MDL TREMEC GM TKX Road Race 5-Speed | 1968-1982 C3 Corvette | 2.87 First, 0.81 OD | 2” Left Side Shift Rear, .Straight Up with a slant Backward

Key Features

• 600 lb-ft torque capacity with 7,500 RPM shift capability and 8,000 RPM engine speed rating
• Close-ratio gearing (2.87, 1.89, 1.28, 1.00, 0.81) balances strong launches with relaxed highway 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 modification with a straight up with a slant backward 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

The C3 Corvette's original shifter position creates a challenge that standard TKX transmissions cannot solve. While TREMEC designed the TKX case specifically for tight tunnel confines, the Corvette demands more. MDL's exclusive modifications relocate the shifter stub to the original equipment position through careful machining, updating, and integration of new precision components. This is not a bolt-on shifter - it is a completely rebuilt transmission with the shifter mechanism as an integral part of the assembly. This modification is not available through TREMEC; every unit is hand-prepared at MDL's facility to ensure quality and precision.

The foundation is TREMEC's close-ratio TKX rated at 600 lb-ft of torque with 8,000 RPM shifting capability - ideal for high-revving builds over 400 horsepower looking to step up from a four-speed. The 2.87 first gear paired with a 0.81 overdrive fifth delivers the gear spacing road racers need. All gears and shafts are manufactured from special grade ASTM 4615 steel for the increased demands of modern engines, while sintered carbon/bronze hybrid triple-cone synchronizers with a non-leading tooth profile provide crisp, reliable shifts at high RPM. The internal three-rail shift system with steel shift forks handles aggressive shifting without complaint.

The robust drivetrain features a 26-spline input shaft paired with a 31-spline output shaft for added strength. Tapered roller bearings on input, output, and countershafts reduce noise and improve performance, while caged needle bearings support the main shaft. The single-piece countershaft provides increased torque carrying capacity. A rear main shaft support bushing has been repositioned from the tail housing closer to the gearbox for better support under load.

The transmission utilizes the GM TKO bolt pattern with a 7.2-inch input shaft length, compatible with GM close-pattern three and four-speed bellhousings. GM 0.590-inch pilot tip and 1.375-inch OD throwout bearing guide tube. Factory-installed features include the OSS two-wire analog speedometer sensor, reverse light switch on the left side, and cruise control safety switch provision on the right side. All mating surfaces are sealed with gaskets. Fluid capacity is 2.7 quarts; recommended fluids include TREMEC HP-MTF, Amsoil ATF, GM Synchromesh, Mobil 1 Synthetic ATF, or Dexron III. Made in the USA.

Kit Includes

• TREMEC TKX 5-speed transmission (TCET17722) with 2.87/1.89/1.28/1.00/0.81 gear ratios
• High-performance short-throw billet aluminum shifter (2” left side shift rear, straight up with a 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