Tremec TXK 5-Speed Manual Transmission | Quick Look

SID297

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Tremec TXK 5-Speed Manual Transmission | Quick Look

Tremec_TKX_001.jpg

It’s a sad realization that hand-shaker enthusiasts are a dying breed. Manual transmission options on new cars have been steadily disappearing for years now. However, for those who love to row our own gears there are a few bright spots on the horizon. An obvious one is Ford’s acknowledgement of the overwhelming support the buying community has displayed for the manual-trans equipped Bronco, so much so that they are considering offering it more broadly across the package lineup. And second, we’re seeing several new aftermarket manual transmission replacement options hitting the market.


Check out this video overview for more details.


A few years back Tremec made their TR-4050 5-Speed manual truck transmission, previously an OEM option on Ford Super Duty trucks in South America, available to builders in the US. Jay Leno was one of the first to snag one, as he installed it in his custom Predator-Powered 1968 Ford Bronco. However, Tremec wasn’t going to stop with just the trucks. They recently released their all new TKX 5-Speed manual transmission for those looking to upgrade nearly any stick shifted Ford or GM car.

Tremec_TKX_002.jpg


Lightweight and durability are the keys here. Notice a healthy spline count on the input shaft.


Tremec_TKX_003.jpg


The compact design of the TKX makes it a candidate to swap into an earlier Pony Car (even the off-brand ones).


The TKX was a ground-up development designed to be extremely strong while still delivering smooth shifts at high RPMs. Unlike some other aftermarket trans options, the TKX was engineered with an eye towards reducing NVH. It’s a thoroughly modern design in every way, with the ability to safely handle 600 lb.-ft. of torque and shift at 7,500 RPMs. It’s also extremely compact, and weighs in at only 99 pounds. What’s not to love?

Tremec_TKX_004.jpg


The Tremec supplied shifter is adequate, but does leave a lot to be desired. MGW is would on an upgrade that should take this trans to a new level of shift quality and performance.


We recently got to perform an in-person inspection of one of the early production units on a test stand at MGW Shifter in Augusta, GA. MGW picked a TKX up because they plan to install it in an A/C Cobra kit car, and design one of their high quality shifters for it. I was personally impressed with the quality of the die-cast aluminum 3-piece case and highly splined input and output shafts. If I were in the market to upgrade a Fox=Body or SN-95 trans I’d certainly consider a Tremec TKX topped off with an MGW shifter. If that’s something you’re interested in, check out all the available Ford Gear Ratios:

Part
Number
StyleTorque
Rating
Input
Spline
Gear Ratios
1st2nd3rd4th5thR
TCET18086Ford600 lb-ft103.271.981.341.000.723.00
TCET18084Ford600 lb-ft262.871.891.281.000.812.56
TCET17765Ford600 lb-ft262.871.891.281.000.682.56
TCET18085Ford600 lb-ft263.271.981.341.000.723.00
 

AustinSN

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I want one so bad. Initially I thought I would be out about $3800 for it all together, but my neighbor put one in his 67 and he said he is closer to the $4500 range.

Guess I'll stick with the T45 lol
 

biminiLX

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I have one on order for my ‘93 Cobra Coyote TVS IRS project! Can’t wait to update this review next summer.
Was ready to gram a Magnum but this just makes more sense for a street car that won’t do long highway stretches.
I went 2.87 first and starting with 3.55 stock IRS gearing.
-J
 

tistan

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I have one on order for my ‘93 Cobra Coyote TVS IRS project! Can’t wait to update this review next summer.
Was ready to gram a Magnum but this just makes more sense for a street car that won’t do long highway stretches.
I went 2.87 first and starting with 3.55 stock IRS gearing.
-J
I've been back and forth between this and a t56 for my 95 gts project. How long until you get yours? I've been waiting for some good reviews.
 

biminiLX

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Car won’t be on road til next spring.
I can’t see how it won’t be good.
If the car came with a 5-speed box this is an easier conversion.
-J
 

Black Gold 380R

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It really is the best option for many and should last for years.
Can’t wait for the aftermarket DCT!
-J
They came out with this right after and I mean right after I purchased my TKO 600. Otherwise this would be sitting behind my 427 right now.

Sent from my SM-G950U using the svtperformance.com mobile app
 

Fastback

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They came out with this right after and I mean right after I purchased my TKO 600. Otherwise this would be sitting behind my 427 right now.

Sent from my SM-G950U using the svtperformance.com mobile app
I have the 600 as well. It's in my 70 Mustang with a Cleveland. Only problem with mine is shifting above 5,500 rpm.

When the motor needs work, was thinking of getting the TKO Faceplated. That 3rd shift would be so much easier!
 

Black Gold 380R

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I have the 600 as well. It's in my 70 Mustang with a Cleveland. Only problem with mine is shifting above 5,500 rpm.

When the motor needs work, was thinking of getting the TKO Faceplated. That 3rd shift would be so much easier!

I hear you Fastback. I was told about this before purchasing the TKO. My engine builder told me that the TKO had a problem with shifting at higher RPMs. He told me about a company that was selling TKOs with this problem addressed.

So, when I called American Powertrain and told them about it they said they had a kit to address that as well. I'm not sure exactly what the kit contained, but on my invoice it listed Race Shift Upgrade.

I have been having fun with my car and shifting gears around 6200 RPM and it goes into gear with no problems at all.

This is my test hit video (Not really hammering it, but getting on it good). Rowing gears starts around the 1:45 mark...
 

Fastback

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Looks like fun out there!

I did the swap in 2006, So I guess I can deal with it for a while longer!
The Cleveland 4v closed chambers really like their revs!
 

331 LX

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I want one so bad. Initially I thought I would be out about $3800 for it all together, but my neighbor put one in his 67 and he said he is closer to the $4500 range.

Guess I'll stick with the T45 lol
I was up against this same scenario last year. I ended up having Pro Motion build me a very nice transmission using the T5 Z spec as a base. They asked several questions regarding my setup. I only have a few miles on the trans but it shifts incredibly nice for being a T5 for the most part. I think I was all in around 2,800 shipped.

The TKX is a very nice piece, just hard to almost double that 2,500 with a complete setup for me. My 2 cents
 

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