[ruger311]

Ok having a huge dilemma, currently in the process of building my 347 stroker, for my 89 stang vert, should be putting down somewhere in the 400HPs range, i know that everyone says that the TKO 600 w/ 600 ft lbs spec is what to go with, and a lot of ppl like the T-56 spec 450 ft lbs not the viper model, also, i am thinking about a turbo or s/c setup later, i can get the TKO 600 w/ BH, speedo cable, and 31 spline yoke for round $2000, i can get the T-56 w/ BH and Yoke for round $2040 then have to get the DS shortened and balanced, but am going to have a custom AL DS made anyway, so here is the dilemma buy the TKO 600 for round $2000 or the T-56 for $2040, i know the 6th gear would be sweet for HWY use and the gear ratio is kinda like having the TKO 600 RR with the TKO 600 5th gear OD so kinda get two-n-one for a lil more money, does anyone or has anyone put more than 450ft-lbs TQ through their T-56, also thinking about the 3.73s or 4.10s and still keeping some gas mileage, any suggestions or thoughts would help, thanks

[GTRaptor]

I have a Viper T56, but it handles 625 RWHP, the Ford Spec T56 can really live behind a 400 HP. For reference, there are more than a few SCed Cobras using T56s with no problems.

I have 4.10s and the nice thing of the T56 is the even and nice spacing between gears.

[Brendin]

i had toi make the same choice but i ended up gettin a tranny from g force racing. it is a dirrect bolt in there is no diffrent bell houseing or drive shaft. im pretty sure a tko uses a diffrent size clutch and bell houseing and all the goodies and mine good up to 650 hp but its noisey cause it has stright cut gears.

[Summit_1000]

hey, I already have my own form, but I figured that i might as well ask this form too.
so, I have a 2006 V6 mustang. I am pulling the V6 out and putting a FRPP sportsman block 302 in. I am getting a K-member to hold the 302 from BMR. My major problem is the transmission.
I was thinking about a T56... but the kits start at $4000.00.
So, then what about a TKO600? i can get one for cheep, and i can even get a bellhousing from D&D performance to mount up to the 302.
But what else do i need to buy?


thanks.

[rj8806]

Since what I do is tech support for both T56's and the TKO, I feel like I should chime in here and throw my point of view into the mix.....

The TKO-600(in stock, unmodified form) is capable of 600hp and 600ft/lbs continuous power in 4th gear. The T56(in stock, unmodified form) is only capable of 450hp and 450 ft/lbs. The final overdrive in the TKO-600 is a .64 while the 6th gear ratio in the T56 is .62. That's about a 100rpm difference.

In my business, I always get the customer who calls and wants the T56 but when I explain the facts, they always switch to the TKO. Now I am not trying to tell you not to go for the T56, I am just telling you the differences so you can make an informed decision.

The TKO is what we call a multi-rail shift linkage system while the T56 is a single rail system. What this means basically is the T56 is easier to shift as there is only 1 rail doing all work instead of 3 rails in the TKO. The TKO will feel a little notchy until it is broken in but then will loosen up and shift like butter.

To me, the T56 is about bragging rights. Like " Hey, I gotta a 6 speed in my stang"...blah blah blah blah but the TKO was built for heavy duty use. Now anyone can take and beef up either unit to withstand crazy amounts of horsepower and torque but remember, it is not HP or even TQ that breaks transmissions, it is shock load. Shock load occurs when you are smoking the tires and all of a sudden, the tires hook and you take off. That is shock load and that is what breaks crap. It is ALWAYS a good idea to have the u-joint as the weak link in the drive train because you would rather break a u-joint than a tranny or rear end, they are a hell of alot cheaper. to replace.

If it were me, I would go TKO and forget about the T56 but that's just me. Good luck in whatever you choose and hopefully, my advice helped you.


Richard
Tech Support
Tremec TKO Transmission Systems

[Summit_1000]

oh yea, the TKO600 or even 500 is a way better buy compared to the T56.
the T56 is $2763.99 from a local shop, while the TKO600 is only $1338.99.
Best thing is, MMR makes the bellhousing to attach the TKO600 to my future 302 or 347 (most likely to go with a 347)
Do you need a remote shifter though? MMR says no, Steeda says yes, BBR says yes...

[EagleAutosports]

Richard knows his stuff, he's the one that would know.