[johnsma22]

Doug, here's the link to the "Perfect Fit" kit from Keisler for the 70-81 F-Body. As I stated, this kit requires no modifications to the tunnel what so ever and the shifter fits perfectly in the console. However, I did fabricate a small spacer to move the shifter handle slightly further to the right than it otherwise would have been, as seen in the second photo. It wasn't necessary, but I liked it a little better. It does replace the clutch switch, the reverse light switch and you remove the back drive linkage from the column. The trans has the switches built in and they are wired to relays to control your reverse lights, and to disable your starter unless the trans is in neutral.

They also offer a "Perfect Fit" kit for 68-72 A-Body that they state requires only minimal modifications to the tunnel. I don't have any experience with A-Bodies or this kit so I can't say for sure what's involved. Here are the Installation Notes that Keisler provides on their website to give an overview of what's involved.

If you do decide to go this route with your F-Body, please don't hesitate to pick my brain. I'll be happy to help you in any way that I can. Short of giving you the cash, of course, LOL! I've heard good things about the kit from Classic Chevy 5-Speed as well, but I decided to go with Keisler because they provide a custom, boxed trans cross member. Classic Chevy's cross member is tubular and I've read that it can create some fitment issues with large diameter exhausts. I don't know for sure if this is true, but I didn't want find out while under the car!

[PonchoV8]

Excellent--and now I want the lift even more.

And I just looked a 67 Tempest that is in the Stock Creek area yesterday (just off Stock Creek Rd). I didn't buy the rusted out basket case car, but I got some buckets and a honeycomb grills for a FB.

[Skip Fix]

I wil say the Muncie in my old 409 Impala(12.20s 108) took LOTS of 6000 side steps but it has an aluminum flywheel and even the "cheater slicks" of the time weren't optimal for hooking. It did transmit enough power to rip out al the ring gear bolts in a pumpkin that had a ring gear spacer!

[rcread]

I've been considering this same question for a transmission to back the 455 going in my '78 Firebird. I decided to go the Keisler route as well. It won't be as simple for me since I'm converting from automatic to manual, but I've heard mostly good things from those who've installed the TKO.

[Tripower455]

FWIW, I am running a .64 OD TKO600 behind a very warm 455, and in 8400 miles, have had NO issues with it. Mine required considerable mods to fit in my '66. The trans hump had to be raised about an inch or so.

The only thing I would change is my rear gear ratio. The 4:10 combined with the 2:87 1st in the TKO makes 1st gear all but useless. I routinely start in 2nd.

[Tazzz2]

The kit is awesome ;-) I have it in my 72RS with a 556 cubic inch aluminum motor and just ordered it for my 70 Formula with a warmed up 455.....Do the overtime and enjoy the benefits,,,,you'll be glade you did....

I think the KeIsler TKO600 is the best bang for the buck out there for updating a classic...

[PonchoV8]

What was the general cost of the kit? You don't have to be specific. But if they offer a school coupon, I'd be interested.

[johnsma22]

Doug, I'll give you the specific cost. I'm not shy. The "Perfect Fit" Tremec TKO-600 kit for 70-81 F-Body from Keisler cost me $3295 plus $155 for shipping. In my case I added the Hurst shifter handle instead of the Tremec shifter for $89 and a black shifter knob for $39. These prices were current as of Sept '07.

The kit includes pretty much everything that you will need, minus the little incidentals that will always crop up, as I'm sure you know. The driveshaft doesn't ship with the kit. Once you install the trans, just follow the instructions they give you on measuring for the shaft length and they custom make one for you and ship it ASAP. The lead times on the driveshafts will vary depending on how busy they are, but I had a three day turn around on mine.

[PonchoV8]

That's about what I expected--within a couple hundred anyway. Thanks.

[69Customs]

Hey johnsma22,

How you route your speedo cable thru the headers in that 4th pic.

[johnsma22]

LOL! Every time I post that pic I always wonder how long it will be before someone comments on the cable in the header, LOL! Actually, that was the old parking brake cable for the drums that I replaced with rear discs. We stuck it in there just to get it out of the way until we removed the rear axle.

[69Customs]

Naw,
I kinda figured thats what you did.
I just wanted to be one of those inquisitive idiots!!! LOL

Nice ride!!