Author Topic: Advice on Installing TKO 600 in a 66 Fairlane (Read 12543 times)

garyv · « **on:** June 28, 2015, 03:46:38 PM »

I am looking at putting a "pro" TKO 600 in my 66 Fairlane in order handle
the added HP and TQ from my TP motor. I have exceeded the HP/TQ capacity
of my BI/BO top loader. This "pro" TKO is supposed to handle 770 ft.lbs of TQ so I should be
safe. I know a C4 or 6 is an option but not really what I want.
I know a few of you have done this conversion and I'm looking for advice before I
attempt this.
I already have a Quick Time SFI bell and clutch set up. Need to know about the cross
member and any mods it might need. Also what shifter and handle you are using. My car has bench seat so probably
different from one with console.
Appreciate any info.
garyv

ScotiaFE · « **Reply #1 on:** June 28, 2015, 06:01:23 PM »

Quote from: garyv on June 28, 2015, 03:46:38 PM

I have exceeded the HP/TQ capacity of my BI/BO top loader.

How do you know? Did you blow it up?

What is a "pro" TKO?
I would imagine it will take a couple of good swings with a BFH to fit it in the tunnel.
I had to give mine a couple of good swings to get the Jerico in.

The top cover is just a bit taller than a stock TL.

garyv · « **Reply #2 on:** June 28, 2015, 06:45:47 PM »

Howie from everyone I have talked with 700+HP n TQ is beyond the capabilities of a toploader.
I was told I would grenade it so I didn't want to risk it. I have another use for it.
I built a BI/BO back during the winter and was expecting to use it but my TP was a big surprise.
Nice problem to have I guess

I talked with Brent about this and he suggested a "pro" as he calls it TKO 600
They cryogenically treat the gears n shafts and also has carbon fiber blocking rings.
Supposed to handle 770 ftlbs of continuous TQ and not just an occasional rip down the track.
Its either this or a Jerico which probably wouldn't be much fun on the street. Not to mention several K more.
garyv

ScotiaFE · « **Reply #3 on:** June 28, 2015, 07:37:10 PM »

Pretty sure Barry R is still pounding on his TL, although with some mods
and I can bet he don't have no limp FE in there.

It's more about the clutch I think.
I drive my Jerico with V gate on the street and planning on a long distance run very soon.
It is a street car after all. And it shifts awesome. Up or down. Love it!
Unless you are using some big ass slicks I wouldn't worry about a well built TL and a good clutch.
You can't hook with any real street tire even with 500 plus HP.

My427stang · « **Reply #4 on:** June 28, 2015, 07:43:38 PM »

Brent's TKO is a very nice piece, and once you grab 5th you'll love it much more than any TL if it's a street strip car. I do recommend an aftermarket shifter if you are going to hammer gears though. The stock shifter likes to go straight to neutral, right between 3rd and 5th when you get excited. I personally think that is it more due to us being used to "all the way over and up" for 3rd, and in a 5 speed, that isn't true. But the aftermarket shifters have a spring that pushes you toward third unless you try for 5th

Just be sure that you maintain stock crank centerline angle. Best way to do this is measure before and after. Too many guys try to hang the tail end low for floor clearance, it's just the wrong way to do it and in 5th at triple digit speeds, that driveshaft is going to be spinning FAST.

garyv · « **Reply #5 on:** June 28, 2015, 08:27:07 PM »

Brent suggested a Steeda TriAx shifter Ross.
It's spring loaded so it goes straight from 2nd to 3rd they claim.
As for tires Howie I run MT ET Streets 275-60-15's.
It hooks up pretty good.
garyv

JamesonRacing · « **Reply #6 on:** June 29, 2015, 10:54:27 AM »

Do you have a factory 4-speed tunnel cover already?

Is your QT bell for the T/L input length or TKO length?

Your stock 4-speed/C6 crossmember fits fine. I didn't have to modify the tunnel on my 66 GT to fit, but I did need to use a shorter shifter with an offset to get the handle centered.

I don't think it matters what seats you're using, you will want the shifter to come through the floor in about the same spot.

bn69stang · « **Reply #7 on:** June 29, 2015, 07:29:52 PM »

you will be fine with the pro tko , but tremec s torque ratings are done at a 5000 lb vehicle at a continuous load cycle so you probably would have been fine with a regular tremec , or toploader , especially with street tires . I dont think with street tires you would ever hook it hard enough to hurt it , jmo Bud .. i have seen people abuse stock toploaders with big big tires , or small slicks and not break them ...

garyv · « **Reply #8 on:** June 30, 2015, 06:11:04 AM »

Thank guys for responding.
I appreciate your input.
Does anyone really know how much abuse a BI/BO TL can handle?
I have heard a bunch of opinions of this topic but nothing definite where
someone says once you reach X HP n TQ you need to upgrade.
If I were just running street tires I wouldn't be as concerned but I am running
MT ET Streets so I think this changes things.
Thanks again
garyv

My427stang · « **Reply #9 on:** June 30, 2015, 07:06:21 AM »

I really doubt that the TL is weaker than that TKO, except for age, potentially worn parts, etc, especially a big in/out.

However, you know the TKO is fresh, who knows what the TL has been through and if you go through it to the level of that Pro box, it will be nearly as expensive and not have 5th gear

garyv · « **Reply #10 on:** June 30, 2015, 08:04:43 AM »

I just built this BI/BO TL this past winter from a small in/out.
David Kee bored the tail shaft and installed the larger bushing and supplied
all the new parts. It has the best stuff he offers in it.
It should be tough but I would hate to ruin and then have to end up fixing
it and have to then buy a TKO.
I guess its only $$$.

garyv

ScotiaFE · « **Reply #11 on:** June 30, 2015, 09:28:52 AM »

What are you going to with the car?
Full strip or drive it on the street and make a few passes each season?
Your going to have to do some serious side steps to hurt the TL.
I'd bet you a rusty old truck valve cover you'd hurt the TKO before the TL.

garyv · « **Reply #12 on:** June 30, 2015, 09:58:00 AM »

Mostly going to be street driven and some trips to the local track.
I plan on beating on it pretty hateful.
I wanna see that cover Howie.

.
garyv

Nightmist66 · « **Reply #13 on:** June 30, 2015, 10:00:24 AM »

Hey Gary, here is a link to some toploader builds.
http://www.fordmuscleforums.com/transmission-articles/496380-liberty-faceplated-proshifted-toploader.html
I plan on converting my small in/out to big in/out and faceplate 2, 3, and 4. I would also like to get the internals cryo-ed. We have had a small in/out in about a 3700lb car with slicks and ran 12.37 with it, no problem. It has all factory guts. I think a well prepped TL can be a contender. I feel they can be underestimated. I guess if you want to have a fifth gear, you have no option but to ditch the toploader.

ScotiaFE · « **Reply #14 on:** June 30, 2015, 10:12:53 AM »

What clutch?
That will be the decider as to whether you start spitting teeth.
Be from the gear box or rear gear.

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