Tremec Tko 5-speeds – Tko500 And Tko600 Specifications
There are several different versions of the Tremec TKO 5-speed transmission available. First of all, there are two models, the TKO500 and the TKO600. The TKO500 is a wide-ratio gearbox, which means it has a low first gear and there is a relatively wide ratio gap between the gears. The TKO600 is a close-ratio gearbox, which means that it does not have as low of a first gear, but there is less of a ratio change from gear to gear. There is also an optional version of the TKO600 with less overdrive than the first one. The ratios are as follows, listed starting with first gear and going up through fifth:
TKO500: 3.27:1, 1.97:1, 1.34:1, 1.00:1, 0.68:1, 3.00:1 reverse
TKO600: 2.87:1, 1.89:1, 1.28:1, 1.00:1, 0.64:1, 2.56:1 reverse (0.82:1 optional fifth gear)
Though both versions of the TKO are made with the same materials and have the same center distance between the shafts, the TKO500 is rated for 500 lb.-ft. continuous power output and the TKO600 is rated for 600 lb.-ft. due to the higher (lower numerically) first gear ratio. Externally they are identical and can only be distinguished from each other by the number on the ID tag. They weigh approximately 105 pounds. The case is 24.07 inches long overall, and the crossmember mount pad is located at 15.8 inches back from the front of the main case.
The TKO is available with either a GM or Ford bolt pattern on the front of the case. All GM TKOs (500 and 600) use the corporate GM 26-spline x 1-1/8″ input shaft. The Ford versions are a little more complicated. The Ford TKO500 can be had with:
1.) a Ford 10-spline long input shaft
2.) a hybrid long input shaft that takes the stronger GM pattern 26-spline clutch disc but has the correct pilot diameter for a Ford pilot bearing
3.) an optional short 10-spline Ford input shaft (sold separately)
4.) an optional hybrid short input shaft that takes the stronger GM pattern 26-spline clutch disc but has the correct pilot diameter for a Ford pilot bearing (sold separately)
The short input shafts are for older Ford engines that use a shallow bellhousing (6.3″ – 6.5″). The long input shafts are for later model engines that use the deeper (6.9″) bellhousing.
The Ford TKO600 is only available with a hybrid (long or short) input shaft that takes the stronger GM pattern 26-spline clutch disc but has the correct pilot diameter for a Ford pilot bearing. Custom bellhousings are available from Keisler Engineering to mate the Ford TKO to a Mopar small block or big block also, along with custom Mopar pilot bearings with the Ford pilot diameter so that the Mopar guys (and gals) aren’t left out of the fun!
All TKOs have a Ford 31-spline output shaft for strength. Speaking of strength, both versions of the TKO are reported to be somewhat underrated on their torque capacities. There are a large number of cars out there that are driven hard, running TKOs behind engines that make significantly more power than the transmissions are rated for, and it is unusual for one to break.
The TKO is a super-strong overdrive transmission that can be made to fit into almost any muscle car or street rod, and can be mated up to almost any popular domestic V8, V6, or I6 engine. For more information about the Tremec TKO, take a look at my other articles in this series.