I just wanted to share with you guys: From the time I installed my TKO-600 over a month ago, I had other issues that wouldn't allow me to actually drive it (more than a few blocks). After cleaning and tuning the carb, it turned out I had a bad distributor. The springs/weights weren't advancing like they should be. Anyway...new dist. and it runs like new. I also had the manifold/exhaust re-cut/connected...which it wouldn't because of new cross member.

So I just drove it for about 40 miles. Man, I was going about 75-80mph and the tach was sitting on 1800! Unreal! The .64 ratio 5th gear is awesome, and no doubt a big gas saver. I probably got it up to 95-100 for a few short bursts and I have no vibration problems at any speed. In fact, I had vibration issues with the Saginaw 4spd I just took out. Shifting is AS smooth as my Honda Accord 5 spd. Each gear/gate is so easy to find...it's effortless.

Something that surprised the heck out of me though: My operating temp used to be 190-195+. Now, it never spiked over 180. Could this have anything to do with a new dist...and/or new tran? As always, my oil pressure is approx 60-65. (newly rebuilt 350, .030 over, mild cam).

And one last thing: My car is now set at 8 degrees initial....and 24 total. I was shocked when he told me this (I'd already told him to expect 14-16 & 34-36). I guess the dist dictated this?

Kevin, reducing rpm on the highway will absolutely cool things down.

Until I read the last paragraph, I was gonna say getting the ignition advance to work right will to, but...

If it's really set at 8 / 24, you are still leaving a lot on the table. a lot of performance, response, even economy. My best guess is you handed "him" a distributor with a performance curve, and he set the inital to factory specs.

Do you got a gearhead buddy who owns a timing light?

Need to verify 34-36 total, and increase the initial till you get it.

as for 5th gear, well welcome to the world of believers. With a 5 speed, modern low profile rubber, and a thirdgen steering box, we can bring these old cars right into the 21st century!

Kevin, reducing rpm on the highway will absolutely cool things down.

Until I read the last paragraph, I was gonna say getting the ignition advance to work right will to, but...

If it's really set at 8 / 24, you are still leaving a lot on the table. a lot of performance, response, even economy. My best guess is you handed "him" a distributor with a performance curve, and he set the inital to factory specs.

Do you got a gearhead buddy who owns a timing light?

Need to verify 34-36 total, and increase the initial till you get it.

as for 5th gear, well welcome to the world of believers. With a 5 speed, modern low profile rubber, and a thirdgen steering box, we can bring these old cars right into the 21st century!

Jim, I have no idea what the original dizzy was set at. No vacuum on it either. I just bought a timing light, so I can advance it and see what happens. However.......I can't really get on it until I've recorded a few hundred miles to properly break in the new TKO. I've got less than 100 on it since installation, you know? You are probably right about "leaving much on the table", but I won;t be able to test that theory for a few weeks :).

I can say that it runs great at moderate speeds and acceleration. Perhaps I can change "great" to "fantastic" :thumbsup:.

Also, I still have manual steering, but will have to out off that conversion til' next year. I've read many recommendations here for the 3rd gen box, and will definitely go that way when the time comes.

p.s. I installed the same tranny several months back (in place of a 700R) and have noticed that the shifting even gets smoother after it is broken in. My hiway temps also went down due to the improved overdrive gearing which reduced RPM. Also - I think that getting rid of the auto tranny cooler took some heat load off of the front radiator area.

Enjoy!!!

:D

p.s. I installed the same tranny several months back (in place of a 700R) and have noticed that the shifting even gets smoother after it is broken in. My hiway temps also went down due to the improved overdrive gearing which reduced RPM. Also - I think that getting rid of the auto tranny cooler took some heat load off of the front radiator area.

Enjoy!!!

:D

Yeah man! It sucked installing it and then having a carb problem at the same time....and then the dizzy, lol. I installed the TKO nearly 2mths ago. Just haven't had the time to deal with it all. I'd been dying to find out if I had any vibration problems....but had none, after all. Well, at least not from 0-100:D.

I couldn't believe my eyes when I looked and saw 150-155 degrees on the temp gauge. Then...it warmed up only 25 more degrees at its hottest point.