TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
#1
TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
To start I Have a manual T- 5 equipped 92 Camaro so I already have the pedals. you can use the original GM Hydraulics and clutch set up if you wish however I am not
This is going to take some time and will be very picture heavy all right lets begin
My parts came mostly from American Power-train
I will be adding to this as I make progress... I plan on doing majority of the installation week of 20-25 march 2021
TCET17805A
Tremec 5 speed GM TKX transmission 600 lb-ft torque, Max RPM 8000, Max shift RPM 7500, 31 spline output, 26 spline input,
gear ratios 2.87, 1.89, 1.28, 1.00, .68
PFGM-20004X TKX Installation Kit for 1982-92 Gen 3 F-body (Camaro/Firebird). kit includes:
White Lightning Shifter Mechanism - Original shift position
Seamless DOM Driveshaft Assembly - Race Balanced, Solid U-Joints
** Your custom driveshaft is not included in the initial order. To receive your driveshaft complete and return the driveshaft order form. **
1350 Driveshaft Slip Yoke - Cryogenically hardened steel Son Cross Member - Torque arm relocating, tubular steel Transmission Mount - Polyurethane
Pilot Bearing - Stainless rollers, grease pre-pak Reverse Light Harness - Weatherseal
Speedometer Conversion - Mechanical or Electronic
Shifter **** - BLACK / OR WHITE
FYI.. NO UPPER SHIFTER HANDLE IS SUPPLIED .. you will need to purchase or supply one
uses HURST bolt pattern
Extreme up- Grade The TKX 5-speed is rated for 600ft/lbs of torque right out of the box,
American Powertrain Extreme Series Upgrade, can increase the torque capacity to 900 ft/lbs.
Upgrades include:
NOTE: Kit does NOT require modifications to tunnel, console or chassis. White Lightning shifter upgrade INCLUDED.
Dex/Merc fluid for Tremec break-in
The clutch is a Mcleod RXT twin disk clutch pt# 6921-07
Flywheel 0 balance 22lb 168 tooth billet steel Pt # 460122
you can not use stock Bell housing I am using Lakewood Scattershield Part# 15000
the Stock cross-member will need to be replaced I have entire Spohn Performance torque arm and cross-member with drive shaft loop
TKX IN A BOX
Lakewood Bell-housing - Scatter-shield #15000
HydraMax kit
modified Factory style master cylinder
release bearing hydro
this pin needs to be installed for release bearing
throw out bearing installed
RXT Twin Disk Clutch pt # 6921-07
Mcleod Flywheel 22 lbs 0 balance billet steel 168 tooth pt # 460122
TKX un box
Washers supplied with kit won't fit transmission mount properly to big
Engine oil drain will be partially covered by Engine block protect plate and scatter shield.. little grinding here all will be good 👍
This is going to take some time and will be very picture heavy all right lets begin
My parts came mostly from American Power-train
I will be adding to this as I make progress... I plan on doing majority of the installation week of 20-25 march 2021
TCET17805A
Tremec 5 speed GM TKX transmission 600 lb-ft torque, Max RPM 8000, Max shift RPM 7500, 31 spline output, 26 spline input,
gear ratios 2.87, 1.89, 1.28, 1.00, .68
PFGM-20004X TKX Installation Kit for 1982-92 Gen 3 F-body (Camaro/Firebird). kit includes:
White Lightning Shifter Mechanism - Original shift position
Seamless DOM Driveshaft Assembly - Race Balanced, Solid U-Joints
** Your custom driveshaft is not included in the initial order. To receive your driveshaft complete and return the driveshaft order form. **
1350 Driveshaft Slip Yoke - Cryogenically hardened steel Son Cross Member - Torque arm relocating, tubular steel Transmission Mount - Polyurethane
Pilot Bearing - Stainless rollers, grease pre-pak Reverse Light Harness - Weatherseal
Speedometer Conversion - Mechanical or Electronic
Shifter **** - BLACK / OR WHITE
FYI.. NO UPPER SHIFTER HANDLE IS SUPPLIED .. you will need to purchase or supply one
uses HURST bolt pattern
Extreme up- Grade The TKX 5-speed is rated for 600ft/lbs of torque right out of the box,
American Powertrain Extreme Series Upgrade, can increase the torque capacity to 900 ft/lbs.
