Tremec TKX conversions

[PoorMans180SX]

If you aren't aware, Tremec just released it's TKX transmission, which is the evolution of the T-5/TKO500/TKO600 line. It now has triple cone synchros and a stiffer case, extending the usable shift RPM to 8000. This seems very promising as a no-compromise strong 5-speed box.

https://www.tremec.com/menu.php?m=183



Let's list some advantages here:

1. Lighter than a Z33/T56 box by 30lbs
2. Rated for 600lb-ft of torque
3. Massive aftermarket support
4. Available basically everywhere
5. Will be in production/service for years
6. Removable bellhousing
7. Mechanical or electronic speedometer drive
8. Compact
9. Shares bellhousing pattern with G-force dogboxes/others
10. Close ratio gearset

Adapting these should be relatively easy, with an adapter plate and a bellhousing from your preferred engine (auto SR/KA/RB, R154 JZ), a custom pilot bushing and a 26-spline clutch disk in your required diameter.

Here is a example of a G-force GSR to SR20 adapter:



I do believe they would need an extended shifter based on how the TKO fits in an S13:



Retail is $2,795 for the gearbox.

Anyone else think this sounds pretty good? I think it's something to talk about at least.

[brndck]

very cool, but outside of pro/semipro level drifting, most 240 owners ain't gonna have $2800 just for a trans (and then more for the bellhousing, clutch, driveshaft, etc) when people bitch and moan about a $800 cd009 or $500 z32 trans.

always nice to have more options available in the market tho!!!

is there a listing of available gearsets? or do you just specify what ratios you want when you order?

[PoorMans180SX]

Originally Posted by brndck

very cool, but outside of pro/semipro level drifting, most 240 owners ain't gonna have $2800 just for a trans (and then more for the bellhousing, clutch, driveshaft, etc) when people bitch and moan about a $800 cd009 or $500 z32 trans.

always nice to have more options available in the market tho!!!

is there a listing of available gearsets? or do you just specify what ratios you want when you order?

Yeah that makes sense, Just seems like people are spending just as much on the conversion for those other transmissions that the cost wouldn't be so different for a proven transmission.

Yeah if you click on that first link they're under the "technical specifications" tab on the tremec website.

[jr_ss]

Originally Posted by PoorMans180SX

Yeah that makes sense, Just seems like people are spending just as much on the conversion for those other transmissions that the cost wouldn't be so different for a proven transmission.

Yeah if you click on that first link they're under the "technical specifications" tab on the tremec website.

I think the price point isn?t bad for a new trans. Most CDX or RS5R30A transmissions are in between 2-3k anyhow. However, factoring in the cost of a conversion kit, is going to put this out of reach for most S-chassis owners.

I think most guys that are using a TKO trans have them face plated anyway for the power they are making.

At the end of the day, It?s always nice to have options and I?m sure someone will product a kit for it.

[PoorMans180SX]

Originally Posted by jr_ss

I think the price point isn?t bad for a new trans. Most CDX or RS5R30A transmissions are in between 2-3k anyhow. However, factoring in the cost of a conversion kit, is going to put this out of reach for most S-chassis owners.

I think most guys that are using a TKO trans have them face plated anyway for the power they are making.

At the end of the day, It?s always nice to have options and I?m sure someone will product a kit for it.

Yeah, that makes sense. Just seems like with the cost of all the conversion parts, it won't end up being that much different.

They don't plate them for strength, they faceplate them so they'll shift at the RPM they're running. This trans fixes those issues.

[jr_ss]

Originally Posted by PoorMans180SX

Yeah, that makes sense. Just seems like with the cost of all the conversion parts, it won't end up being that much different.

They don't plate them for strength, they faceplate them so they'll shift at the RPM they're running. This trans fixes those issues.

I guess power and rpm go hand in hand? If they are spinning those motors up, they are churning out some power. But I hear you!

[PoorMans180SX]

Bellhousing to bolt a tkx to an SR.

https://vernierbell.com/products

[tuzzio]

I'm going to inquire to them if they have plans for making one that'll bolt to a KA. Realistically the RB25 one is close enough.

[AKADriver]

Given that used T56s have been going for TKO money for years, it's great. This isn't a "for everyone" transmission, but I think it's a no brainer for LS swap cars, compared to the typical combination of used transmissions and adapter kits.

[tuzzio]

In all honesty, im surprised the Sr / KA market isn't all over the TKO. One offering has almost IDENTICAL gearing to the factory 5 speed.

