Team Camaro Tech banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

Best manual 5 or 6 speed transmission for 1st gen

Jump to Latest
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
#2 ·
If you want a 5 speed, get the TKX
no tunnel mods needed.

6 speed get the T56 magnum.
Most do the tunnel mod, and that’s why they sell the sheet metal to do it
if your car has a higher ride hight, you might get away without doing it.
 
#4 ·
The T56 Magnum is capable of handling up to 700ft/lbs of torque by design, the TKX has a 600 ft/lb rating. There aren't many people on this forum that would choose an engine the exceeds the TKX rating and the relative simplicity of installation compared the tunnel mod needed for most to fit the T56 magnum make the TKX the best choice. Now if you have an engine that revs to the moon to make power and you are planning on racing it the 6 speed might would make it easier to keep in peak power, but not many here are realistically planning on that.
 
#7 ·
Have to say my GTO LS1 T56 car was a fun car, a bit mild that first model year, but still decent engine and good handling. But the 6 speed in it was the really my only complaint about the car. Shifter was very stiff and required unusual amount of force changing gears. Fifth and sixth gears were useless for anything other than lugging down the road and improving gas mileage. Don't understand the need for 2 gears that can't be used for acceleration. It was impossible to bang through the gears with this transmission and that really sucked the joy out of driving the car.
 
#8 ·
SY1 said:
Have to say my GTO LS1 T56 car was a fun car, a bit mild that first model year, but still decent engine and good handling. But the 6 speed in it was the really my only complaint about the car. Shifter was very stiff and required unusual amount of force changing gears. Fifth and sixth gears were useless for anything other than lugging down the road and improving gas mileage. Don't understand the need for 2 gears that can't be used for acceleration. It was impossible to bang through the gears with this transmission and that really sucked the joy out of driving the car.
Click to expand...
6th for me is really highway only, but I do that a number of times each summer so I truly value it. 5th for country roads I hit every time I drive it, but 1-4 is normal running-around-town.

My LS1 is cammed (228R, very good street manners) and I have a Hurst short-throw. No issues at all with the trans, I love it :D
 
#9 ·
I had a T56 in a Gen 4 and really liked it. T56 Magnum is probably even better.

As noted above, size is its only downside. Here the TKX has a true advantage.

What engine and rear end ratio you run also needs to be considered. A high revving 302 will be happier with more gears and 4.10 rear. A 496 torque monster happy with TKX and 3.55’s.

You won’t go wrong with either, both are an upgrade in performance and durability compared to a 50 year old Muncie.

For what it’s worth I’m leaning toward TKX in my car, floors are original and in good shape.
 
#10 ·
My $.02 is the TKX fits better in a gen 1 Camaro. With that said the T56 is one great transmission. It really wants 4:10 gears to effectively use 6th gear IMHO. Mine has a .75 5th and .50 6th so on the street/1/4 mi, its a 4 speed. Hwy 5 speed with 6th if I can sustain over 65 mph. With a 27" tire and 4:10's at 80 mph in 6th, its 19xx rpm

The T56 magnum is bigger than the T56 (94-97 version) I have but both would require tunnel mods to fit AND get correct DL angles.

IMHO any stock shifter than comes with a manual trans needs to be tossed. I removed mine when trans was new before install and have had a HURST Pro Billet in for 18 years now. Excellent shifting.
 
#11 ·
I wonder what diff gear and tire height the op has? It's been a few days without a post from @foreverlookin but that info would be helpful.

I have 3.55 posi, 245/50 ZR17 tires and a TKO 600 w/0.64 5th gear (or 0.68, can't remember). I turn about 2200 rpm at 80mph. A sixth gear in this scenario would not be helpful or worth tunnel mods.
 
#12 ·
www.camaros.net

What trans? TKX or T56

Removing the Muncie M20 and going with either the TKX or a T56. I'm not concerned with cutting the tunnel, it's already been butchered and needs attention. Jody's Transmission will be the supplier 600hp 550tq BBC 3:55 gear, 26.68 diameter tire (may go a little bigger to 27.15) Street cruiser...
www.camaros.net www.camaros.net
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
916Carl said:
I wonder what diff gear and tire height the op has? It's been a few days without a post from @foreverlookin but that info would be helpful.

I have 3.55 posi, 245/50 ZR17 tires and a TKO 600 w/0.64 5th gear (or 0.68, can't remember). I turn about 2200 rpm at 80mph. A sixth gear in this scenario would not be helpful or worth tunnel mods.
Click to expand...
I’m running 3:73’s with a 17” tire. I currently have a TKO600 but it’s acting up a little and wanted to review my options.

thanks
 
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
About this Discussion
12 Replies
10 Participants
Last post:
foreverlookin
Team Camaro Tech
posts
2.4M
members
90K
Since
1998
A forum community dedicated to 1st generation Chevy Camaros owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, builds, restoration, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, reviews, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Bench Racing Engine Body Shop Performance Brakes, Suspension & Steering