Upgrades include:
- All SureShift upgrades.
- Blueprinting, re-assembled to closer specs than factory.
- REM polishing of gears and shafts for cooler temps, increased strength and removes gear stress risers.
- CRYO extreme low temperature metal treatment for increased strength and wear resistance.
NOTE: Kit does NOT require modifications to tunnel, console or chassis. White Lightning shifter upgrade INCLUDED.
Dex/Merc fluid for Tremec break-in
The clutch is a Mcleod RXT twin disk clutch pt# 6921-07
Flywheel 0 balance 22lb 168 tooth billet steel Pt # 460122
you can not use stock Bell housing I am using Lakewood Scattershield Part# 15000
the Stock cross-member will need to be replaced I have entire Spohn Performance torque arm and cross-member with drive shaft loop
TKX IN A BOX
Lakewood Bell-housing - Scatter-shield #15000
HydraMax kit
modified Factory style master cylinder
release bearing hydro
this pin needs to be installed for release bearing
throw out bearing installed
RXT Twin Disk Clutch pt # 6921-07
Mcleod Flywheel 22 lbs 0 balance billet steel 168 tooth pt # 460122
TKX un box
Washers supplied with kit won't fit transmission mount properly to big
Engine oil drain will be partially covered by Engine block protect plate and scatter shield.. little grinding here all will be good 👍
Last edited by MY-92-RS; 03-07-2021 at 04:09 PM.
The following 2 users liked this post by MY-92-RS:
BigDogBob (03-12-2021), WildCard600 (03-10-2021)
#5
Re: TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
UPDATE : THE DEATH OF AN ENGINE !!!
Shortly after the last picture where I was going to modify the engine block plate to clear the oil drain plug I decided to drain the engine oil
What I found was a complete DISASTER IN- PROGRESS !!
The magnetic oil drain plug came out mega- covered in metal !!
oil pan lots of metal there ..
using camera probe found damage number seven intake roller lifter and camshaft, also found possible block crack same location number seven intake lifter bore ..
engine has been removed pending going back to my machine shop !!
metal on drain magnetic drain plug
metal in oil pan
damage to camshaft
block crack
Shortly after the last picture where I was going to modify the engine block plate to clear the oil drain plug I decided to drain the engine oil
What I found was a complete DISASTER IN- PROGRESS !!
The magnetic oil drain plug came out mega- covered in metal !!
oil pan lots of metal there ..
using camera probe found damage number seven intake roller lifter and camshaft, also found possible block crack same location number seven intake lifter bore ..
engine has been removed pending going back to my machine shop !!
metal on drain magnetic drain plug
metal in oil pan
damage to camshaft
block crack
#7
Supreme Member
Re: TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
OH NO!!!! I hope you get it back up and running soon
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#8
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Car: 85 TA
Re: TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
Ive had this trans installed for a few weeks and just got the y-pipe made for the exhaust. 42-42.5" inch driveshaft needed to work with this trans (w/ 9" rear) and 1.5" trans mount from energy suspension. This makes for plenty of clearance and a 2" rubber mount/bushing put the top of trans within 3/8" of trans tunnel. Shift pattern is wider than a 6 speed so its taking a bit to get used to. Hanlon Motorsports supplied the shifter relocation arm for tremec shifter that centered the shifter almost perfect. Lakewood bell 15020 is what I had so I made it work. The OP of this thread has the better suited lakewood bell and if I did it again I would use that one for hydraulic TOB lines etc. I had gotten the used bell a few years ago used and the threaded holes were not great and wouldnt hold torque so I welded in the bolts from inside. Wiring was simple with 2 connector from MDL. Reverse is 2 wires and electric speedo 2 more. No reverse lockout opr skip shift BS. I also made a switch from aluminum flywheel to steel. It made a world of difference in how the car takes off in first gear. Much smoother and easier. Im running as Mcleod RXT and its engages better than previous RST I had. Im sure there are a few things im missing so let me know and id be more than happy to help. Heres pics of install, I also installed lemons custom headers and 3.89 gears with this trans swap so it took a bit more time than expected. Enjoy!
