Tremec TKO 500 Clutch Hydraulic or mechanical ?

[joeelutz]

I'm going to be installing a Tremec 5 speed behind an LS1 in a 57 and I'm trying to decide whether to go with a hydraulic setup or not. Can a stock 57 clutch linkage be used with the Tremec transmission? Does anyone make a hydraulic conversion kit for the 57? How about a Tremec installation kit for a Tri-five? I would like to just get a complete kit and bolt it all in if possible.

Thanks

[Rick_L]

"Can a stock 57 clutch linkage be used with the Tremec transmission?"

Yes it should work fine. The transmission really has nothing to do with this.

"Does anyone make a hydraulic conversion kit for the 57?"

Depends on what you want. Do you want to hide the clutch master cylinder or mount it on the firewall?

"How about a Tremec installation kit for a Tri-five?"

There are only three things that are 55-57 specific. Clutch linkage, which location you want the shifter, and the crossmember.

The shifter location is something you spec when you buy the trans. Most any crossmember will work but you have to locate it correctly, fore/aft as well as vertically.

"bolt it all in if possible"

That's asking a lot, probably too much. Stick with the stock clutch linkage if that's a goal. You're going to have to cut a hole for the shifter and weld/drill the brackets for the crossmember.

I didn't address the driveshaft, that's another discussion that relates to engine mounting location, and the axle you use.

[Chevy Chase]

joeelutz, I installed a TKO 600 in my "56 two-ten. Used the original BH and existing clutch package. Ordered from Keisler Engineering with otional mid-shifter location to easily clear bench seat. Keisler also has a hydraulic clutch system. Supported the rear of the TKO with a crossmember. Look at my album in User CP for pix.

[CJS57]

I used a "complete" kit from Classic Chevy. I think they changed their name to Hurst Systems or something like that now. Lots of customer support back then. Main problem is that the top of tranny hits the tunnel floor. So you have to lower the back of the engine like I did or bash the floor for clearance.
The trannsmission won't just install like a new Muncie! You have to center the bellhousing to .005. Also the clutch disc splines are different. The worst part is that you have to lower the engine way down just to get the trannsmission to go into the bellhousing. The transmission is just to big to get a straight shot into the trans. It is tight all around. But well worth it.

[henrys57wagon]

I also bought the complete setup from Classic Chevy before the name change and the support was great. I used mechanical linkage for the clutch system. The tranny slid in with no interference anywhere. Have fun shifting gears, good day.

[Chevy Chase]

TKO Floor panel.jpgjoeelutz, It seems not all humps in the floor tunnel are the same. The previous tranny in my '56 was a muncie which left a long hole in the side of the tunnel. I mig welded a piece of sheet metal in to close the hole up and then cut a hole for the TKO. The TKO can be installed and later removed without removing the engine mounts. Ecklers Classic Chevy sells a 55-57 tunnel panel part # 31-350. I fastened it in place with nut-certs.

[joeelutz]

Originally Posted by Chevy Chase

Attachment 23843joeelutz, It seems not all humps in the floor tunnel are the same. The previous tranny in my '56 was a muncie which left a long hole in the side of the tunnel. I mig welded a piece of sheet metal in to close the hole up and then cut a hole for the TKO. The TKO can be installed and later removed without removing the engine mounts. Ecklers Classic Chevy sells a 55-57 tunnel panel part # 31-350. I fastened it in place with nut-certs.

Nice Hump! I decided to go with a hydraulic setup. Thanks for all the help.
Joe