MDL TREMEC GM TKX 5-Speed | 1953-1967 Corvette | 3.27 First, 0.72 OD | 2” Left Side Shift Rear, Straight Up No Offset
Key Features
- 600 lb-ft torque capacity with 7,500 RPM shift capability and 8,000 RPM engine speed rating
- Gearing ratio (3.27, 1.98, 1.34, ,1.00, 0.72) - overdrive drops highway RPM for improved cruising
- 26-spline input shaft (1-1/8 in. diameter) and 31-spline output shaft for added strength
- Compact end-loaded aluminum case fits most GM tunnels without floor modifications
- Ribbed 3-piece housing (main case, intermediate plate, rear extension) for structural stiffness
- Multi-cone synchronizers with sintered carbon/bronze hybrid rings for smooth high-RPM shifts
- ASTM 4615 special-grade steel gears and shafts with caged needle bearings in all gear positions
- GM Muncie bellhousing bolt pattern - direct swap for 3-speed and 4-speed applications
- GM 0.590-inch pilot tip with 1.375-inch OD throwout bearing guide tube
- Built-in reverse light switch and cruise control safety switch
- Dual speedometer outputs: mechanical 7-tooth Ford gear (adaptable to GM) plus OSS two-wire analog sensor
- 99 lbs dry weight; 2.7-quart fluid capacity
- High-performance short-throw billet aluminum shifter included
- MDL side shift rear modification with a straight up offset stub - precise shifter placement without compromise
- Shifter Stub Location: 2” left of center line, 19.52” back from the bellhousing face
- MDL Exclusive - not available through TREMEC
Description
Early Corvettes present a unique challenge for modern 5-speed conversions: the stock shifter position sits precisely where it needs to be for driver ergonomics. Bolt-on solutions that relocate the shifter forward or backward compromise the driving experience you're trying to improve. MDL solves this by precision-machining each TREMEC TKX to bring the shifter stub up in the original equipment position - creating an integrated transmission, not a transmission with a bolted-on adapter. This modification is performed entirely in-house at MDL's Caldwell, Idaho facility and is not available through TREMEC or any other distributor.
The foundation is TREMEC's latest TKX architecture, designed from the ground up for aftermarket performance applications. The compact end-loaded case features a ribbed 3-piece aluminum housing that delivers structural stiffness while fitting inside the Corvette's tight transmission tunnel. Multi-cone synchronizers with sintered carbon/bronze hybrid rings deliver superior shiftability at high RPM, while oversized gear widths and ASTM 4615 special-grade steel gears and shafts provide the durability to handle engines making over 400 horsepower. The single-piece countershaft and tapered roller bearings on input, output, and counter shafts reduce noise while improving torque capacity.
This wide-ratio configuration delivers aggressive acceleration with the deep 3.27 first gear, then stretches highway cruising with the 0.72 overdrive fifth. The GM Muncie bolt pattern mates directly to factory 3- and 4-speed bellhousings, and the 0.590-inch pilot tip with 1.375-inch OD throwout bearing guide tube maintains compatibility with mechanical clutch systems. Fits C1 Corvettes 1953-1962 and C2 Corvettes 1963-1967. Note: C1 installations require custom crossmember fabrication due to chassis differences. Made in the USA.
Kit Includes
- TREMEC TKX 5-speed transmission (TCET17805) with 3.27, 1.98, 1.34, 1.00, 0.72 gear ratios
- High-performance short-throw billet aluminum shifter (2” left side shift rear, straight up no offset stub)
- Gaskets for all mating surfaces
- Built-in reverse light switch (left side)
- Built-in cruise control safety switch (right side)
- Mechanical speedometer drive gear (7-tooth Ford pattern, adaptable to GM)
- OSS two-wire analog speedometer sensor
- MDL extended warranty: manufacturer warranty plus 1 additional year with 1-year grace period
- Lifetime technical support