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#10
COTM Editor
Re: TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
looks great! how do you like it now that you have driven it for awhile?
#11
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Car: 85 TA
Re: TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
Drives great and shifts smooth. Steel flywheel is much better all around even if losing a few hp to the wheels. Going to be trying a short throw shifter in a few weeks.
#12
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Car: 1985 Camaro IROC Z
Re: TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
Johnny, What crossmember did you end up using? Also do you have the part number for the shifter? I'd prefer not to spend $300 on a white lightning shifter. I purchased a TKX a couple of months ago and am getting ready to try to install it in my 88 Camaro.
#13
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Car: 85 TA
Re: TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
thats a hooker blackheart crossmember with 4l60e adapter plate..but it still needs some mods to make it line up with trans mount which you cant really tell from pics. I drilled out trans mount and elongated the holes in plate. The hanlon motorsport modified shifter I just took out last week for a short throw. Ive got about 750 miles on that. That pieces alone from hanlon is $125. then you need to take the tremec shifter apart and install offset shifter arm mount. I can save you the headache of doing this and sell you the complete shifter with a pro 5.0 shifter arm. Its not cut down so it will be about an inch taller than that in the pics. Ill let it go for $120 + shipping, PM me or email is famioso15@aol.com
#14
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Car: Resto-Mod 1987 IROC-Z Clone
Engine: Alky fed L92 Vortec Twin-Turbo 6.8L
Transmission: My own built/ design 4L80M
Axle/Gears: Custom 12 bolt (4.10:1)
Re: TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
Those Oxygen-Sensors should be moved upwards at a 45 degree angle...
Not at 90 degrees, like they are currently.
Not at 90 degrees, like they are currently.
#15
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Car: 85 TA
Re: TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
Vorteciroc that sure wouldnt change a damn thing lol. Been running good for over 1200 miles and no issues with o2. Innovate specs 3-9 oclock on the top side of clock. One side is 2:30 and other is about 9:45. Bad angle of pics, but oh well, that all doesnt matter as my Accel DFI NTK o2 sensor I installed in the 5" intermediate pipe. Thanks for the heads up thou, ive done this header o2 thing a few times over the past 20 years lol
#16
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Car: Resto-Mod 1987 IROC-Z Clone
Engine: Alky fed L92 Vortec Twin-Turbo 6.8L
Transmission: My own built/ design 4L80M
Axle/Gears: Custom 12 bolt (4.10:1)
Re: TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
Vorteciroc that sure wouldnt change a damn thing lol. Been running good for over 1200 miles and no issues with o2. Innovate specs 3-9 oclock on the top side of clock. One side is 2:30 and other is about 9:45. Bad angle of pics, but oh well, that all doesnt matter as my Accel DFI NTK o2 sensor I installed in the 5" intermediate pipe. Thanks for the heads up thou, ive done this header o2 thing a few times over the past 20 years lol
Then that is all that matters.
#17
COTM Editor
Re: TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
what short throw shifter did you go with, how do you like it?
#20
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Car: 1988 Camaro IROCZ
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: Stock
Re: TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
I've been doing research to do this swap into my 88 IROC to replace the junk T5 thats in it. This will be very helpful to me when it comes time for me to do it! Thank you! I do plan to utilize the Factory T5 Hydraulics though
Last edited by bdle; 07-31-2022 at 12:43 AM. Reason: Answered my own question
#21
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Car: 1989 Base Firebird
Engine: fuel injected 2.8L V6
Transmission: T-5
Re: TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
Is the Hydraulic clutch kit necessary for the swap, or can it be done without? Also, what benefits do you gain from having a hydraulic vs mechanical clutch? Can a stock T-5 driveshaft be used or will a custom one be in order?
