Automatic to
TREMEC 3550/TKO small block conversion
Our TREMEC TKO small block conversions are much
like the T5 swap. We start with a clutch
cable operated 1995 351w Mustang Cobra R model bellhousing. This same bell housing or scatter
shield can be used behind any six bolt 289/302/351
block. The Modern Driveline clutch cable kit allows
the stock early Mustang, Cougar and Falcon clutch
pedals to take advantage of the modern bellhousing
or scatter shield. The cable kit bolts to the stock
clutch pedal in just minutes.
TREMEC TKO's can be installed into 65-66 Mustangs but
requires raising the tunnel 1.5" to make room
for the taller main case. If the transmission tunnel
is not raised the transmission driveline is greatly
effected which will induce a vibration problem on
de-acceleration.
1967 to 1973 Mustangs have a larger transmission
tunnel, so no modifications are necessary.
Using the R model bell housing with a clutch cable kit will
require using a diaphragm pressure plate found in late
model Mustangs. 302 engines dated 1981 and earlier will need
a 157 tooth 28oz imbalance flywheel, as do the 289 and
351 blocks, regardless of year. 302/5.0L engines will
need a 157 tooth 50oz imbalance flywheel or otherwise
know as a 5.0L flywheel. We offer flywheels with
fixed and removable counter weights depending on the
need. Removable weights are handy when there
are plans to swap motors in the future that require
different counter weights.
Since the TREMEC transmission mounting point
is further back than stock 3-4 speeds, a TKO
cross member is needed for early Mustangs. The cross member is
designed for use with the stock early style
rubber
transmission mount, so don't make the mistake
and purchase a late model T-5 transmission mount
as it will not work.
The TKO shifter
has two threaded holes to mount almost any kind of shift
lever desired. We offer both stock like appearance
shift lever, ball and boot and the Hurst classic
style. For those
who like the Hurst look of the 60’s, there are several
chrome levers to choose from. Hurst also offers five
speed pattern shift balls in white and black or
T-handles found in 69-73 Mustangs.
Be
sure to save the automatic transmission speedometer
cable, as it will be reused. You will, however, need to
install a speedometer driven gear, which are
available in a variety of tooth counts to match your
differential gear and tire combinations. Installing the
new speedometer driven gear is simple, it requires
removing the c-clip and pulling the old gear off and
sliding the new one on.
Automatics
have a neutral safety switch, so that the car can only
be started in park or neutral. Manual transmissions
don't need the switch, which must be by-passed or the motor will not
start. On early Mustangs the four-plug harness sticks
out of the firewall above the master cylinder. Two of
the wires control the reverse lights; the other two
control the neutral safety switch. Splice two of these
wires together and you've bypassed the neutral switch.
The starters from early 289-302 Fords with automatic
transmissions work just fine. The starter from any
'85-'95 Mustang 5.0, auto or manual, will work. When
header clearance is an issue, 1992-95 5.0L Mustangs use a
high-torque starter which will run about $130.
