Tremec Gearbox

[mikey]

Third Toyota Gearbox Getting noisy so decided on fitting a Tremec. Engine is a 350 Chev reasonably tuned 371 BHP 402 lb-ft on the rig. To anyone who has fitted the Tremec is it worth the hard earned dosh. Will the standard rather than the heavy duty do. Wheres the best place to shop (import ?)Im a yorkshireman so this means cheapest although suppose I can get a good price on the girlfriend .Any problems to be aware of (not on the girlfriend), the conversion.
Also (does this guy want blood?) has anybody experienced rear end steer from their cobra Dax/Jag Axle. Just happened to me after 5 yrs happy motoring. Nothing obvious-most likely causes please as Girlfriend is fed up of visiting kerb.Happens as pulling away under power whilst straightening up from corner.in a left hand bend rear end suddenly leaps towards kerb.
If anybody can help I'd be grateful.
Mike.
& The Girlfriend

[wilf]

Mike - have a tremec TKO in my Crendon, with stroker 351w putting out 450 plus BHP and lbs ft (dyno this week to prove!).
Have heard mostly good things about the tremec - that's why I went for one. The tko version has a beefed up input shaft and bearings with different splines from the 3550, otherwise it's the same. Supposedly good for another 50 or so lbs ft. Most folks use the standard 'box - we are more likely to get wheelspin than transmit the full torque thro' the box. Me? I wanted no, repeat no, gearbox problems ever, so I went for the hd version. This version also comes as standard with a short throw shifter.
Nice change, useful o/d top, but you might have to look at your back end ratio to make sure it suits- mines 3.31:1. For most cost effective purchase - bring it in from the 'states. £ for $!!
Is your rear axle lsd? Might be the reason for the back end stepping out if summats up with it. Or rear tyres/shocks getting worn? Otherwise you should take a real good look around all the bearings in that rear end (the cars, not the girlfriends). Anything looks broke or moves when you prod it - investigate further. Broken radius arm mount?? Broken anything mount?? UJ's on their way? Or just a tad heavy on the right foot?? (Been there, done that, frightened myself, won't do it again, 'cept on track days)

My 2 c's


Wilf

[RigMan]

Tremec's are good boxs, as Wilf says the TKO is a bit stronger, but you've got to be able to hook up a tremendous amount of torque on the 3550 to damage it. On a light Cobra, almost regardles of power from a small block , this should never be a problem.

I bought mine from Real Steel, I looked at importing it myself, but what I gained on the price in the States I lost on shipping costs. Therefore I bought from RS, and have the peace of mind that if there is any problem with it I can take it back (unlike girlfriends). Coupled with it I bought the adapter plate and shatter proof bellhousing along with Hydraulic Throw out bearing,clutch assembly etc. Downside is that quality is not cheap and you will be hard pressed to find anything second hand. My advice is that if the girlfriend has a well oiled chassis and idles smoothly, then rent her out. This should provide the necessary funding for the more important things in life.

Welcome to the Forum!


RigMan

>Tremec's are good boxs, as Wilf says the TKO is a bit stronger, but
>you've got to be able to hook up a tremendous amount of torque on the
>3550 to damage it. On a light Cobra, almost regardles of power from a
>small block , this should never be a problem.
>
>I bought mine from Real Steel, I looked at importing it myself, but
>what I gained on the price in the States I lost on shipping costs.
>Therefore I bought from RS, and have the peace of mind that if there
>is any problem with it I can take it back (unlike girlfriends).
>Coupled with it I bought the adapter plate and shatter proof
>bellhousing along with Hydraulic Throw out bearing,clutch assembly
>etc. Downside is that quality is not cheap and you will be hard
>pressed to find anything second hand. My advice is that if the
>girlfriend has a well oiled chassis and idles smoothly, then rent her
>out. This should provide the necessary funding for the more important
>things in life.
>
>Welcome to the Forum!
>
>
>RigMan


Hi RigMan,
I've just bought a Hydraulic Throw Out bearing assembly from Real Steel. Is it any good? Have you any tips or info. regarding fitting? Are there any gremlins you've discovered? Any feedback will be appreciated.
Cheers, Simon

[wilf]

Simon - take a look at the Mcleods threads on clubcobra.com - might forestall some gearbox re-installations!

Wilf

[Roscoe]

You should have no problem with the standard 3550. I'm running a 351W with a good 400 horses, Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch, Tilton hydraulic bearing and 3550 Tremec.

To answer your questions about hooking up to a Chevy why don't you contact, via email, Jim Swarr at http://www.jimswarrauto.com/. He is a Tremec dealer, racer of Mustangs and a great guy.

My Tilton throwout bearing was a breeze to install and works great. Tilton also has a great support line.

Contact me if you have additional questions.

Roscoe
http://www.priveye.com/cobra.htm

[RigMan]

Hi Simon

Throw out bearings can be a bit of a pain. There are all kinds of horror stories out there, but if they are installed properly acording to the instuctions you get with the bearing, then you should be OK. I had a leak with mine, but that was my fault for not checking the banjo bolts. If they don't fail in 50 miles and you have installed it properly, then you should not have a problem! Be sure to check the clearance between thrust face and fingers, and to install a bump stop for the pedal so not to over pump the bearing! Don't use silicon fluid, and test the bearing first when it is hooked up to the hydraulic circuit if you can. I clamped it and put a high load on it and it held firm! Gives you confidence and peace of mind!

The benefits of these units are that they need no adjustment once on, take up no room, and reduce pedal pressure. Additionally you do not need a slave cylinder! However, a seperate reservoir for the unit is advisable, DAX share the one with the brakes!

Happy building


RigMan

[mikey]

Thanks for the response wilf. Been underneath everything seems reasonably tight,(no I'm not still on about the woman).Slight movement on radius arm, more perception than movement. Only done 8000 mls. You mentioned LSD(axle not the hard stuff)being a possibility, can this make the car exhibit the rear steer which was more than a step in than a step out. Appreciate the help.
By the way any of you forum guys going to Coys, see you there for a beer or two if you are.
Mike.

OK guys, I have the MCleod hydraulic throwout bearing and clutch (I'm not sure what the clutch diaphragm spring pundage is), my clutch pedal is as hard as a rock. What size master cylinders are you using? I think mines 3/4"

Andy

[simon]

I know of someone with a Tremec gearbox for sale (believe it to be 3550, do not know condition at the moment) if you are interested, I can find out more........
Simon
simonjrwinter@hotmail.com