Tremec TXK 5-Speed Manual Transmission | Quick Look
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.
Lightweight and durability are the keys here. Notice a healthy spline count on the input shaft.
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?
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 | Style | Torque Rating | Input Spline | Gear Ratios | |||||
1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | R | ||||
TCET18086 | Ford | 600 lb-ft | 10 | 3.27 | 1.98 | 1.34 | 1.00 | 0.72 | 3.00 |
TCET18084 | Ford | 600 lb-ft | 26 | 2.87 | 1.89 | 1.28 | 1.00 | 0.81 | 2.56 |
TCET17765 | Ford | 600 lb-ft | 26 | 2.87 | 1.89 | 1.28 | 1.00 | 0.68 | 2.56 |
TCET18085 | Ford | 600 lb-ft | 26 | 3.27 | 1.98 | 1.34 | 1.00 | 0.72 | 3.00 |