TKX Conversion 1978 Type LT
- Thread starter George-CZ
- Start date
It will take a few months for it to reach me by sea. But I'm really looking forward to it.
I still have to get a 4sp. center console.
I probably won't be able to find the original red one on E-bay.
Do you have any tips on where to look or where to buy it?
You need to make sure your new transmission gearing works well with your rear end gearing and tire size, and that your engine characteristics will be happy with the big rpm drop in 5th gear.
There is a bit more efficient power transfer using a manual, but the auto has great driveability because of the way the torque convertor multiplies torque.
With a manual, you have to make sure you are in the right gear to make the best use of your engine's power band.
Very important that the engine combo is well matched to your overall gearing.
Everything you say has been discussed with Jeff.
I have a 3.08 differential gear and a 25.4" diameter rear tire.
The middle of the three TRX variants was recommended to me.
So 3.27 first gear.
My engine is a 383 cid built by me with 380-400 HP on the crank.
So I reckon the performance of the car will change noticeably.
At this point I'm hitting 140 Mph where I'm at max engine speed and have to take my foot off the gas to keep from destroying the engine.
To be honest, I've had the Camaro for 20 years, but I've never wanted it in automatic.
I always preferred the clutch.
But I bought it at a time when the gradual introduction of automatic transmissions began in our country, and everyone told me that once I tried it, I would never want anything else.
So I got some advice
But in that time, I've already done so much work on it and grown to like it that I've come to terms with the fact that one day a rebuild will come and I'll replace the automatic with a manual. ...that I won't sell it anymore.
In addition, for more than 15 years I have been driving heavy trucks with a clutch that have 10-12-18 gears. So I think I can say about myself that I can handle a manual transmission
Really good points by biker. Been through this scenario a few times myself and with several customers as well. If that TKX is the wide ratio with 3.27 1st, and .72 5th, that matched up quite well with the 3.08.
A nice 10.07 O/A 1st gear ratio, and easy hwy cruising at 75mph at 2,200, or 85mph at 2,500.
Just a little insight, make sure your timing curve is setup for those leisurely 2,200 rpm cruises, the old "timing all in at 3,000" ain't going to help, and if "carbed" getting those circuits right in the idle/transition portions are important, again, pending if you are on the mains at that point.
A nice 10.07 O/A 1st gear ratio, and easy hwy cruising at 75mph at 2,200, or 85mph at 2,500.
Just a little insight, make sure your timing curve is setup for those leisurely 2,200 rpm cruises, the old "timing all in at 3,000" ain't going to help, and if "carbed" getting those circuits right in the idle/transition portions are important, again, pending if you are on the mains at that point.
Excellent! Sounds like you are well prepared. As G72Zed says, maybe look at bringing your timing curve down so your full machanical timing advance is all-in by 2200 rpm. You are going to love it, it will totally change how you drive your car.Everything you say has been discussed with Jeff.
I have a 3.08 differential gear and a 25.4" diameter rear tire.
The middle of the three TRX variants was recommended to me.
So 3.27 first gear.
My engine is a 383 cid built by me with 380-400 HP on the crank.
So I reckon the performance of the car will change noticeably.
At this point I'm hitting 140 Mph where I'm at max engine speed and have to take my foot off the gas to keep from destroying the engine.
To be honest, I've had the Camaro for 20 years, but I've never wanted it in automatic.
I always preferred the clutch.
But I bought it at a time when the gradual introduction of automatic transmissions began in our country, and everyone told me that once I tried it, I would never want anything else.
So I got some advice
But in that time, I've already done so much work on it and grown to like it that I've come to terms with the fact that one day a rebuild will come and I'll replace the automatic with a manual. ...that I won't sell it anymore.
In addition, for more than 15 years I have been driving heavy trucks with a clutch that have 10-12-18 gears. So I think I can say about myself that I can handle a manual transmission
Glad to see the transmission choice was correct.
75mph at 2,200, or 85mph at 2,500... I can dream about that.
Now I'm 62mph at 3000. And all in I have 2400
According to the MSD diagram and setup on my distributor.
That's not bad, especially if you have a good vacuum advance set up. I would definitely try it as-is and see how it works. I'm excited for you.
