Advice on Installing TKO 600 in a 66 Fairlane

[garyv]

Thanks Jared I'll check it out.
Howie the clutch is a McLeod street twin.
I have 31 spline axles and a Nascar built rear with 3.91gear and a locker.
I think it should be tough enough.
will probably upgrade all that later to 35 spline.
garyv

[blykins]

I'll see your rusty old truck valve cover and raise you an oxidized fuel pump block off plate. 

We made 696 hp and 600 lb-ft with the 465 inch iteration of Gary's TP.  We are adding over 40 cubic inches and 10 more degrees of camshaft duration this time around.  I think he's going to be in Toploader-splitting territory if he gets a good hard launch. 

It's more of a logistics point now....if he busts the Toploader, he's gonna end up with a busted Toploader and a clutch he can't use anymore. 

I have built the face plated Toploaders and although they are stout, they are not nearly as street-friendly, nor do they have the overdrive, which would be nice with a 3.91-4.10 gearset. 

This build has evolved from a hot street car deal to a hotter street/strip deal.  I think if Gary plans to do a little drag racing, the Street Twin should be ditched for a Soft-Lok or similar adjustable pressure plate.  It's just hard to get a combination that works really well in both scenarios with this kind of horsepower.

[fekbmax]

We use to crash box top loaders back in the day.. not so good on the street but it sure was good fun on the strip.
I agree with Howie, tend to agree with alot of his post, the clutch and how much slippage you can get away with is the key to making a top loader live. I used race type pressure plates on the street just for that reason of being able to dial the clutch in with adjustable base pressures and centrifugal weight. Sure its alot of work but once you get it right your good to go. Well worth it for a hot weekend cruiser.

[Nightmist66]

I have built the face plated Toploaders and although they are stout, they are not nearly as street-friendly, nor do they have the overdrive, which would be nice with a 3.91-4.10 gearset. 

Brent, when you say they aren't street friendly, just how obnoxious is it? I would like to know before I do mine. Is it all the air gap between the faceplate lugs? Was 1st gear faceplated in the one you did? I was planning on leaving the synchro on 1st to downshift and start out easier. Is shifting on the street much different? I would like to keep my h pattern comp. plus shifter.

[ScotiaFE]

Brent, when you say they aren't street friendly, just how obnoxious is it? I would like to know before I do mine. Is it all the air gap between the faceplate lugs? Was 1st gear faceplated in the one you did? I was planning on leaving the synchro on 1st to downshift and start out easier. Is shifting on the street much different? I would like to keep my h pattern comp. plus shifter.

When shifting a dog ring gear box at slow speed there is solid clunk when the dog engages.
Kinda Kool if you like bad ass mechanical junk.
Serious man points if you are going power shift a dog ring with the H pattern.

[blykins]

Had meant to post this last night, but went to a Boston/Night Ranger concert and didn't get home until midnight....

Any gear that doesn't have a synchro has to be treated as such....so you gotta be quick on the shift regardless the situation. 

I've done Toploaders with synchronized 1-2 and face plated 3-4.  I built this one for a customer (and for a Modified Mustangs & Fords article) in Florida, went in a '34 Ford with a Long shifter (no H-pattern, inline)...

[Nightmist66]

Thanks for posting Brent and Howie, I appreciate it. Thanks for the included pics too Brent. Hopefully I'm not hijacking  Gary's thread. I just wanted to get some facts before I dive in. I understand you do have be quick on shifter though, since there is no synchro to slow things down. I understand you can either double clutch or just bang the next gear while tapping the cluch. I'm guessing the AN fitting in the 2nd pic was for venting? Does it help to balance pressure between the halves?

[blykins]

Just a vent....

A lot of your TKO's, T-56's, etc., will have a little poppet vent on the tailhousing.