entire main straight and into turn 1/2. All that power, lack of gears!

For my families sake maybe its best I avoid the T-56. :lol:

[Steve1968LS2]

One word.. MAGNUM

It's jast a far superior transmission. I've shifted both and the Magnum is far smoother and far more precise. Now that they've fixed the 5th and 6th ratios a six speed makes way more sense than it once did.

About the only upside to the TKO is that it's cheaper...

In a month you can come row though the shifter on Penny (when she's back here).

If you question is "which trans is superior" then the answer if the Magnum.. if your question is "which transmission is less money" then the answer is TKO600.

[Steve1968LS2]

I can sell you a regular T56 (f-body style) for a $1000 if you really want to save money.. just don't launch TOO hard with that big block. lol

[rogue]

One word.. MAGNUM

It's jast a far superior transmission. I've shifted both and the Magnum is far smoother and far more precise. Now that they've fixed the 5th and 6th ratios a six speed makes way more sense than it once did.

About the only upside to the TKO is that it's cheaper...

In a month you can come row though the shifter on Penny (when she's back here).

If you question is "which trans is superior" then the answer if the Magnum.. if your question is "which transmission is less money" then the answer is TKO600.

Thanks for the input. Yeah I'll have to weigh out the pricing. I have other priorities with the build that need to happen. Cage power steering etc. Might have to skimp on the 6 speed for now.

[rogue]

I can sell you a regular T56 (f-body style) for a $1000 if you really want to save money.. just don't launch TOO hard with that big block. lol


I think I'd blow it up within a week but thanks :lol:

[Vegas69]

No power steering! If you decide to go with the magnum which is the new mac daddy on the block, then the next questions is: Do you need to cut your floor and will your shifter position change?

[Steve1968LS2]

I think I'd blow it up within a week but thanks :lol:

Just don't launch on slicks and you'll be fine.. hard hits are what kills these things.

Seriously.. the Magnum is a far superior trans in terms of technology. If you can afford it then you won't be dissapointed.

[rogue]

No power steering! If you decide to go with the magnum which is the new mac daddy on the block, then the next questions is: Do you need to cut your floor and will your shifter position change?

Yup. You should see me after a few sessions at a track event. My arms are dead tired and I look like I've been hit by a 18 wheeler. A hydraulic clutch would be nice as well. :lol:

Its my understanding they use the Hurst Blackjack magnum offset shifter to fit the stock console...

http://www.classicchevy5speed.com/Deluxe-Camaro-1967-81-T56Magnum.aspx



High performance Hurst Blackjack Magnum offset shifter built with 4340 heat treated billet steel & 6061, T-6 aircraft quality billet aluminum, and a Delrin pivot ball, this direct bolt-on replacement shifter achieves perfect shift stick positioning within your stock console without modifications to your console or to the transmission. Go with the best - go with Hurst!
Exclusively available from Classic Motorsports Group. Add $295

The more time I spend building this car, the more I think I should just drop it off with a big fat check and my goals to a builder so its done right... :(

[Steve1968LS2]

Yea, the shifter should be out soon and will allow easier positioning of the shifter handle.

To be honest from a functional standpoint the shifter that comes with the trans is pretty damn nice.

And yea.. this can be an expensive damn hobby.. :yes:

[rogue]

Just don't launch on slicks and you'll be fine.. hard hits are what kills these things.

Seriously.. the Magnum is a far superior trans in terms of technology. If you can afford it then you won't be dissapointed.

Yeah no drag racing for me. Though I do launch pretty hard on R-comps frequently. I've already burned through a set of RA1s and am due for some new rubber already.

What are you and Todd running on your street wheels, or are they garage ornaments for now? I'm thinking I might run some street tires for a while to help me learn even further at the track. The r-comps are cheating. :_paranoid

[rogue]

Yea, the shifter should be out soon and will allow easier positioning of the shifter handle.

To be honest from a functional standpoint the shifter that comes with the trans is pretty damn nice.

And yea.. this can be an expensive damn hobby.. :yes:

Well I'm getting to the point where the car is well sorted for a shade tree mechanic build and performs quite well. But I'd like to take it to Bob Owens/Big Red status. Race prepped monster. :willy:

[Vegas69]

I'm running R888's on the street now. Gots to have me some traction. My spare wheels are stacked neatly. If I decided to go on a long run, I'll swap them. If you can interchange parts from the magnum and the regular t56 that could be a good option until you grenade it. What about upgrading Steve's? I don't know much about the T56.

[214Chevy]

IMO, I have the T56 Magnum and I saved money on it by piecing together my own kit. I bought the tranny and clutch from Jegs. Trust me, the T56 is the same price no matter where you buy it from. They upsale you on the other stuff like, shifters, clutch, throwout bearings, tranny yoke, etc. So, to answer your question........T56 Magnum all the way baby. If you really want the 6 speed & don't get it you will still want it later & it will cost you more money to swap out.

[Flash68]

The magnum sounds like a great trans, but not everyone is gonna justify that premium for it yet. I have the TKO and am not concerned about the 4th/5th gears, but the short 1st gear... would have liked the T56 1st gear ratio but what's done is done.

240mph? :lol:

[70rs]

[QUOTE=Flash68;229056]The magnum sounds like a great trans, but not everyone is gonna justify that premium for it yet. I have the TKO and am not concerned about the 4th/5th gears, but the short 1st gear... would have liked the T56 1st gear ratio but what's done is done.

What is it about the TKO600 gearset you don't like? I am looking at getting that for my car and would love some feedback from the field so to speak.
Thanks

[Flash68]

[QUOTE=Flash68;229056]The magnum sounds like a great trans, but not everyone is gonna justify that premium for it yet. I have the TKO and am not concerned about the 4th/5th gears, but the short 1st gear... would have liked the T56 1st gear ratio but what's done is done.

What is it about the TKO600 gearset you don't like? I am looking at getting that for my car and would love some feedback from the field so to speak.
Thanks

well I don't have enuf seat time yet and should get some more in 2-3 weeks, but in theory the short first gear of the TKO is not ideal with a high horsepower car compared to the T56.

I should have real seat time and comments soon.... but it is a very good and affordable overdrive tranny that will handle a ton of power, there's no doubt about that.

[Bonebuster29]

so i am looking at both of these options for my 68 firebird... how much are these new and who can I call about ordering them?

[DRJDVM's '69]

http://www.hurst-drivelines.com/

[70rs]

so i am looking at both of these options for my 68 firebird... how much are these new and who can I call about ordering them?

Through Hust (link above) the 5 speed kits start about 2200.00 and the 6 speed Magnum kits start about 2900.00. But you should go look and see all of the options there are and what is and is NOT included.:thumbsup:

[canrc]

I just got my T-56 Magnum from Hurst Drivelines and ended up going with a RAM Clutch setup.

The service from Hurst was great and I got the trans within about a week, they were one of the few that had any 2.66-1st / 0.63-6th setups available.

[JohnC]

I may have a t56 magnum available. PM me if interested.