[gibbons]

I didn't know where to put it... Transmissions? Performance? Interiors? So I put it here as a catch all.

I like my TKO600 transmission a lot, it has made the car really fun to drive compared to my auto. My biggest head ache in the conversion was what to do with the console, the stick and the boot. I got it sorted out as shown on the second picture down. I put the top loader plate in the rear position on the transmission, and moved my console back about an inch from stock. Then I chopped the stick shift about an inch over the top of the transmssion stub, and re-welded the rest back on overlapping the short piece bolted to the stub.

I liked how it worked out, but in my opinion, a stick that long (second picture) makes the transmission a little vague and soft. It ends up with way more leverage than is needed to shift it, and it makes the "ball throw" longer than it needs to be. With all the leverage (as you get with a typical stick), it makes the action mushy (compared to what it can be).

Soooo... I got out the angle grinder and welder again, and shortened the stick as shown in the first picture right below. The length now is about 6.25" from the top of the stub to the center of the ball. The picture shows 3rd gear, the ball is right next to my knee at about the same height. I love it. If you think a TKO is precise now, you ought to try it with a short stick! It's rock solid and precise every direction the stick goes. And the action feels about right for a muscle car, no longer fluffy. For those who complain about the 2-3 shift from their old habits, maybe this would help.

 

[ToocoolZ28]

Thanks I like it, mine is too long and very vague like you said.
Ron

 

[bdc1013]

sure does look different. I just took out my console and flipped the shift plate on my tko so we will see how it goes. I'm going to go with just a boot on the floor.

I don't think that short of a shifter would work for me. I'm only 5'7 and the arms dont go way down by my knee.

 

[Scotch]

I considered a long handle for my T56, but the sharp precision the short handle offers got me hooked. I'm with ya - a short shifter in the perfect position is the way to go!

 

[Beaux]

sure does look different. I just took out my console and flipped the shift plate on my tko so we will see how it goes. I'm going to go with just a boot on the floor.

I don't think that short of a shifter would work for me. I'm only 5'7 and the arms dont go way down by my knee.

Even when you are sitting? You a T-Rex?

 

[bdc1013]

pretty much, T-rex, bowling ball lookin guy. haha dont you remember on the BBQ at the chevelle gathering?

 

[gibbons]

Even when you are sitting? You a T-Rex?

LOL.... I am also 5'7" and I have a short torso. It works fine for me! It's so much more fun to drive. I had a 90 F250 with a 5speed Getrag transmission. The shifter was about 3 feet long, I never could figure out why the designers felt like the knob had to be eye level. T-Rex...LOL still...

 

[wills65]

I just drove a friends TKO car the other day for the first time. Once before and once after we installed a Steeda tri-Ax short shifter. All I can say is, if you think a TKO with a shorter handle feels good....buy a Tri-Ax and never look back. The shifts are crisp, precise(sp), and you literally cant miss a gear. He has a longer shift handle too(about 10-12"), like yours was before your modification and it feels tighter and shorter than before with just a little 3" handle bolted to the shifter stub. Might be something you would want to look into in the future. When I finally put the TKO in my Mustang, I wont even have to think twice about what shifter to install. Just a $.02 suggestion.