TKO 500

[inviolet]

Anyone running a TKO-500?

If so what gears do you recommend. I currently run 3.23s and fourth could use a little more pep. Thinking of 3.55s
I have a 26.1 inch tall tire on there. Any suggestions?

[73Chally]

I hope to have a similar setup at some point, and I plan to stick with my 3.91s.  You'll keep some good zip in 1-4 and have 5th for a good highway gear.  If I was going to stick with a 4 speed I would probably drop to a 3.55.

[inviolet]

The TKO-500 is a 5 speed with .68 overdrive... and a 3.27 first... that's why I'm having second thoughts on 3.55s

Check this gear calculator out, works great:

http://www.fatboyraceworks.com/gears/index.php?MaxRPM=5500&TireDiameter=26.13&GearRatio1=3.27&GearRatio2=1.97&GearRatio3=1.34&GearRatio4=1.00&GearRatio5=0.68&GearRatio6=&FinalDrive=3.55&TireWidth=295&TireAspect=35&RimDiameter=18&MaxRPM_2=5500&TireDiameter_2=26.13&GearRatio1_2=3.27&GearRatio2_2=1.97&GearRatio3_2=1.34&GearRatio4_2=1.00&GearRatio5_2=0.68&GearRatio6_2=&FinalDrive_2=3.42&TireWidth_2=295&TireAspect_2=35&RimDiameter_2=18&Calculate=Calculate%2FGraph&Compare=1


With 3.55s Fifth is fine. First on the other hand is going to be short.

[aris_unlimited]

I am actually planning on running one and I figured a 3:73 rear would keep me pretty happy.

[IMNCARN82]

I'm running 3:91's with that set-up. It's perfect for me. Gained over 25 mph top end! Rpm's down 1500. Gas mileage went way up to n from shows/cruises dramatically. All my buddies know it too. As we cruise along...  I'm just cruisin'  R/T

[FJ5_440]

I run a TKO600 in my Chevelle, and I think you will want something a littlle higher than the 3.55.  I would recommend a 3.73 or even 3.91.  
I have my 3.91s all ready to go if I ever manage to find time to put the overdrive trans in my Cuda.

[inviolet]

Its a weekend drive, so I want to keep the highway rpm low, but you know everyone always tries to get the best of both worlds....

The motor is 498, (383 stroked), so it has plenty of torque but its out of wind at 5,500 rpm. I think 3.55s is the way to go. 

Unless  , I have a buddy of mine who has a set of old 3.42 for and 8 3/4 rear from an old NASCAR rear. This will help the highway revs stay low....But I think the 3.55s will give me a better quarter mile mph.

What do you guys think?

[Cooter]

All I can offer is my time with my 331 Mustang GT, 5-speed, with 3.27 First and .68 with 4.10 gear.


While it was great for a high winding small block, with a stroker BB, you better drive under WOT like the old Super Stockers did back in the day....1stBANG 2nd...Short shift 1st to 2nd cause it's gonna be like driving a granny low 4-speed when in first with anything lower than 3.73 rear gears. I'm thinking 3.55's as well...You have enough motor, you don't need all that gear.

[rusty70cuda]

Hi, what is a tko 500? after market od manual transmission? I would like to put an od in my challenger for better mileage. Thanks all. Steve

[bigblue73]

The TKO 500 - is an aftermarket overdrive transmissions that is manufactured by Tremec.  Tremec is a supplier of 5 and 6 speed transmissions to the automotive industry.  The TKO series of transmissions is an aftermarket unit that has multiple shifter mounting location (3 actually).  Torque capacity in final gear is 500 ftlbs.  The TKO-500 feature a 3.27 to 1 first and .68 overdrive. this is a great choice for a small block car with smaller torque numbers.  The step-up is the TKO-600, which is rated at 600 ftlbs. capacity and features a 2.87 to 1 first gear and a .64 overdrive.  The TKO-600 has closer gear ratio drops that the TKO-500.  Cost difference between the 500 and 600 is $100.00. 

By the way - optimum gear ratio is 3:73 to 3.91.  Always look at your tire size and consider use one of the many speed calculators out there.  Here is a link to the Hurst Driveline Conversions:

http://www.hurst-drivelines.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=193&Itemid=144

Have a great weekend.

Tony Edler
Mopar Tech Support
Hurst Driveline Conversions

[inviolet]

What gears would give you a higher MPH in the quarter? 3.55's or 3.42's, or the difference so small it doesn't really matter?

[bigblue73]

Interesting question - I would say the 3.55 would provide you with the best MPH in the quarter....You would need to consider where your power band is at the end of the quarter.

[inviolet]

Interesting question - I would say the 3.55 would provide you with the best MPH in the quarter....You would need to consider where your power band is at the end of the quarter.

I agree, According the gear/trany/tire calculator above it puts me at 120mph in 4th at 5,500 with 3.55s, which is my red line, we've dyno'd 555hp and 633 tq at the crank. The engine's power band starts about 3,000 rpm.

The 3.42s put me at 125mph at the end of fourth, but I don't think I can get to the end of 4th with the 3.42 before the end of the quarter. Anyway I think the difference would be small, I'm just curious.

[inviolet]

Another good gear Calculator.

http://www.americantorque.com/graph-rpm-vs-speed/