Truth about Tremec

[rancheroo]

I know a lot of folks have 3550's and TKO's & run large HP & torque engines. Do these Tremecs erally hold up?

The standard 3550 is rated for 350 ft-lbs of torque.
The TKO is rated for 425 ft-lbs of torque (right off the Tremec web site).

A couple of my Ford buddies here in town feel strongly that high hp/torque applications will quickly destroy either of these trannys. In fact, one buddy is selling a Hurst shifter & a Tremec aluminum bellhousing for $200 & giving a 3550 away with it. He has a 358 Windsor Mustang, blew 2nd gear & split the transmission case right up the front.

I really want an overdrive transmission so I can run tall gears, but don't want to make a $1400 mistake. I'm building a 408 stroker (Windsor) with AFR 205 heads.

Again, I know that lots of folks have 3550's (even T-5s) that support lots of power, but are these the exception & not the rule? Would like to hear more (especially from you top loader guys).

Rick

[302 LX Eric]

I have a Tremec 3550 in my coupe and love it. Shifts great and crisp.

However, a well built 408 with decent compression is going to be making some serious HP & TQ. With that said, I wouldn't put a standard 3550 behind it - especially if you're going to be racing it.

Check with D&D Performance on what would be best for your application. They have their 'Viper' T56 that is supposed to be really strong.

You may be better off with a beefed up auto for that beast.

Good luck.
E

[Dark_5.0]

I know a guy with a 99 cobra running 10.70's with a stock tremec.

Not to mention he pulls a 1.43 60ft.

Yeah they can hold up to alot.

[rancheroo]

Thank you both for your replies...A beefed up auto?? where's the fun in that...It'll be a stick no matter what, whether it's a 4 speed or a 5 speed. I'd rather a 5 speed so I can run tall gears & still drive it around town............Sticks forever.

Rick

[T5superduty]

Exactly.... when I do my high horsepower car I wanted a manual but could only find the TKO. I was planning on 600 + rwhp ... what manual tranny can hold up too that and more ?

[Fostang]

Get a t-56 like me :)

[88workcar]

First of all, if you want "zero" breakdowns, get a new hobbie. I have a old 3550. I currently have 135,000 miles on it. I cut 1.5 60fts. I have raced the 1/4 mile thousands of times, thousands. This tranny has survived 4 engines. Yes I have been in it twice, but so what. Do not condem it before you even try. If you are building an all out race car, go auto. If you plan on enjoying the car, get the tremac.

[StangFlyer]

I have a Tremec TKO in my car behind its supercharged 377 stroker, and have not broke it yet to date. I may have hurt a syncro or something while running it at the NMRA finals in September, but I am not sure yet. It may just be the clutch adjustment. Regardless, it's been behind the mill for a few years and before that behind the previous 550 HP 302 combo. It has done well over all. I still haven't really run the trans behind the big boost set-up at the track (on slicks) though. So, that could change everything. But, yes... a T56 is still much stronger than a TKO.

For those who are not aware, however... Tremec is suppose to come out with a new "bullet proof" or race duty transmission. Supposedly it's supposed to come out this spring, although I wouldn't bet on it until the fall. If anyone is interested in a TKO, T56, or possible info on the upcoming Tremec I would contact D&D Performance (http://www.ddperformance.com/).

[jonnyk]

X2C Motorsports blueprints TKO's and they claim they are good for low 9's and up to 160 trap speeds. That's a lot of power handling!

[mustangman4]

www.gforcetransmissions.com Maybe these guys can help you out.

Brad

[rancheroo]

Thanks for all of your input, but if I had the money for a T-56 or a G-Force, I wouldn't be asking these questions. The Tremec 3550-TKO at $1350 is at the EXTREME top end of my budget. My quandry is the overdrive. I'd really like to have it to make my Ranchero more streetable, but if it means that I need to baby it to keep from breaking it (weak tranny), then I'll sacrifice streetability for durability & get a Top Loader. Someone stated above that if I'm looking for zero broken parts, I need to find a different hobby. I'm not looking for zero breaks, but I don't want to break a high dollar transmission. I have no doubt that I could get it torn apart, but I doubt if I could get it back together (at least without a few extra parts).

Hey Delbert, where you recon this thing goes? Hell, I don't know - prolly don't need it nohow. Hand me another Bud there cuz.

Rick

[tireburner163]

Just buy the G-Force input shaft and cluster for $990 and have the local transmission shop put it in for $200-300 dollars.

With the good mainshaft (a extra $295 dollars), the G-Force is good to 600 ft/lb's

If you can afford a 408W you can afford a little more for a G-Force;)



-Josh, aka the tireburner

[rancheroo]

Tireburner:

"If you can afford a 408W you can afford a little more for a G-Force"

The problem is I can't afford a 408, but I have one anyway. All I have is my block, stroker kit, balancer, flywheel, & clutch. I don't even have bolts for the engine (I do have a set of arp clutch bolts). All I have is a tired 6 cyl & a 3 speed trans. Not too many parts will swap over. I'll pick my block & rotating assembly up from the machine shop in the next day or 2. That'll be close to $1000, just for the balancing & machine work.

I figure what I need is a good lenco 5 speed with shifter for $450. If I find a couple, I'll pick one up for you.

Rick

[Ieatcamaros]

I am surprised that no one metioned a pro shifted t5. Anyone read the article in 5.0 mustangs and super fords? January 2004 issue. I know it is pricey, but it looks and sounds like it is worth the money. They had one on display in bowling green in sept. It feels like it would be the sh*t.

[jonnyk]

Originally posted by Ieatcamaros
I am surprised that no one metioned a pro shifted t5. Anyone read the article in 5.0 mustangs and super fords? January 2004 issue. I know it is pricey, but it looks and sounds like it is worth the money. They had one on display in bowling green in sept. It feels like it would be the sh*t.
Yeah but pro-shifted trannies you have to double clutch on every downshift, not friendly for street use IMO.

I would vote for a G-Force T5 in this case...as mentioned above they are rugged, and reasonably affordable.

[Ieatcamaros]

Yeah but pro-shifted trannies you have to double clutch on every downshift I did not know that. That would suck on the street.

[420nitro]

I had one,...you just learn to live with it on the street. But yea, its a pain. But after going for a ride in a mid-10 sec car with a c-4 with a brake I was hooked! I also thought that autos were lame. You just have to get into one that is built right with a reverse manual valve body. You are still shifting, just no clutch pedal;) .

But anyway, If the trans is going behind a 408 that isn't really built, then there is nothing to worry about. Just run a Tremec and call it a day. I can break a tremec behind a 306 thats built, and never break a tremec behind a 408, if it is mild. So the bottom line is what is the power output of this 408?
As goes for X2C Tremec Transmissions, I would be a little cautious...what they claim is awsome, but how long does it really last in the real world behind normal guys and gals like us?
My 2 cents

[jonnyk]

I've heard great things about the X2C trannies. One guy that posts on another forum has one in his blown 383 '69 Camaro. He runs low 11's at 128 not leaning on it too hard, and the Tremec has held up fine. Dan the Man on here runs a Liberty built TKO behind his blown stroker with a ton of power and no problems as well. Too many people discredit Tremec's....