[PoorMans180SX]

Originally Posted by tuzzio

In all honesty, im surprised the Sr / KA market isn't all over the TKO. One offering has almost IDENTICAL gearing to the factory 5 speed.

I doubt most people know the bellhousing exits. It's immensely stronger than the 30A, and has an off the shelf shifter from sikky that doesn't require all the mods that a CD or JK series transmission does. People are still cheap though, and finding a cheap JK41 trans is still possible if you can wait around for a deal.

Between this and the Turbolamik ZF 8hp70, we don't have to worry about finding strong transmissions anymore.

https://pmcmotorsport-shop.com/produ...8HP50-B58.html

[splitfire]

Isn't ZF 8hp70 an A/T?

[AKADriver]

It is. Looks like there's a healthy aftermarket for standalone controllers for it because it's such a strong, efficient, fast-shifting gearbox though.

Surprisingly people are even adapting them to go behind LS motors, is the ZF 8HP70 that much better than the GM 6L80/90 or 8L90? I guess the smaller BMW bellhousing would give you more clearance in typical import car swap applications than the huge Chevy bellhousing pattern.

[PoorMans180SX]

Originally Posted by splitfire

Isn't ZF 8hp70 an A/T?

Originally Posted by AKADriver

It is. Looks like there's a healthy aftermarket for standalone controllers for it because it's such a strong, efficient, fast-shifting gearbox though.

Surprisingly people are even adapting them to go behind LS motors, is the ZF 8HP70 that much better than the GM 6L80/90 or 8L90? I guess the smaller BMW bellhousing would give you more clearance in typical import car swap applications than the huge Chevy bellhousing pattern.

Yes, and Yes.

The standalone controllers allow you to shift it sequentially, and even use a clutch-by-wire setup. We're getting a little off topic here, but this is a pretty cool topic too, so whatev, hah.

[TheRealSy90]

Originally Posted by tuzzio

In all honesty, im surprised the Sr / KA market isn't all over the TKO. One offering has almost IDENTICAL gearing to the factory 5 speed.

The largest issue, hurdle, and pain in the ass is getting an SR clutch with LS transmission shaft splines. Especially for people like myself who prefer to use brands like osgiken etc.

[Sr20-Vert]

I think a t56 to sr20 should be here I am not a fan of my cd00a to notchy and third gear is grinding we need someone to make this kit my car would be insane with a t56 already mazworx stage 3 ve head and garret g35-1050 106 ar cd00a

[silviaks2nr]

t56 magnum is unparraleled for performance and shift feel. No other choice IMO if you're going 6spd. It's worth the huge hole it burns in your wallet. I think the tko only realy make sense for upgrading older mustangs and GM's which came with T5... Not a lot of point to put it behind any import engines.

[Rosdikolaus58]

I suppose power cannacraftcorner and RPM go hand in hand, right? If those motors are spinning up, they're definitely generating pureplantpleasures some power. But I understand your point!

[StorminMatt]

Originally Posted by AKADriver

Given that used T56s have been going for TKO money for years, it's great. This isn't a "for everyone" transmission, but I think it's a no brainer for LS swap cars, compared to the typical combination of used transmissions and adapter kits.

The problem with using this transmission for LS swaps is fitment. Most people doing LS swaps are going to be using one of the many available swap kits. And all of these kits are designed around the T56. Using something else (like the TKX) is going to require a custom transmission crossmember and dealing with a shifter that is in the wrong location. Given that a TKX already costs close to $3000, it just makes sense to spend just a few hundred more and get a Magnum F. This way, you get a transmission that actually fits using off the shelf part and doesn?t require hacking your transmission tunnel to deal with a shifter in the wrong location. Oh, and you also get an extra gear.

[PoorMans180SX]

Originally Posted by StorminMatt

The problem with using this transmission for LS swaps is fitment. Most people doing LS swaps are going to be using one of the many available swap kits. And all of these kits are designed around the T56. Using something else (like the TKX) is going to require a custom transmission crossmember and dealing with a shifter that is in the wrong location. Given that a TKX already costs close to $3000, it just makes sense to spend just a few hundred more and get a Magnum F. This way, you get a transmission that actually fits using off the shelf part and doesn?t require hacking your transmission tunnel to deal with a shifter in the wrong location. Oh, and you also get an extra gear.

Yeah duh. The thread wasn't about using this with LS swaps, but putting it behind SRs, KAs, JZs etc.