Last edited by Noahshenk; 03-11-2023 at 07:01 PM.
#22
Re: TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
So I noticed that this shifter moves the handle STRAIGHT back, which is the same as the TKX shifter in the Hemmings YouTube series "IROC rehab".
But in the photos of the transmission right out of the box (earlier in this thread), the shifter is different and moves it forward and toward the driver.
I assume this is NOT the correct position for the shifter and that to center it in the hole in the console, it needs to be moved straight back?
In this video from American Powertrain, the shifter appears to be WAY forward in the opening in the console:
Can anybody provide some clarification? Very interested in doing this for my 86 IROC. Thanks.
But in the photos of the transmission right out of the box (earlier in this thread), the shifter is different and moves it forward and toward the driver.
I assume this is NOT the correct position for the shifter and that to center it in the hole in the console, it needs to be moved straight back?
In this video from American Powertrain, the shifter appears to be WAY forward in the opening in the console:
Can anybody provide some clarification? Very interested in doing this for my 86 IROC. Thanks.
#23
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Car: 1989 Trans Am
Engine: sp357
Transmission: T-5
Re: TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
So I noticed that this shifter moves the handle STRAIGHT back, which is the same as the TKX shifter in the Hemmings YouTube series "IROC rehab".
But in the photos of the transmission right out of the box (earlier in this thread), the shifter is different and moves it forward and toward the driver.
I assume this is NOT the correct position for the shifter and that to center it in the hole in the console, it needs to be moved straight back?
In this video from American Powertrain, the shifter appears to be WAY forward in the opening in the console:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu7VWOCPbO0&t=6s
Can anybody provide some clarification? Very interested in doing this for my 86 IROC. Thanks.
But in the photos of the transmission right out of the box (earlier in this thread), the shifter is different and moves it forward and toward the driver.
I assume this is NOT the correct position for the shifter and that to center it in the hole in the console, it needs to be moved straight back?
In this video from American Powertrain, the shifter appears to be WAY forward in the opening in the console:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iu7VWOCPbO0&t=6s
Can anybody provide some clarification? Very interested in doing this for my 86 IROC. Thanks.
#25
Re: TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
The AMERICAN POWERTRAIN white Lighting shifter is adjustable to 16 different positions I found one that I liked and slid everything home
.
I even used the shifter handle from my T5 Hurst shifter,
NO MODIFICATION TO THE FLOOR ARE NECESSARY.
For temporary test drive reasons I even reused stock drive shaft with a Ford C6 transmission yoke and cross/fit u-joints
MY-92-RS
.
I even used the shifter handle from my T5 Hurst shifter,
NO MODIFICATION TO THE FLOOR ARE NECESSARY.
For temporary test drive reasons I even reused stock drive shaft with a Ford C6 transmission yoke and cross/fit u-joints
MY-92-RS
Last edited by MY-92-RS; 06-24-2023 at 03:45 PM.
#26
Re: TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
The advantage of hydraulic verses mechanical linkage , is less pedal effort and no adjustment of clutch linkage needed, FYI Tremec recommends roller bearing style pilot bearing instead of solid bronze
For Test drive reasons I reused stock T5 drive shaft AFTER replacing the YOKE with a FORD C6 yoke and adapter universal joint
Good luck with your build
MY-92-RS
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WildCard600 (07-07-2023)
#28
Re: TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
New Drive shaft is a bad *** little piece was included with Transmission.. each one is custom built to your Measurements.. Aluminum or steel same price .
since mine is a Drag race setup with slicks I went steel , with solid 1350 ujoints
since mine is a Drag race setup with slicks I went steel , with solid 1350 ujoints
#29
Re: TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
My-92-RS, we are just getting cutting the hole in our '89 project, it is an auto car now. I have never seen a stick car from the factory, if that is the "stock" opening shown in your pic, what did the factory cover that with inside the console?
