Author Topic: 5 speed transmission en route (Read 5077 times)

Jeff73Mach1 · « **on:** February 08, 2010, 01:53:39 PM »

I've had some transmission problems since I got the car. I had thought they were shifter related and partially they were, but once the transmission was out we could see that it had some wear in the case and the internal shift rods.

I had been planning on just replacing the bad parts, but as it turns out the 1973 toploader is a little different than the earlier models and parts availability is scarce.

I've gotten in touch with Keisler Engineering and after a long discussion I've ordered a modified T45 with all the necessary hardware to install it into my 73 Mustang Mach 1

I had initially thought a TKO 600 would be in order, but this route saves me from replacing my clutch which is only a few months old and is over a $1,000.00 cheaper.

So, if anyone is interested in the results, I'll post up a review, pictures and my thoughts when it is all done. A .67 overdrive 5th gear will make cruising on the interstate practical and the deep 3.37:1 1st gear ratio should get me on my powerband faster as well as allowing wheelspin at will.

Soaring · « **Reply #1 on:** February 08, 2010, 03:07:10 PM »

Yeah, let us know how it works after you get it installed.

Tim175 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 10, 2010, 11:17:03 AM »

Interesting choice. Can't wait to see it finished.

Jeff73Mach1 · « **Reply #3 on:** February 10, 2010, 12:40:11 PM »

I agree. I was considering the TKO 500 or 600 but would have had to change my clutch and had some reservations about the shifting difficulties that have been reported with the TKO series of transmissions. I also briefly considered the T56 6 speed, but determined that the extra gear really only would benefit me if I was going to be doing a lot of very high speed driving where the gap between a 1:1 4th speed ratio and the final OD ratio would be an issue, but the reality is these cars are not aerodynamic and do not have suspensions that lend themselves to safe driving at speeds where that would matter.

The T45 should be the lightest of the bunch and should provide the best fit without having to replace the clutch. Internally the TKO series is based on this transmission and they share many of the same hard parts. Keisler's reengineering has gotten some good reviews.

I hope it is the right choice and will share my experiences when I have it done. I am told I should have the transmission in about 2 weeks, and it should be installed and ready for some testing a few days thereafter.

I may scan the install manual and try and get some pictures of the install so I can post them up for reference.

At $2,700.00 it seems a good deal for everything shipped and with tax (since Keisler and I are in the same state

) A rebuilt toploader would have been $2000.00 plus shipping, so money wise it was almost a wash.

Soaring · « **Reply #4 on:** February 10, 2010, 04:44:27 PM »

I replaced the old Tremec in my old F-150, and it cost me 2,300 bux. So, sounds like you got a good deal.

Jeff73Mach1 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 10, 2010, 04:53:30 PM »

Yeah, but I still have to install it!

Soaring · « **Reply #6 on:** February 10, 2010, 05:00:00 PM »

Piece of cake for a high stepper.

Jeff73Mach1 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 10, 2010, 08:05:03 PM »

agreed, but I also have a garage to build, doors to reweatherstrip, a driveway to grade out and pour, a boat engine to reassemble and install and a few other projects to manage between caring for my kids, chasing a 26 year old girl 200 miles away and holding down a job. Something has got to give.

Guess I'll take a week of vacation when it warms up!

Soaring · « **Reply #8 on:** February 11, 2010, 01:07:10 AM »

Quote from: Jeff73Mach1 on February 10, 2010, 08:05:03 PM

agreed, but I also have a garage to build, doors to reweatherstrip, a driveway to grade out and pour, a boat engine to reassemble and install and a few other projects to manage between caring for my kids, chasing a 26 year old girl 200 miles away and holding down a job. Something has got to give.

Guess I'll take a week of vacation when it warms up!

Chasing the 26 year old should be your first priority.

Jeff73Mach1 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 11, 2010, 08:02:24 AM »

It is! Makes me feel young unless I think about the fact that I was in college when she was born, then it just makes me feel lucky

Soaring · « **Reply #10 on:** February 12, 2010, 07:06:04 PM »

Good luck with the relationship Jeff, and keep us informed about your Mustang projects.

Jeff73Mach1 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 25, 2010, 04:48:13 PM »

Transmission arrived! Now to get it installed while trying to get a garage built! I guess I am going to be working hard the next 3-4 days. Will report on both projects as soon as I can.

Tim175 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 25, 2010, 04:54:03 PM »

Can't wait to see the results. Have fun juggling those projects, i know how that is haha.

Jeff73Mach1 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 25, 2010, 05:12:01 PM »

I have some extra hands lined up to help with the garage and I'll probably just let a friend's shop do most of the install on the transmission

Soaring · « **Reply #14 on:** February 25, 2010, 05:19:00 PM »

I do too. But, the winter has kept me out of the yard. I just turn on the heater in the garage and tinker with my mustangs. My '03 mach comes back from the body shop today or tomorrow, so I need o take the plants out of his space, and put them on the back porch with a cover over them. My 65 is a girl. and the muscle car 03 is a male.

Jeff73Mach1 · « **Reply #15 on:** February 25, 2010, 07:19:19 PM »

This may be surprising, but the transmission is actually in the car! Still need to run the new speedometer cable, reroute the exhaust for clearance of the new transmission crossmember wire up the reverse lights and get the drive shaft made up, but I should have it back early next week (running with open headers LOL) and finished up by next Saturday. Shop is charging me a whopping $300.00 for the install, so I am glad to let them do it!

I should be working on the garage right now, but decided to take the night off and wait til I had light and help to get some of the big lumber in place.

there is only one issue with the install right now and that is the crossmember only lines up with 2 holes (one on each side) the original crossmember just used two holes, but the new one has two outboard holes that fall in line with the bottom of the rails so I need to hear from Keisler as to whether to run it with two bolts, or modify the mount.

any opinions?

gomer · « **Reply #16 on:** February 25, 2010, 08:21:35 PM »

I have A TKO 500 and its a P O S. If i rev above 4500 rpm the only way ittle go into 2nd or 3rd is i hafto granny shift. And TRIMEC DOSENT CARE ABOUT THE PROBLEM,THEY TOLD ME TO SEND IT TO A VENDER AT MY EXPENCE TO FIX IT. DONT BUY ONE!!!!!

Tim175 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 25, 2010, 08:41:06 PM »

Wow that was fast. Did you already have the old one out of the car for the new one to go in its place?

Soaring · « **Reply #18 on:** February 25, 2010, 08:50:32 PM »

I wouldn't trust just two bolts to hold that crossmember in place. You may have to do some drilling to put another couple of bolts in it. As mentioned, the Tremecs have a problem going from 2nd to 3rd. I fixed mine by putting in heavy duty syncronizers as well as a Steeda Tri-X short throw shifter. You don't want to get caught in heavy traffic though, unless you are an athlete with a strong left leg.,

Tim175 · « **Reply #19 on:** February 25, 2010, 11:56:35 PM »

Well my toploader is held in my just 2 crossmember bolts and it seems to be ok?

Author Topic: 5 speed transmission en route (Read 5077 times)

gomer

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