TKO 500 with front shift kit - looking for feedback.

[endlessearth]

I am heavily considering putting a TKO 500 with a front shift kit into my '64 C20 behind a SBC 350. Does anyone on the board have experience with that specific transmission and the use of the front shift kit? I was hoping to get some feedback from those with experience with the swap and/or the driving experience.

My understanding is that using a front shift kit will necessitate drilling a new hole in the tranny cover about 3-4" back from the hole where my SM420 currently exits. I was hoping to confirm that too.

Thank you in advance.

Grant

[cb1965]

I have a tko500 and love it. center shift location and clears the bench seat. You will definitely need to enlarge the original hole using the front shifting location. I just don't know how much.
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[wayno]

I couldn't get my hands on a front-shift location and settled for the middle - cab in the other bay so that tells you how far I am from being helpful. I hear great things - looking forward to getting this thing back together and finding out for myself... good luck with your build.

[Snowbound]

I don't think they make the front shifter anymore. I did the mid shifter, but I'm not to the point of driving it yet.
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[endlessearth]

Originally Posted by Snowbound

I don't think they make the front shifter anymore. I did the mid shifter, but I'm not to the point of driving it yet.
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I talked to a transmission shop in MA (Fortes) that advertises that they make TKO shifters for 8 different locations including a front shifter. Supposedly they will have stock shortly. I wouldn't start the project until I had one secured.

[T Smith]

I have nothing to add other than I am studying a transmission swap myself so keep us posted on what you come up with.

[endlessearth]

I contacted Tremec and they told me that the rights for the front shift kit (TCKT1960) were sold to Forte's Parts Connection. I contacted Forte and was told that the parts to build one are in stock. As I had not purchased a TKO-500 yet they mentioned to me that it is a lot easier (and would be warranted through Tremec) if they did the install. The kicker is the price. $850 for the front shift kit and $240 labor to install plus the TKO4616 is $2,195. That is a pricey tranny.

[rideblue00]

Pricy for sure! Then add in all the needed extras: bell housing, clutch, Hyd TOB if you dont want to go mech, DS mods, It adds up real fast. But it would be sweet to have.

[Snowbound]

Wow, that is pricey.

My mid shifter was $350 and I installed it myself. Fairly simple job, until you drop a roll pin into the trans and then have to split the case to fish it out.....
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[endlessearth]

Thanks to the monsoon season here in AZ I am going to be putting my motor/tranny project on hold for awhile. A 27 foot tall cactus came down on top of my above ground hot tub and crushed it along with the stone and tile surrounding it. Pricey to say the least. Ugh. Typical AZ: 120 days of no rain followed by 30 seconds of sheer terror.