Mating a TKO gearbox to RV8

[macdeb]

As per title, has anyone done this? Main problem I'm thinking [besides bellhousing] is the fact that the input shaft on a TKO is 26 spline whereas the T5 box is a 23 spline. Has anyone done this change or seen it being done somewhere?
Cheers, Mac.

[RetroWheels]

Dave Chant.. NTEL on PH has a TKO box mated to a Rover V8 in his Tuscan Challenge car, he's the bloke to speak to

[macdeb]

Thanks Darren, have PM'd
anyone else?

[NTEL]

Got your message mac but I'm a tad busy at the moment. Will get back to you in a couple of days there are pros and cons but i'm just in the process of eliminating the cons

[NTEL]

YHM

[macdeb]

NTEL said:

YHM

Replied, and thank you.

[macdeb]

Had some excellent info' from 'NTEL'
however, I seem to be drawing a blank on something and wondered if anyone could help further.
Neither 'roadcraft' nor 'je engineering' offer a bellhousing or adaptor plate for this conversion, anyone know whom else I may try?

[carsy]

Didnt Engineer John say he could possibly sort something.

[77racing]

Mac I fitted a TKO 6oo in my Chevrolet challenge car a few years ago that's how we knew ( NTEL Dave )could put it behind a rover in a challenge car. Both my self and Dave have gone adapter plate from bell housing although I think JE will machine a housing up for you. Reason I'm posting is just to ask if you have checked that the 600 box fits in the chassis as a challenge chassis is I believe wider through out. only asking because I had to cut the casting post off my 600 to get it in the chassis which is what I told Dave.It might be too wide for a road chassis but I don't know.


this might help......

http://www.5speedtransmissions.com/dimensions.html

Edited by 77racing on Thursday 27th November 16:54

[eff eff]

Give Neil at Rakeway motorsport a call

www.rakeway.co.uk
Motorsport engineers. Fabrication and machining in motorsport and precision engineering.
Brookhouse Way, Cheadle, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST10 1SR
01538 750500

[macdeb]

Cheers guys, appreciate any help. I'm sure it will fit as we managed to drop Neal1980's LS and TKO660 [6-speed] in without issue.
Rakeway, cool, someone else gave me their number and I had a chat with them. Very helpful and can cut'n shut my bellhousing. Also, told me I need the Ford input shaft as opposed to GM. Seem nice guy and I shall be taking the old T5 out shortly to commence.

[77racing]

I have just been told by the engineer who fettles car 77 that you don't need an adapter plate from rover to T5 bell housing. Two holes line up on the T5 - TKO and there is enough meat to drill and tap the bell housing as required.

[DonkeyApple]

Can also talk to Neil at Rakeway. They can fit the TKO to anything and I would be surprised if they don't have off the shelf solutions for the RV8.

[macdeb]

77racing said:

I have just been told by the engineer who fettles car 77 that you don't need an adapter plate from rover to T5 bell housing. Two holes line up on the T5 - TKO and there is enough meat to drill and tap the bell housing as required.

Really appreciate your help [and anyones] on this. That is very interesting as it's got me thinking as to why an adaptor plate or cut/shut used, maybe input shaft lengths as TKO600 can come with differing shafts. Do you know what input shaft was used? GM or Ford? I ask as with some LS installs I've been told a Ford input shaft is used for the shorter length.

Edited by macdeb on Saturday 29th November 23:00

[macdeb]

DonkeyApple said:

Can also talk to Neil at Rakeway. They can fit the TKO to anything and I would be surprised if they don't have off the shelf solutions for the RV8.

Thanks, it was Rakeway who said they could cut/shut bellhousing to suit and also commented on the Ford input shaft.
I have the feeling a few other parties may be looking at this conversion too.

[DonkeyApple]

macdeb said:

DonkeyApple said:

Can also talk to Neil at Rakeway. They can fit the TKO to anything and I would be surprised if they don't have off the shelf solutions for the RV8.

Thanks, it was Rakeway who said they could cut/shut bellhousing to suit and also commented on the Ford input shaft.
I have the feeling a few other parties may be looking at this conversion too.

They're involved with Sportmotive so certainly know Tivs even though they are offroad specialists.

[77racing]

macdeb said:

Really appreciate your help [and anyones] on this. That is very interesting as it's got me thinking as to why an adaptor plate or cut/shut used, maybe input shaft lengths as TKO600 can come with differing shafts. Do you know what input shaft was used? GM or Ford? I ask as with some LS installs I've been told a Ford input shaft is used for the shorter length.

Edited by macdeb on Saturday 29th November 23:00

I used the chevy long shaft on my car but you are now getting conflicting advise so I will shut up now. Just to say that I use a roller bearing spigit where as dave went down the bronze bush route which I believe gave him trouble

[macdeb]

77racing said:

I used the chevy long shaft on my car but you are now getting conflicting advise so I will shut up now. Just to say that I use a roller bearing spigit where as dave went down the bronze bush route which I believe gave him trouble

Hiya, please don't shut up as any knowledge is gratefully accepted. Dave did say of his problem with the bush being made too snug a fit.

[Boosted LS1]

I think you can find TKO specs on the internet and most would pick the clutch to match the input splines. I think Tremec have a page with measurements on it. There may even be shaft options.

[Slow M]

I thought I'd throw my unsolicited advice/opinions, here.

1. As far as I remember, the main difference, between a T5 Bellhousing, and one for a TR3550/TKO/TKO500, is in the diameter of the hole where the trans input shaft housing (bearing support) goes into the bellhousing.

2. The only item I regret, on my own build, is the use of an Aluminium bellhousing. A steel scattershield is too great a safety improvement, to not be included, in a proper build.

Best,
B.