504" Cougar

[Rory428]

I also like the Cougar, although my tastes run with chrome bumpers, and shiny wheels, but I guess I am not one of the "cool, with the times, kids" . Speaking of times, if that thing makes anywhere close to the HP claimed, it should be well into the 9s, but looking at the video, just not seeing that. I wonder how much better the new TKX 5 speed would be, so it can be shifted in a much brisker manner?

[TomP]

That's the impression I got from the video... I think the T19 in my truck shifts faster! The TKX would have to improve things. The suspension seems to work. I suppose on a track that car could probably hook OK and run decently. Also no fan of the grey and blackened shiny bits. But I understand todays black and white only trend is a fad so i'll get painted Calypso Coral with chrome bumpers and polished wheels at some later date.

[6667fan]

The front end rises as much as it does due in part to the Open Tracker components that were installed. I don’t begrudge the guy shifting it like that. He might be getting used to the car or not want to break stuff. If he powershifted it he could end up in the weeds if he is not ready for it.
I don’t like the wheels or paint scheme but love the fact that he has a honking FE with a stick behind it and he is having fun.

[cleandan]

Watching the car react to launching, hard acceleration, and shifting I think the suspension is set up pretty well for what he wants it to be.
While the front does rise, and fall, quickly there is no waggle, sideways stepping out, twist, or other things that are generally part of driving a high power 60's car.

Watch his steering wheel inputs...He is basically driving the car with little effort and very little correctiong required...meaning the suspension is working well.

The TKO-600, at least from my direct experience, is NOT a friendly quick shifting transmission.
A Toploader will shift quick and smooth.
A TKO-500 will shift fast and smooth.
A Muncie will shift fast and smooth.

A TKO-600 will make you look like a fool the first 35 times you try to speed shift, or clutch shift very quickly.....Then you check, recheck, and check again everything you think may be causing the problems to end up realizing they just don't shift as fast as other transmissions.

Because of this I have come to dislike the TKO-600 even if it is the go to high torque tranny.
I can literally shift a stock 3-on the tree truck tranny faster than a TKO-600.

I have a friend installing the new TKX in a Cobra roadster (FE Power) and I hope to get a chance to drive that because I really hope it is a quick, smooth shifting transmission.

[Rory428]

I would like to get a TKX 5 speed for my 59, I like the Toploader currently in there in town, and for rowing thru the gears, but I must admit that modern vehicles with overdrive transmissions have spoiled me for freeway trips of any distance. I have heard of how poorly the TKOs and some over 5 speeds like doing foot to the floor powershifts, so that is a real concern. The TKX sounds pretty nice, but I don`t want to have to deal with spacers, and it seems that Tremec doesn`t think making a version with a Toploader replacement length input shaft is worthwhile, even though I understand they do offer a GM version of the TKX that is a direct replacement for a Muncie. Go figure. I would rather put up with having the 428 buzzing on the freeway with the Toploader, than have a "better" 5 speed that you have to granny shift under power.