The 5 Most Important Tremec TKO Buying Tips

Buying a TKO for your Classic Chevy is a big investment. By asking the right questions and understanding the facts you will be able to make an informed buying decision.
Below are 5 important tips that will help you make the right decision.

TIP #1
KNOW THE FACTS. Following are a few commonly misunderstood facts:

FACT: For the following car models, there is no reason to pay extra for a specially modified Tremec TKO transmission or custom shifter. An out-of-the box, unmodified TKO transmission with the stock Tremec shifter, or the proper Hurst Blackjack, bolt-on offset shifter, will properly fit within the stock console of the following cars:

1967-81 Camaros and Firebirds
1964-72 Chevelles/GTO/LeMans
1962-74 Chevy II/Nova’s

The pictures below show an unmodified transmission and either a stock Tremec shifter or a direct bolt-on, Hurst Blackjack offset shifter. All pictures are shown with the shift stick in the neutral position.


’69 Camaro with Hurst Blackjack, bolt-on offset shfter	’69 Camaro with stock Tremec shifter

’70 Camaro with Hurst Blackjack, bolt-on offset shfter	’70 Camaro with stock Tremec shifter

’67 Chevelle with Hurst Blackjack, bolt-on offset shfter	’69 Chevelle with stock Tremec shifter

Suggestions:

Ask to see pictures of installations into your specific car model for visual verification of proper console fitment.
Ask the salesperson if they personally have had first hand experience installing a TKO into your specific car model.
Ask for a referral to another customer who has performed the same installation or find a friend who has done the same installation so you can see for yourself.
Other sources for independent opinions on this issue are the transmission chat forums found at the following websites: Team Chevelle (www.Chevelles.com), Team Camaro (www.Camaros.net) and the Second Generation Camaro Owner’s Group (www.nastyz28.com).

FACT: If you are installing a TKO transmission into a Chevelle or Chevy II/Nova, you will have to cut your tunnel in order to install the TKO into your car. There are no modifications that can be done to the transmission to avoid this. Fabricating a simple piece of sheet metal to cover the tunnel is an easy job. Once your carpet and console are re-installed, your interier will look stock.


’64-’67 Chevelle tunnel cutting	’64-’67 Chevelle tunnel fabrication

’67 Chevelle with STS-360, bolt-on offset shifter


’68-’72 Chevelle tunnel cutting	’68-’72 Chevelle tunnel fabrication

’69 Chevelle with stock Tremec shifter


’68-’74 Nova tunnel cutting	’68-’74 Nova tunnel fabrication

’68-’74 Nova installed interior

TIP #2
ASK FOR A REFERRAL to a customer who has the same car as yours. Following are good questions to ask of a referral:
- How long did you have to wait to take delivery of your transmission?
- When you received your transmission shipment, did you receive all of the correct parts the first time around or were parts missing?
- Did the installation go as you expected?
- If the transmission you are considering is modified in any way by the selling company, was the company able to clearly explain the modifications that were made, why the modifications were necessary, and why you should pay extra for them?
- Did the company deliver on all of its promises?
- Did you purchase a complete TKO kit or did you piece your kit together from multiple vendors?
- Did the company make you aware of any modifications that may be required before you placed your order or did you find out after the fact?
- After the sale, was the company avaialble to promptly and accurately answer your installation questions?
TIP #3
DEAL WITH A COMPANY THAT SPECIALIZES in Tremec TKO conversion kits for your particular car model. If you choose the right company, this installation can be relatively straight forward. By choosing a company that is not familiar with your application or does not have the required TKO installation parts for your particular car model, you will likely end up spending more money, more time, and create unnecessary aggravation.
TIP #4
A TKO IS A TKO IS A TKO. Do not be misled into thinking that one company’s Tremec TKO transmission is better than another’s. While some companies may modify the transmission case for fitment reasons, as Classic Motorsports Group does for our Ultimate Fit Corvette Kits, when all is said and done the performance of the transmission itself will be the same regardless of which company you buy it from. Modifying a new TKO will void the Tremec warranty.
TIP #5
USE YOUR COMMON SENSE. If you are being pressured to buy or if a company is suggesting that they are the only ones with a solution for your car, consider looking elsewhere. There are several quality companies that can provide you with a TKO transmission, or transmission swap kit, that you will be able to properly install into your car and enjoy. Doing your homework before you buy will save you time, money, eliminate unnecessary headaches, and make your experience more enjoyable. Classic Motorsports Group is here to help and we look forward to earning your business.