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There are several different combinations of the TKO available. First of all, there are two models, the TKO-500 and the TKO-600. The TKO-500 is a wide-ratio transmission, which means it has a low first gear and there is a relatively wide ratio gap from gear to gear. The TKO-600 is a close-ratio transmission, which means that it does not have as low of a first gear, but there is less of a ratio change from gear to gear. There is also an optional version of the TKO-600 with less overdrive than the first one. The ratios are as follows, listed starting with first gear and going up through fifth:

TKO-500: 3.27:1, 1.97:1, 1.34:1, 1.00:1, 0.68:1, 3.00:1 reverse

TKO-600: 2.87:1, 1.89:1, 1.28:1, 1.00:1, 0.64:1, 2.56:1 reverse (0.82:1 optional fifth gear)

Though both versions are made with the same materials and have the same center distance between the shafts, the TKO-500 is rated for 500 lb.-ft. continuous power output and the TKO-600 is rated for 600 lb.-ft. due to the higher (lower numerically) first gear ratio. Externally they are identical and can only be distinguished from each other by the number on the ID tag. They weigh approximately 105 pounds. The case is 24.07 inches long overall, and the crossmember mount pad is located at 15.8 inches back from the front of the main case.

The TKO is available with either a GM or Ford bolt pattern on the front of the case. All GM TKOs (500 and 600) use the corporate GM 26-spline x 1-1/8" input shaft. The Ford versions are a little more complicated. The Ford TKO-500 can be had with:

1.) a Ford 10-spline long input shaft

2.) a hybrid long input shaft that takes the stronger GM pattern 26-spline clutch disc but has the correct pilot diameter for a Ford pilot bearing

3.) an optional short 10-spline Ford input shaft (sold separately)

4.) an optional hybrid short input shaft that takes the stronger GM pattern 26-spline clutch disc but has the correct pilot diameter for a Ford pilot bearing (sold separately)

The short input shafts are for older Ford engines that use a shallow bellhousing (6.3" - 6.5"). The long input shafts are for later model engines that use the deeper (6.9") bellhousing.

The Ford TKO-600 is only available with a hybrid (long or short) input shaft that takes the stronger GM pattern 26-spline clutch disc but has the correct pilot diameter for a Ford pilot bearing. Custom bellhousings are available to mate the Ford TKO to a Mopar small block or big block also, along with custom Mopar pilot bearings with the Ford pilot diameter so that the Mopar guys (and gals) aren't left out of the fun!

All TKOs have a Ford 31-spline output shaft for strength. Speaking of strength, both versions of the TKO are reported to be severely underrated on their torque capacities. There are a large number of cars out there that are driven hard, running TKOs behind engines that make significantly more power than the transmissions are rated for, and it is unusual for one to break.

The TKO is a super-strong overdrive transmission that can be made to fit into almost any muscle car or street rod, and can be mated up to almost any popular domestic V8, V6, or I6 engine. For more information about the Tremec TKO, take a look at my other articles in this series.

Keith Farren is an ASE Certified Master Technician with a BS in Business Administration, an Associate degree in Automotive Technology, and over twenty years experience in the automotive industry. He owns and operates two websites dedicated to classic cars, Classic Car Financing and Loans and Classic Car Prices Today. He also works for Keisler Engineering, a Tremec distributor that designs and sells all the custom parts you need to install a TKO into your musclecar or street rod. Give Keisler Engineering a call at (865) 609-8187.

Modern Hot Rods, Hot Rods you can Afford!

I have been asked this question a lot and have seen it asked a lot as well. What are the modern Hot Rods? What cars can be considered the Modern Hot Rods? Usually when this question is asked either someone says that there are no modern Hot Rods that Hot Rods are a 65 and older thing, or someone will say that the Imports are the new Hot Rods or the lower riders or the brand new mustang is. Really however, none of these are the Modern Hot Rods.

            You are probably asking yourself "What are the modern Hot Rods?" Well before I get to which cars could actually be considered the modern I want to go over how I determined which cars are the modern Hot Rods.

First thing is Cost: The cost to buy the car and cost of parts.

Second Thing is Mods: What mods are available and how common parts are.

Most of these cars are getting close to 30 years old, kind of like the 32 Fords in the 60s. Most of these cars stock only have around 200 HP but a lot can be done to them for cheap.

Ford F-150, 1980-1986 Cost: $800-$2000

A highly over looked car that can be made into a Hot Rod. These cars are usually just thought of as more of a basic cheap truck or a rednecks toy to go mudding with. However these cars will most likely contain either a 302W or a 351W that parts are easy to find (jegs or summit racing) ad can be built to make some serious power!