[StorminMatt]

Originally Posted by PoorMans180SX

Yeah duh. The thread wasn't about using this with LS swaps, but putting it behind SRs, KAs, JZs etc.

Maybe not. But he DID say that it was a ‘no brainer’ for LS swaps. Also, there could be issues with using this transmission with other engines (such as SRs, KAs, and JZs) since upgrades using T56-based transmissions are so well-established. I couldn’t help but notice the cut transmission tunnel posted above.

Originally Posted by PoorMans180SX

This isn’t something I would want to do to MY S13. A longer transmission such as the aforementioned T56 Magnum F, would bring the shifter back and possibly align it with the factory hole.

Not to say that the TKX is a bad transmission, of course. It would be a better choice when you want a five speed (rather than six speed) and in applications that either can’t fit a T56 or where a lighter weight transmission is advantageous. However, as a T56 substitute, it is an awkward fit that isn’t a whole lot cheaper than a new Magnum.

[PoorMans180SX]

Originally Posted by StorminMatt

Not to say that the TKX is a bad transmission, of course. It would be a better choice when you want a five speed (rather than six speed) and in applications that either can?t fit a T56 or where a lighter weight transmission is advantageous. However, as a T56 substitute, it is an awkward fit that isn?t a whole lot cheaper than a new Magnum.

But you can now adapt it to any Nissan engine with the auto gearbox bellhousing and Chris Forsebergs new adapter plate, which makes for a much easier swap than to a T56, and no machining needed like other transmission swaps, and no terrible shifter like a CD009 swap. Only the RB has a T56 adapter, and it is the very loud steel SFI bellhousing.

[slider2828]

Originally Posted by PoorMans180SX

But you can now adapt it to any Nissan engine with the auto gearbox bellhousing and Chris Forsebergs new adapter plate, which makes for a much easier swap than to a T56, and no machining needed like other transmission swaps, and no terrible shifter like a CD009 swap. Only the RB has a T56 adapter, and it is the very loud steel SFI bellhousing.

Is the Tremec less "tall" cause the cd009 fits like shit and all this noise and vibration is garbage.... I am going 110 on the track and I think the driveline isn't exactly straight horizontally with the pinion and get vibrations. Vertically its aligned.... Maybe its a weird angle.... but I hate it...... Also notchy af....

Are there advantages between this and zf?

[tuzzio]

Originally Posted by PoorMans180SX

But you can now adapt it to any Nissan engine with the auto gearbox bellhousing and Chris Forsebergs new adapter plate

Am I missing something? Does the GSR have the same bolt pattern as the TKX?

[PoorMans180SX]

Originally Posted by tuzzio

Am I missing something? Does the GSR have the same bolt pattern as the TKX?

Yes, it does. Same old school circle track four bolt pattern.

Originally Posted by slider2828

Is the Tremec less "tall" cause the cd009 fits like shit and all this noise and vibration is garbage.... I am going 110 on the track and I think the driveline isn't exactly straight horizontally with the pinion and get vibrations. Vertically its aligned.... Maybe its a weird angle.... but I hate it...... Also notchy af....

Are there advantages between this and zf?

Not 100% sure on dimensions with the Auto bellhousing and adapter, but it is a very compact transmission in general.

Advantages over ZF? How about handling way more torque? TKX is rated to 600 ft/lbs (and can probably handle a lot more), no way the factory ZF is rated for that.

[R@ddy]

neat thread i came across.

I have a brand new TKX sitting at home from a LS project that never happened.

Xcessive has a KA24 to GM bellhousing adapter plate that i can adapt my TKX with a LS1 bellhousing to


https://drifthq.com/products/xcessiv...ad0t9Pwh8PxPjk

[PoorMans180SX]

Originally Posted by R@ddy

neat thread i came across.

I have a brand new TKX sitting at home from a LS project that never happened.

Xcessive has a KA24 to GM bellhousing adapter plate that i can adapt my TKX with a LS1 bellhousing to


https://drifthq.com/products/xcessiv...ad0t9Pwh8PxPjk

That adapter sits the transmission at an angle. You'd be better off with an auto bellhousing and the Forsberg adapter.

[R@ddy]

Originally Posted by PoorMans180SX

That adapter sits the transmission at an angle. You'd be better off with an auto bellhousing and the Forsberg adapter.

Do you have a link?

[R@ddy]

Nvm, found it. I actually think this is a much better idea. No need to mess with the starter spacing issues with that adapter/midplate

https://cf64.myshopify.com/products/...-adapter-plate