#30
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Car: '88 Formula, '94 Corvette, '95 Bird
Engine: LC9, LT1
Transmission: TKX, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.23
Re: TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
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#31
Supreme Member
Re: TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
This is an automatic car but I used a manual as a template and attached to the factory stiffener underneath
#32
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Car: '88 Formula, '94 Corvette, '95 Bird
Engine: LC9, LT1
Transmission: TKX, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.23
Re: TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
I'm not sure why the photo I posted did not show up. Very strange.
I need to figure out the VSS with the TKX. I was reading an interesting thread about pinion angle. Apparently tremec support suggests no more than 3.5 degrees otherwise the unit will not get proper oiling ?
-- Joe
I need to figure out the VSS with the TKX. I was reading an interesting thread about pinion angle. Apparently tremec support suggests no more than 3.5 degrees otherwise the unit will not get proper oiling ?
-- Joe
#35
Re: TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
Joe,
Tremec has a great app for setting up pinion angle , VSS calculator , RPM calculator , and tire size calculator
Tremec tool box app
also available in google, play and the apple app store
CG
you can set pinion angle with your phone
Tremec has a great app for setting up pinion angle , VSS calculator , RPM calculator , and tire size calculator
Tremec tool box app
also available in google, play and the apple app store
CG
you can set pinion angle with your phone
Last edited by MY-92-RS; 06-17-2024 at 06:08 PM.
#36
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Car: '88 Formula, '94 Corvette, '95 Bird
Engine: LC9, LT1
Transmission: TKX, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.23
Re: TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
Joe,
Tremec has a great app for setting up pinion angle , VSS calculator , RPM calculator , and tire size calculator
Tremec tool box app
also available in google, play and the apple app store
CG
you can set pinion angle with your phone
Tremec has a great app for setting up pinion angle , VSS calculator , RPM calculator , and tire size calculator
Tremec tool box app
also available in google, play and the apple app store
CG
you can set pinion angle with your phone
I'm torn between swapping the TKX in now, or waiting until my 9" is done and doing both at the same time over the winter.
-- Joe
#37
COTM Editor
Re: TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
I'm not sure why the photo I posted did not show up. Very strange.
I need to figure out the VSS with the TKX. I was reading an interesting thread about pinion angle. Apparently tremec support suggests no more than 3.5 degrees otherwise the unit will not get proper oiling ?
-- Joe
I need to figure out the VSS with the TKX. I was reading an interesting thread about pinion angle. Apparently tremec support suggests no more than 3.5 degrees otherwise the unit will not get proper oiling ?
-- Joe
https://www.iedls.com/Power_Train
#38
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Car: '88 Formula, '94 Corvette, '95 Bird
Engine: LC9, LT1
Transmission: TKX, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.42, 3.23
Re: TO INSTALL A TREMEC TKX TRANSMISSION
the tremec app is nice, but it also really doesn't explain what you are trying to achieve. the articles in the attached link from inland driveline give a good explanation of the simple but often misunderstood pinion angle and its relationship to the transmission yoke angle and driveshaft angle... from this you can clearly see why having a driveshaft that slopes up towards the pinion (which happens sometimes with modified set-ups if you are not paying attention) is not ideal
https://www.iedls.com/Power_Train
https://www.iedls.com/Power_Train
I should probably check the current angle since I did the LS swap and built the trans crossmember, and I bet it's not stock. (what is stock?). I suppose I can measure my 4th gen to get an idea what stock is.
My rear end currently isn't adjustable, however, my plan is to make an adjustable torque arm (which will bolt to the heim joint in my trans tunnel that my jegster torque arm connects to) so I can adjust the 9", and of course I can shim the transmission crossmember as needed for the TKX.
I'm trying to enjoy driving the car while it's summer and not be tempted to take it apart, especially since once I do swap the TKX and 9" in over the winter I'll be waiting for spring so I can road test it.
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