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Hammered · 07-16-2005, 12:34 PM

I bought my TKO 600 from Keisler and wouldn't trust anything they say including delivery dates. My advice is to stay away from them unless you absolutely, positively have to have their shifter. BTW, I still had to cut my tunnel in spite of their assertions that I wouldn't.

jeffmort · 07-16-2005, 01:00 PM

SgtGto-
Thanks for the kind words. We try our best.

Tom-
Which shifter did you use that failed on you?The offset shifter that Phil used is the new McLeod Trik Stix shifter for TKO's. It has a 2" offset for the GTO's and it is built to last - like all of McLeod's products. The reason that McLeod came out with this shifter for the TKO's is because there were really not a bolt-on offset shifter available when one was needed. If you are using a console, this shifter is a low profile unit that fits underneath the console without having to modify the console. On this page, you can scroll down to see a picture of a 67 Chevelle with McLeod offset shifter and stock center console: http://www.classicchevy5speed.com/im...c_Purchase.htm

The Mcleod piece is very high quality and shifts very well.
The stub is solid steel, welded at the junctions so it wont fall apart. It also uses a spherical bearing at the pivot point and Bellevile style spring washers for a smooth shifting feel.
You can check out a schematic that I put together to show the features of the Mcleod unit: http://www.classicchevy5speed.com/TKO_500_TKO_600_recom...hifter_positions.htm.

Hammered-
Typically the TKO will fit in the tunnel of a first gen Firebird without having to cut it. The only times I have heard of first gen firebirds/camaros having to cut is when the car has worn/crushed/or shorter, non-stock body bushings, if the car has floor sag, or possibly if an aftermarket floor pan has been installed that happens to have a shorter tunnel. The only other reason that I can think of is if the crossmember was built incorrectly and it has a mounting tongue that is too high which would force the trans up into the tunnel too high.

Tom McQueen · 07-16-2005, 01:08 PM

Jeff....I would like to try the McLeod offset shifter. I will call you Monday. I had no idea this shifter was out there.

Junkyard Dog · 07-16-2005, 01:47 PM

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jeff Mortenson:
A 1350 yoke is already avaialble and is a common part. Actually we have 1350 yokes in a solid Spicer style1 or a custom quick release version. You just need to request which one you want when your driveshaft is being built.
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Oh. Well, I didn;t see it under the "Request a Quote" section. That is good news.

jeffmort · 07-16-2005, 02:27 PM

The McLeod shifter is a new product - you will be hearing more about it shortly.
As long as you have an unmodified TKO, you will be able to bolt the McLeod shifter on.

Hammered · 07-16-2005, 03:57 PM

Jeff,

The '67 and 68 Firebird shift holes are further forward than on the Camaro by quite a bit. I checked my car, which is very straight, against two other factory cars. For example, the front of the factory hole is only about 1/2" from the rear of the two ribs that are stamped into the front of the tunnel. I believe the hole is several inches from that same rib on the Camaro. My shift hole needs about 3/8" cut off the rear of the hole and about 1/4" cut off the right side to fit with minimum clearance. I figure the Keisler kit was designed for the Camaro, especially since they tried to sell me a drive shaft with a Chevy u-joint (1310) and did sell me a Chevy pilot bearing.

The subframe is solid and is installed with new polyurethane bushings. The top of the transmission is far enough up into the tunnel that it hits the bottom of the console mount studs. So, another 3/8" and it would be against the tunnel itself. I was told that this was necessary to get the proper drive-shaft angle. Am I in for any problems???

Thanks,

John

jeffmort · 07-16-2005, 09:11 PM

It would probabaly be best to give me a call to discuss - we can work it through over the phone better than via emails or posts.

JSchmitz · 07-17-2005, 07:28 AM

Nice install. I would love to put one in my '64. I switch back and fourth between a 4-speed and a TH400 every so often. I love the stick shift on the street. I need the TH400 for the track. Maybe some day I'll build a race car and leave a stick in the goat for good.

Hammered · 07-17-2005, 01:53 PM

Jeff,

Thank you for the offer - I will call you this week.

John

n2ogpsj462 · 07-17-2005, 04:22 PM

out of curiosity hwo much did the entire project cost?

6567GTO · 07-17-2005, 07:49 PM

Well, with the optional offset shifter and driveshaft including shipping it was around $2700 or so. + my time.

PonchoMike · 07-17-2005, 08:41 PM

6567GTO, noticed in your pics that you're using a different style accel pedal. If you don't mind, could you tell me what it's from and what year? What type of mods did you have to do in order to change it over? Have a 65 tripower with the original style pedal, but would like to change it over eventaully. Tks.

6567GTO · 07-18-2005, 10:55 AM

Mike - it's a 67 Chevelle pedal like this one on Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...spagename=WDVW

Junkyard Dog · 07-18-2005, 11:56 AM

Does a 65 GTO not have a little hump that the shifter sticks through? I don't know what it is called, but my 66 GTO has a sheetmetal little tower with a flat top through which the ****er protrudes.

6567GTO · 07-18-2005, 01:48 PM

Yes it does JYD. I just didn't install mine right now. It can be done easily in the future.

Hammered · 07-19-2005, 06:31 PM

I just want to add that I spoke to Jeff Mortenson today and found him to be very helpful and knowledgable. Here's a guy that has little chance of making a sale to me offering to help me out with problems I'm having with another vendor's kit. Contrast that to the other vendor who once having charged my credit card, never returned any of the calls, emails or letter I sent. It might be a while, but I know my next TKO will be coming from Jeff.

John

jeffmort · 07-19-2005, 08:40 PM

John-
It was nice talking with you today and thanks for the kind words.
There seems to be a lot of good people on this forum and since my first car at age 16 was a '69 Firebird, I will always help the Pontiac crew when I can.

Mr_GTO · 07-20-2005, 02:47 AM

One of the best threads I have ever seen on this site. Thanks all. Jeff, eventually you will hear from me about a tranny. Just need to figure out if I want a hydraulic or stock clutch actuation.

gearbanger · 07-20-2005, 05:06 AM

Well, I ordered mine Monday, basically because of this thread and hearing about the McLeod shifter. I was pretty much going with Keisler before that but those guys need better customer service. When I called Classic 5-speed, they really were positive and helpful. I also like the idea of the Mcleod low prof offset shifter going right on the unmodified Tremec trans. The Keisler unit has to have a modified tailshaft housing to work. I can't wait to get it, should be here Friday or Monday.

That's service!

jeffmort · 07-20-2005, 05:54 AM

Mr. GTO-
I agree, this has been a good thread. I look forward to hearing fromyou when you are ready. As it relates to your Hyd vs. mech clutch question, make usre to discuss that in detail with us before deciding. In our experience there are some installation challenges with the hydraulic clutch route + it is an added expense. I am not convinced that there is a great benefit (if any) to going with a hydraulic set up especially when you consider the hassle and cost. With that said, we offer both options and you can go with whichever you prefer. On both of my cars with TKO's, I am using thestock mechanical linkage and I am very happy with both of them.

gearbanger
Thanks for the order - I think you will be happy with your new Tremec and the McLeod shifter. Be sure to share your thoughts on how the install goes as well as how you like the transmission.

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