TKO 600 vs T56

[DRJDVM's '69]

I posted this over at Pro-touring.com but have had no replies at all...

Its time to dump the M20 since it sucks on the freeway !!! I'm trying to decide on a T56 or TKO 600. The motor I have puts out around 450 HP but I'm planning on building a supercharged 406 ( or maybe even a 427 sbc) this year, so I am planning on pushing the 600 TQ barrier then. The car will be 99 % street driven

I dont want to do much as far as tunnel mods or shifter opening cutting etc.... Overall cost is major factor too.

My concern with the TKO is that the 0.64 will drop the RPM too much and the car wont like cruising at 2000 RPM and the 0.82, wont drop it enough to make it worth the $$ (my current motor seems to stumble some when I try to cruise at a lower speed and 2100 RPM range, but not sure about the planned motor).

The TKO 600 gives me more TQ tolerance at an "off the shelf level" and the cost is lower...

The T56 gives me both the 0.80 and 0.62, so I have more options depending on the situation I'm driving at....

My concern with the T56 is the cost...... more to build it to handle that kind of TQ, and more stuff to install it. I'm also worried about having to do more tunnel. and shifter opening mods to get it to fit...

So....... am suggestions ????

[68protouring454]

the only tunnel mod needed is to open a hole up for the shifter, that is if you use tylers kit, but if you go hydraulic clutch with the tko the price difference is not that much, unless you go for a wicked built t-56, but on street tires you will not kill either one.
i got a 97 lt-1 case t-56, upgraded shift forks, upgraded syncros, .72, 5th, .50 6th, for 1,800 bucks, add tylers kit and clutch etc i am around 3,000 bucks, guy who did tranny said once he does these uogrades he rarely see's a failure and he races his 99 98 camaro at the track all the time.
what rear gear you running?? just put a little gear to it, like some 3.50-3.73's, that will keep motor between 2000-2500 in 6th, which if carb is tuned should be just fine


jake

[XcYZ]

Ned, what size tire and what gears are you going to run?

[sinned]

Go with the TKO, fine tuning highway RPM is a little silly don't you think? 1800-2200 at 70 MPH is plenty of a window.

T56- an extra gear you will never need-nobody needs .50:1 ever. No car can pull that gear top end so it is pointless as top speed gear, it is one more gear set to possible fail, it is heavier, it is more expensive.

Really not sure why they ran them to begin with, I would guess to help satisfy CAFE requirements.

The new DCX monster has not even been into the 2 top gears yet and it has already proven itself to 220MPH, waste of money IMO.

[DRJDVM's '69]

I'm running 3.73 and a 26 inch tall tire....

Denny... the standard T56 is 2.97/2.07/1.43/1.00/0.8/0.62... thast what I would use....

So the T56 gives me the 0.8 gear too as compared to the TKO 600. Kind of nice but not absolutely necessary

Where can I buy a built T56 for a reasonable price ( I dont have a core to trade in)

[sinned]

Honestly on the freeways around here you'll find yourself "hunting" between 4th, 5th, and 6th.

Just my opinion, I've driven more than my share of Vipers and there are just too many gears. The added weight and expense doesn't seem worth it.

D&D is the best place to buy a good box.

[zbugger]

Honestly on the freeways around here you'll find yourself "hunting" between 4th, 5th, and 6th.

Uhh.... Don't you mean 1st, 2nd, and 3rd?

[sinned]

BTW Ned, I'm 30 miles west of you, let me know if you are going to the next p-town show...I'll keep an eye out.

[Vince@Meanstreets]

Hi guys, Last time I heard D&D was unable to sell viper T56's, any truth to the rumor on this? Seems Diamler is not liking them used in the aftermarket? 6th is nice to have when you need it...i've used it plenty ;)
Pleasanton, its coming up in March, get ready guys...Den you gonna be able to come out and play? Vin

[sinned]

Considering that D&D was selling new Viper boxes for 800 less than our dealership pays cost to DCX do you wonder why? I hear they are building T56's to Viper sepcs and selling them that way.

Are you kidding....my wife asks everyday how much longer until she can get out of the house on the weekends again. See you guys in March.

[USAZR1]

Hi guys, Last time I heard D&D was unable to sell viper T56's, any truth to the rumor on this? Seems Diamler is not liking them used in the aftermarket? 6th is nice to have when you need it...i've used it plenty ;)

It's strictly a trademark issue. I just talked to D&D the other day about this and was told they still have quite a few Viper T56 trannies in stock for the foreseeable future. However,they are in negotiations with Chrysler to resolve the problem.
I've got one in my 69 El Camino and it works really well with 4.11 rear cogs.
6th gear is strictly for highway fuel economy.

[Steve1968LS2]

If you have the funds I have a great idea..

How about a TKO 5 speed and a gear vendors overdrive?

I didn't even know they make them to fit on manual transmissions. the 5 speed will be a lot stronger than the 6 speed and the OD will get you the milage.

You will also have more gear selections.. This is what I am thinking of doing on the 68 since the torque of the big block would beat a T56 to death (and I already own a gear vendors unit).

Might be a good option if you are going to be making lots of hp/tq..

For that matter you could do a T10 (inexpensive) and a gear vendors.. od would be .78 i think.. dont quote me though :)

Or if you like you M20 you could hook a GV to it as well.. I think they are good for 1100hp and pretty much never brake. You would need to shorten the driveshaft though.. I know the unit is a bit price but it is an option and it also has almost zero drivetrain loss (though it does ad weight)

[USAZR1]

A Gear Venders unit might be good for 1100hp but I'm not sure T10 or M20 could handle half that much. :)

[Steve1968LS2]

A Gear Venders unit might be good for 1100hp but I'm not sure T10 or M20 could handle half that much. :)

The 5 speed could as it is much stronger than any 6 speed.. What is a M20 good up to with high end parts? I know they can make some strong T10's as well..

Just thinking out loud..