MDL TREMEC GM TKX 5-Speed | 1968-1982 C3 Corvette | 3.27 First, 0.72 OD | 2” Left Side Shift Rear, Straight Up with a slight rear slant backward Offset
Key Features
- MDL hand-machined shifter relocation moves the shifter stub to OE Corvette position - not available from TREMEC
- 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 with a slight rear slant backward Offset stub - precise shifter placement without compromise
- Shifter Stub Location: 3” left of center line, 19.52” back from the bellhousing face
- MDL Exclusive - not available through TREMEC
Description
Converting your '68-'82 C3 Corvette to a modern 5-speed has one persistent problem: shifter location. The stock TKX puts the shifter in the wrong spot for the Corvette console, forcing you into awkward workarounds or console modifications. This MDL-modified TREMEC TKX solves that problem by hand-machining and integrating new components to relocate the shifter stub to the factory Corvette position. This is a true internal modification - not just a bolt-on adapter - and it is not available through TREMEC or anywhere else.
The foundation is TREMEC's latest 5-speed, rated for 600 lb-ft of torque and capable of engine speeds to 8,000 RPM with shifts at 7,500 RPM. That means your big-block or built small-block C3 gets a transmission that can actually handle the power. The wide-ratio gear set (3.27 first gear, 0.72 overdrive) provides strong acceleration off the line and relaxed highway cruising - ideal for a Corvette that sees both backroads and interstates. Sintered carbon/bronze hybrid triple-cone synchronizers with a non-leading tooth profile deliver smooth, precise shifts even under hard acceleration.
The TKX's slim three-piece aluminum case fits the C3 tunnel without cutting, and the GM TKO bolt pattern with 7.2-inch input shaft length lets you use GM close-pattern 3-4 speed bellhousings. Built-in electronics include a two-wire OSS analog speedometer sensor, reverse light switch on the left side, and cruise control safety switch on the right. The internal 3-rail shift system with steel shift forks provides the durability and precision you expect from TREMEC, while tapered roller bearings on the input, output, and countershafts reduce noise and improve longevity. All gears and shafts are ASTM 4615 special-grade steel for increased torque capacity, and the single-piece countershaft adds strength over earlier designs.
Every MDL-modified TKX is hand-prepared at our Caldwell, Idaho facility and inspected before shipping. Fluid capacity is 2.7 quarts; TREMEC recommends HP-MTF, Dexron III, GM Synchromesh, Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF, or Amsoil ATF. Fits 1968-1982 C3 Chevrolet Corvette. 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 with a slight rear slant backward Offset)
- 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