Dave,
I just completed this swap about one year ago. I chose the TKO600 Kit from
Keisler Engineering. I have a 1976 Trans Am which was a 4-speed, so your car
should be exactly like mine as far as the swap goes. With the Keisler kit which included
Tranny, Crossmember, Driveshaft, Speedo Cable along with add-ons such as the Clutch and Pressure Plate, Lakewood Steel Scattershield, and Hurst "Style" shifter, I was
able to install this without drilling one hole or cutting one piece of metal. This is a
direct bolt-on which can later be returned to original so that nobody will ever know!!!
Why did I do it? Because I needed a tranny that would not self-destruct behind
500-600 lb-ft of torque. Are there fringe benefits? YOU BET!!! This car with a 500HP
462 has pulled a best of 22.4 MPG with 3.23 rears and 24.8 MPG with 2.41 rears.
Best MPG I ever got with the factory stock 200HP 455 and 4-Speed was 12 MPG
with stock 3.23 rears. However the 12 MPG was daily driving whereas the 22 and 24 MPG figures were under controlled highway conditions. Bottom line...This is some of the
best money I ever spent on this car and I would do it again. And NO, I don't work
for Tremec or Keisler. Just trying to share my experience.
Hope this helps,
David
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