I bought a tk 600 and put about 500 miles on it, and then really started ripping on it. The engine is a 9 to 1 496 that almost sits up and goes woof. Im still working on it, but only ran 11.33 so far. The problem is I can never hit third gear consistantly. I just bought an MGW shifter and even running the car at 3000 rpm through the gears on jack stands its still about the same. Im ready to take the tranny out of the car and tear it apart, or is this a simple adjustment somewhere.

Clutch adjustment is crucial with these transmissions!

My disengagement is right at the top of the pedal. Less than 1/8 of an inch of free play at the throw out bearing.

My disengagement is right at the top of the pedal. Less than 1/8 of an inch of free play at the throw out bearing.

That still does not mean that you are getting the proper clutch disengagement. Are you using the proper length release fork? If you are using a second gen fork or one of the longer aftermarkets that could be your problem. I was having engagement problems and found that my car had the longer fork. My clutch pedal was at the top and i had acutually trimed the clutch pedal stop so i could get more pedal. It's worth checking to make sure you have the correct short fork.

I bought a tk 600 and put about 500 miles on it, and then really started ripping on it. The engine is a 9 to 1 496 that almost sits up and goes woof. Im still working on it, but only ran 11.33 so far. The problem is I can never hit third gear consistantly. I just bought an MGW shifter and even running the car at 3000 rpm through the gears on jack stands its still about the same. Im ready to take the tranny out of the car and tear it apart, or is this a simple adjustment somewhere.
I don't think there is a problem with your transmission. There is a learning curve when doing quick shifts into 3rd with the TKO. You just can't force it into 3rd gear like the others, you have to just bring it out of 2nd, let it center, and push straight forward.
Lots of discussion on this in the archives.

BTW, is it good or bad if your engine "almost sits up and goes woof"?

I dont know for sure what my fork is, I made all the linkage out half inch tubing and the fork came off one of my old 4 speeds. And what Im trying to say is my car is a dog. It sure doesnt feel like 123mph through the traps. Its lazy like 9 to 1.

Here is just one of many threads about the 2-3 shift with the TKO. Start at post #24

http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=147357&highlight=tko+gear

Here is just one of many threads about the 2-3 shift with the TKO. Start at post #24

http://www.camaros.net/forums/showthread.php?t=147357&highlight=tko+gear


I don't have any problems using the old 4 speed technique. I think people have clutch gap problems and are trying to compensate for it with different shift techniques.

I dont know for sure what my fork is, I made all the linkage out half inch tubing and the fork came off one of my old 4 speeds. And what Im trying to say is my car is a dog. It sure doesnt feel like 123mph through the traps. Its lazy like 9 to 1.


Your linkage is probably ok. I think your problem lies with the wrong fork. The long clutch fork requires more travel of the pedal than the short one. This may be where you are having the problem. The shorter fork requires more effort but has better geometry so you get more travel of the linkage with less pedal travel.

I do use the pennzoil synchromesh I found out its the same as GMs. I also got rid of the T handle and I use a ball style. I push straight forward like Im trying to hit the dash. Sometimes it goes right in, but its not a sure thing.

The problem is the transmission...the TKO's have some shifting issues, mainly, shifting into 3rd gear. You will have to refine your shifting technique so you can hit 3rd everytime. Basically, you dont want to "steer" the shifter towards 3rd, you want to use an open palm and just push the shifter forward, and it will find its way into 3rd on its own. I had a Muncie for years and never missed a shift, but missed a bunch of shifts with the TKO. I refined my shift technique, and I hit 3rd everytime. Keep in mind, this is only when really shifting fast/racing, normal driving there's never a problem. Not very confidence inspiring I tell you that...and I dont want to powershift this trans b/c of this, which I loved doing with the Muncie.

Interestingly, my friend with a Buick GSX 455 just installed a TKO600, and after break-in we went for a ride. The FIRST time he go on it a bit, I watched him also not get into 3rd....

As was said...

Bellhousing alignment... must be no more than .005" off center.

Clutch Adjustment... Clutch should load the engine about 3" off the floor, and move the car at 4". If the linkage is all correct, this will give you 1" of freeplay at the top of the pedal.

Technique: Quoted from Jody in that other thread: The dreaded 2nd to 3rd speed/flatshifting technique that works:

As Rich stated, do not push the stick forward and over for 2nd to 3rd..........

Just push the stick forward to grab 3rd from 2nd with your palm of your hand, do not wrap your fingers around the shift ball. Using this technique will allow the shifter to automatically find the 3-4 shift gate. Practice this slowly and build your confidence, before you know it, you'll be flatshifting.

I too found this out early, on my first track day with the TKO.
The transmission knows it's way from second to third.
Just push it straight forward with the heel of your hand.
No deathgrip on the stick.
Don't try to steer it, you will overcenter toward fifth and it will stick and miss third.

