Tremec TKO 600

[Meat Drapes]

My only problem were Keisler and them getting me the stuff they promised. Once the transmission was in it worked great.

Today I busted my hump and pulled the drivetrain(w/motor). I am wore out.
The transmission is a little dirty but everything looks good. The input shaft is still nice and tight. When I pulled the saginaw in the beginning of this the input shaft felt like another shifter only horizontal. Very loose.

The clutch looked brand new even after 5000 miles. I think this impressed me the most. Center Force dual friction. The pressure plate had virtually no wear I could detect. It still had the grooves from the machine work from when I bought it brand new.

The throwout bearing: it had an odd "wobble" to it. The bearing itself felt nice and tight when you spun it but it did not spin 'on center' .
Could this be poor runout? I want to say no because I would have felt the vibration in EVERY gear. But as it was I only had a vibration in 4th or 5th gear above 75 mph. Never any other gear. Am I worng? I am not a professional so if you know something I dont please chime in...anyone.

Could the throwout bearing got that way if I pulled the transmission wrong. There was a moment when I had the crossmember out and supported the engine and transmission( with a jack) from the transmission AFTER I had begun pulling it out. I had to as I was under the car alone( dumb) and could bearly support the transmisson whileI was laying under it. Its heavy with fliud. Its heavy without fluid. Its heavy period. I am tired.
After I was done, I went ahead and took out the A/C and heater box. It did not come out easy. Its in 100 peices now. The heater core is still good. i did save that.

Jeff

 

[LS6 Tommy]

Meat Drapes, your throwout bearing can't/shouldn't cause ANY vibration when the clutch is let out. Only when you push the pedal down is it in use.

Tommy

 

[TURNA]

Just from personal experiance I do not care for Centerforce's throwout bearings
There clutches on the other hand I use all the time.

 

[beachbum29]

A bad bearing would cause vibration at idle in gear, or neutral, but once you engage it, it should clear right up.


if you get a chance, could you get a pic of the transmission by itself (top view) so I can see which shifter location on the transmission you used? I recently contacted a guy and he said that the offset is mostly a shifter offset, not so much a transmission offset, and i'm curious as to how yours looks. Also, when you get the engine in the car, i'd love to see a pic of the clearence with the clutch rod and header...

Thanks,
Mike

 

[Meat Drapes]

Here is the offset:

 

[Meat Drapes]

Everything was smooth with the clutch engaged. It felt perfect upon launch or if I left the line easy. I could slip it hard if I wanted less wheel spin or dump it and it still felt great. The only vibration was at 75+ mph. I guess the bearing is still good then?

Here is a pic of the header mocked up before I sent the engine to the machine shop. I wanted to check clearance too, I seem to have plenty. With the flange, I clear the oil pan perfect.
Sanderson Headers. part # BB3

 

[beachbum29]

perfect!.. Thanks alot..

Mike

 

[Meat Drapes]

Called Keisler today to see what I could get for the $150 coupon they sent me. I asked for a new pilot bearing ... they said sure, $40 plus shipping. I told them to pack sand and that I was not paying that much for a pilot bearing. Then I asked them what I was going to do with the coupon since they discontinued the G-Body. The offered me a new shifter knob and stick. I told them I loved what I had. I then told him that I was not too happy with the shift from 2nd to 3rd and that I sometimes miss the shift if I am trying to shift really fast. He offered a new shifter for $190 plus shipping. Keisler charged me $15 to ship it, so I get a new shifter. Now I think I am officially done with Keisler. That does not mean I wont buy from them, but Keisler and I are now 'square'. I am satisfied.

The 454 only needs heads. Then I will begin prep of engine bay and start getting all of the little BS together to make the swap. With transmission out the new shifter should be easy to do. Ill take more pics.

 

[TURNA]

Any updates?????

 

[Meat Drapes]

transmission is sitting on 2x4s in garage. Still getting the motor together. Had a flat tappet cam in it and decided to go with a hydraulic roller. Custom grind will take about 2 weeks.
I did get a new billet shifter for it from Keisler. It looks the same as the one that is on it other then some laser etching. Ill post pics as I look at it deeper. I think I am a month away maybe 2 from getting on the road again. As a shade tree mechanic, there are growing pains for me going from mouse to rat.