MDL TREMEC GM TKX Road Race 5-Speed | 2.87 First, 0.81 OD | Tall Body Front Shifter, 1” or 1.5” Forward Offset
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
- Front Mount Tall Body Shifter with 1” or 1.5” Forward Offset
- Shifter Stub Location: 11.18” or 11.68” back from the bellhousing face
- MDL Exclusive - not available through TREMEC
Description
When your GM-powered street rod or truck makes over 400 horsepower and you need a modern overdrive upgrade from your four-speed, the TREMEC TKX delivers. This purpose-built 5-speed was engineered from the ground up specifically for the aftermarket—not adapted from an OE unit—which means 100% brand-new components designed to fit classic vehicles without compromise. The compact end-loaded case clears most transmission tunnels without floor modifications, while the 600 lb-ft torque capacity handles serious power with confidence.
The TKX's close-ratio 2.87-first/0.81-overdrive gear set is optimized for performance driving where tight gear spacing matters. All gears and shafts are machined from ASTM 4615 special-grade steel, supported by tapered roller bearings on the input, output, and countershafts with caged needle bearings on the mainshaft. The single-piece countershaft and wide gear widths increase torque-carrying capacity, while the internal 3-rail shift system with steel shift forks delivers a robust, precise shift action.
Shifting feel is where the TKX truly excels. Multi-cone synchronizers with hybrid sintered carbon/bronze rings enable smooth, crisp shifts at high RPM without the notchiness of older designs. The included billet aluminum short-throw shifter isolates road noise while providing clean engagement. This configuration places the tall body shifter in the front position with a 1.65" or 2.15" forward offset—ideal for custom console placement in GM street rod and truck applications.
Direct bolt-on compatibility with GM Muncie bellhousing patterns simplifies the swap. Gaskets at all mating surfaces eliminate leaks without messy sealants. Both mechanical speedometer output and electronic 2-wire analog OSS are built in, so you can retain factory gauges or run aftermarket electronics. When you purchase a complete MDL Conversion Package, you get an extended manufacturer warranty plus one additional year with a grace period, industry-leading customer service, and lifetime technical support.
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 (front position tall body, 1” or 1.5” Forward offset)
- Stamped-steel rear-position cover
- 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