TKO 500 In 69 - Tunnel Mod? or not?

georgiabadger · 12-11-2004, 12:03 AM

Will the TKO 500 fit in my 69 without a tunnel Mod?

My 4 speed is crappin out down shifting from 4th to 3rd, and my clutch needs to be replaced anyway, so I am trying to figure out the best thing to do. I would like a 5 speed for the cruising effect on the highway, but all I hear is the T5 will break and the coversion package with a new bell housing and clutch cable is expensive ($2500). Will the TKO fit without modding the tunnel? Or would you guys stick with the Toploader and get it rebuilt?

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mdvaldosta · 12-11-2004, 01:34 AM

well, toploaders are the shiz really - a T5 will hold I think around 300 lbs of torque, and TKO I think around 400 - I'd think though unless your runnin slicks that you wouldnt have a problem with either of them

georgiabadger · 12-11-2004, 09:55 AM

Will the TKO 500 fit without tunnel mods?

69mach1377 · 12-11-2004, 03:04 PM

Good question, one that I have been wrestling with myself. I read an article that said the tunnel may need to be cut...but wasn't sure if it applied to 65-68's only, or up thru 70. I hope someone else will chime in with a definite answer.

Soaring · 12-11-2004, 04:53 PM

Quote:

ORIGINAL: mdvaldosta

well, toploaders are the shiz really - a T5 will hold I think around 300 lbs of torque, and TKO I think around 400 - I'd think though unless your runnin slicks that you wouldnt have a problem with either of them

BS, those old toploaders could handle just about anything you could throw at them. The T-5 is a good tranny, but it has it's weaknesses. The tunnel does have to be cut to put in the 65-68 models though. If it were mine, I'd rebuild the toploader and drive the crap out of it.

mdvaldosta · 12-11-2004, 04:54 PM

BS? you misunderstood me. I said they were the shiz, as it they were awsome. Im sure he wants the T5 or TKO for the overdrive

georgiabadger · 12-11-2004, 07:51 PM

I would LIKE the overdrive. It is not a "gotta have it".

But I would still like to know if the tunnel has to be cut to put on the TKO. It seems the TKO may be the better buy between the T5 and TKO - only a shorter input shaft , cross member , and yoke, compared to the T5 (I would want the late model bell so I could have the cable clutch).

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69mach1377 · 12-12-2004, 03:01 PM

Nice Mach, whats it putting out? I think if mine were still a stock 351w with street tires, I'd try a WC T5.
I think Soaring answered partially about the tunnel. Anybody out there put a TKO in 69-70? I heard they the shiz to have...