Push on the shifter. "Fan" the clutch. It WILL go into third as soon as the clutch releases enough to allow the shifter to move. As soon as the shifter moves, release the clutch.

Done properly, a TKO will go 2-3 in half the time of a muncie.

x2 what Jim said!!

I bought a tk 600 and put about 500 miles on it, and then really started ripping on it. The engine is a 9 to 1 496 that almost sits up and goes woof. Im still working on it, but only ran 11.33 so far. The problem is I can never hit third gear consistantly. I just bought an MGW shifter and even running the car at 3000 rpm through the gears on jack stands its still about the same. Im ready to take the tranny out of the car and tear it apart, or is this a simple adjustment somewhere.
With the TKO 600 you can't baby it into 3rd gear, you have to slam it.
Try it.:yes:

Also , don't forget , shifter lever length plays a part when you are bang shifting. I have also come to understand that not all shifter hubs are the same. Ie. stock tko vs. Mcleod? Am I correct here?

I talked to Don Sr. at D&D in Michigan where I bought this thing and he punched up the computer to see when I bought it. To make a long story short he is sending me updated shift rods in the transmission with instructions on how to do it. At no cost to me, other then my time. Oh and ya Ive tried leaving my hand open to let it go straight as it can. I have a McCloud bellhousing. Ive read that before about the alignment thing and I dont believe it. All the other gears wouldnt be smooth either, and they are. I know this problem is in the transmission and not me. Im just glad I bought it from Don!

My Lakewood sheild is within .0015, and .002 parallel. Pivot ball height is correct, yada yada yada. Its just a finicky shifting trans.

I also hear this trans doesnt want to shift over 6500, we'll find out with my new cam!

My Lakewood sheild is within .0015, and .002 parallel. Pivot ball height is correct, yada yada yada. Its just a finicky shifting trans.

I also hear this trans doesnt want to shift over 6500, we'll find out with my new cam!

At least mine, which is a few years with me and I bought it used from Don D, shifts just fine at 7000.

I have not missed third since that first day at the track, 3 years ago.

I talked to Don Sr. at D&D in Michigan where I bought this thing and he punched up the computer to see when I bought it. To make a long story short he is sending me updated shift rods in the transmission with instructions on how to do it. At no cost to me, other then my time. Oh and ya Ive tried leaving my hand open to let it go straight as it can. I have a McCloud bellhousing. Ive read that before about the alignment thing and I dont believe it. All the other gears wouldnt be smooth either, and they are. I know this problem is in the transmission and not me. Im just glad I bought it from Don!


When i was having the SAME problem you are (the clutch adjustment FIXED it) Tremec gave me all the parts you just talked about. They are still sitting on the bench and my trans shifts like a dream. Check the clutch gap!!!!

Ive got my shift light set at 6000 and by the time I react to it my tatle tale tac says 6700 and rev limiter is about 6800. When I go through the traps in forth it never turns the shift light on. Woof Woof. But it has 28 tires and 4.10 gears detroit locker. No problem 1st to second or 3rd to forth (except when I was waving by by to buddy, then the shift light came on when I was in third and couldnt get to it fast enough and missed forth a little) It slowed me down to 11.60 hee hee

You guys are having good luck with these syco style shifters and big power but if it was me, I would a differant type of trans for this type of barking . I don't like using clutches after a launch. Its just me probably getting too old to do two body manuvers at once. . I would rather have a proshift lug style syncos. bow wow.

Now your talking Don .
Mark.

I'm reading this thread and have to help drive the point home. Like Jim say's, alter your style, open your palm, push forward not sideways and it will work every time.

I got the transmission pulled out last night after work. I will wait until the part show up before I tear it apart. When I get the parts in and try it out I will post back the results. Thanks for all the input so far.

I would agree with all the others. Technique is a major factor shifting any 5 or 6 speed from 2nd to 3rd. Failing that you should look into getting a shifter with stronger bias springs to help find the 3/4 gate. The stock shifter is pretty good but there are better shifters out there for racing.

I talked to the guy that designed the MGW shifter, and he is sending me alot stiffer spring for the right side of the shifter. I will put the new parts in first then add the spring as a last resort.

I dont think its the way your shifting. I think it is the trans or the shifter causing it. You should be able to power shift the trans. It is not a dumptruck transmission. If you cant fix it with the parts you have coming, call the tremec comapny and ask them about it.The clutch issue is not causing it. I have driven lots of cars that barely even disengage the clutch and it shifts fine under power.If it shifts all the other gears fine then it is a shifter or trans problem. If a t56 can be powershifted then so can a tko600. Good luck and let me try to shift that thing sometime.:thumbsup:

1 (800) 401-9866 ,I believe this is the number for the tremec company. I have talked to the engineers themselves and even if they dont have an answer for you they need to know there is a problem.
Tremec Homepage
http://www.ttcautomotive.com/English/home/home.asp

http://forums.corral.net/forums/showthread.php?t=678765


Also found this thread on another site.