Ford Bronco, 1980-1986 Cost: $800-$3000

This Full Size SUV is easy to find and can be found for super cheap. Usually more thought of as a Mud Bogger or a car to make into a Monster Truck. These Ford can be cheaply made into a great Hot Rod. Though it only has about 210 Horsepower stock these trucks will come with a 302W, a 351W or a 351M (the 351Ms aka the Cleveland's are rare though) so they can be made to have some serious power!

Dodge Mirada, 1980-1983, Cost: $500-$2000

The Forgotten Mopar from the early 80s. This was a short lived car at a time when MOPAR was having Financial Troubles (kind of like… we heard all of the Mopar economy jokes) and it was suppose to be a luxury car. However it did not sell as well as the Monte Carlo or Thunderbird and the car has become forgotten over the years…which is great! It's great because I have seen ones that run go for around $700, and these cars come with a 318 stock but you can swap in a 340 or a 360 LA for some series power!

Dodge Aspen, 1976-1980 Cost: $900-$3000

Mopar's late 70s compact/ mid size car. The car did win car of the year for 1976 (though that didn't help the value today) and these cars can be found for dirt cheap in good condition. The Aspen was meant to be a low powered Sport Coupe or an affordable family Sedan; the car even had an R/T package to it. Most Aspens will have the 318 in them but you can get the R/Ts with the 360. You can also find a used 360 for cheap to swap in if you don't like the 318.

Chevy Caprice, 1977-1990 Cost: $2000-$4000

Another over looked car which can be made into a great Hot Rod. The Caprice is usually more seen as a low-rider or a car with big rims but these cars are great platforms for Hot Rods. The 77-79 Models came with the famous Small Block Chevy 350, though only stock rated at 170 HP it can be modified like any other 350 for series horsepower. The later models came with the Chevy 305 which can be built up for power as well but you can also found a used 350 for cheap and swap that into the Caprice.

Chevy Malibu, 1978-1983 Cost: $2000-$4000

Usually thought of as an ugly early 80s car, sometimes even considered a Guido car. The Malibu has actually in the past few years become more popular among drag racers! Mainly do to its straight axle rear wheel drive set up, and you can easily fit in a 350 or something bigger such as a 427 or 454.

Chevy Monte Carlo, 1978-1988 Cost: $2000- $4500

One of the cars from its era that has performance that wasn't the Trans Am, Camaro, or the Mustang. The Monte Carlo is easy to find, it's a bit pricier than the other cars on the list but if you have the money it's worth it! Most Monte Carlos will have either a V6 or the 305 in it, however some actually have a diesel V8. If you don't know anything about diesels I recommend going with a V6 or 305 Carlo than getting a used 350 to swap into it. They can make great drag cars or if you are more into pro-touring they can be pro-touring as well.

Chevy S10, 1985-1993 Cost: $700-$3000

The small compact Pick Up Truck from Chevy. These trucks are a great example of a modern day hot rod, it the 85 through 98 models come stock with a 4.3l (262) V6 which is basically a Chevy 350 missing Cylinders 3 and 6! Performance parts for your 350 such as pistons, rockers, values, and the Edelbrock performer manifold will work on the 4.3l engine. However if you want something with more power you can of course do the 350 swap but others have done 427s and even 454s into this truck. Even though this truck is cheap and not thought of as a Hot Rod by most, there has been Pro Mod S10s! Making this one of the best Hot Rods!

 

            Even though many people don't know about it or don't believe there is, there are more than a few platforms to build a modern Hot Rod and do it on a cheap budget! All of these cars are commonly found on craigslist, and in other used car adds, mods are cheap and parts are affordable and easy to find!

About the Author

Kustoms and Choppers Magazine for Hot Rod, Choppers, Bobbers and all things Kustom Kulture!

How do I convert from a 318 to a 440?

I have a 1986 Dodge w150 4x4. It currently has a 318 CI motor in it with a 727 auto transmission. I have recently found a 440 CI mopar from a motor home. I realize that the 318 is a small block and the 440 is a big block. But there seems to be enough room for it to fit. What all will I have to change to get this new motor and my truck to function normally with 4x4.
I will be putting headers on the new motor coming out of the hood. The main things I want to know is like powertrain stuff, will I have to get a new transmission, transfercase, etc.......?

it will fit in it ,but you have to change everything including the transmission and drive line in it,and also the radiator,there's plenty of room in that one for what ever you want to add to it,and they make headers for those with a big block in them also,the transfer case you can reuse,good luck.

World of Outlaws looks for revenge in Pa.
The rivalry between Pennsylvania sprint car drivers and the World of Outlaws continues this weekend as the World of Outlaws Sprint Car Series heads into Mechanicsburg for the two-day Summer Nationals event. The Outlaws were shut out of victory lane last

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