And So It Begins - Tremec TKX Conversion Into A 64 Polara

[Charlie Brown]

I've been planning this conversion for 2 years now. I purchased the complete kit from SST Transmissions. For those who are interested, the complete kit was $5700 USD shipped. I've asked for a lot of advice and guidance on this forum which has helped me a lot, and it's probably not the last of it either - I've already run into two glitches. Anyhow, here's my story ----
Started the conversion last week. Taking out the front seat and because the car is a convertible, dropping the top makes interior access a ton easier.

Photo of car before I started.

Next the dash comes out for easier access to change the pedals

Pedal assembly removed

I had a glitch with the factory 4 speed pedal assembly - I thought the pedals I got with the car were from a 65 B Body, but they turned out to be from a 63 - there is a slight difference in the steering column bracket attachment - see this link to see how I solved this item - 64 Dodge 4 Speed Pedals - Install Issues
As per kit instructions, I removed factory clutch rod pin on the clutch pedal and installed supplied adjustable rod with new pin. I ground off the weld and the factory pin was knocked out.

After mocking up the new pedal assembly and hydraulic slave cylinder in the car, issue number two is apparent. Things don't line up and the connecting rod is to short.

I sent a note to SST today with a few pics and will be on the phone with them tomorrow to try and resolve this issue. More to come!

 

[tonysrt]

With the price you listed, did it include any discount from them? The every once in a while offer a discount and jut recently offered $300 off. I actually have a Kiesler install from the early 2000's. Back then it was about $2500 with the Tremec 3550.

 

[radical rob]

Couple connectors and some all thread is what I used on mine for the pedal

 

[ckessel]

Nice project there. Even though it's different between the b-body years and body changes, check out Greg's fun on his Charger. Some of his swap will be beneficial to you for info, ideas etc. Start the read on page one and go through it. The link doesn't start at the beginning of the thread.
Tremec 5 speed conversion in a 1970 Charger

 

[Kern Dog]

The price you paid is a lot less than I have seen. I paid $5900+ in late 2020 so I don't see how over 4 years later with inflation, you were able to get such a deal. Another member of the forum @CoronetDarter did a Tremec TKX swap in late 23 and he paid closer to $7000 without a drive shaft.
Is this the price that you told the wife that you paid?

 

[Gary Masse]

The only way to go if you plan on driving it, I love the 0.64 overdrive. A friend seen mine and installed it in a 1972 RR( had a 883) It is worth the effort.

 

[dvw]

We did a friends 64 Sport Fury convertible in the early 2000's. Used parts fron Keisler. Broke the first trans right away with a stock 440. After a year we recieved a stronger version. Thats been in the car to this day with a clone Max Wedge. Drives nice with a 3.55. I've driven it from Phoenix to Las Vegas a few times. Never been crazy about the shift quality. Kind of klunky with a long 64 style handle. But the syuff may be better now.
Doug

 

[Charlie Brown]

Nice project there. Even though it's different between the b-body years and body changes, check out Greg's fun on his Charger. Some of his swap will be beneficial to you for info, ideas etc. Start the read on page one and go through it. The link doesn't start at the beginning of the thread.
Tremec 5 speed conversion in a 1970 Charger

I've read and re-read Greg's post several times - very helpful info.

 

[Charlie Brown]

The price you paid is a lot less than I have seen. I paid $5900+ in late 2020 so I don't see how over 4 years later with inflation, you were able to get such a deal. Another member of the forum @CoronetDarter did a Tremec TKX swap in late 23 and he paid closer to $7000 without a drive shaft.
Is this the price that you told the wife that you paid?

View attachment 1788724

Funny you you mention my wife - because I live in Canada and all the BS associated with importing items from the USA, I had the invoice split into two separate invoices - one in my name and the other in my wife's name - saved me several hundreds of dollars in Canadian tax. It sucks to be a Canadian playing with these toys - the all in price in Canadian dollars was closer to 8k. There was / were promotions at SST at the time I placed the order. The driveshaft was not included.

 

[Charlie Brown]

The only way to go if you plan on driving it, I love the 0.64 overdrive. A friend seen mine and installed it in a 1972 RR( had a 883) It is worth the effort.

I agree. It's been on my bucket list for a while. The last time I owned a stick car was a 73 Vega - remember those gems? I do remember though that shifting gears was a hoot.

 

[Charlie Brown]

Couple connectors and some all thread is what I used on mine for the pedal

The rod length is an easy fix - it's the angle at which the two rods intersect that's an issue - there should be no angle at all.

 

[Dennis H]

Got one. You will like the finished product. 2150 RPM @ 72 MPH w/3:54.

 

[tonysrt]

Well if you become the 51st State, might be able to eliminate all those taxes.

 

[icetech]

Well if you become the 51st State, might be able to eliminate all those taxes.

And healthcare.... and self respect....

 

[Sinister B Body]

I've been planning this conversion for 2 years now. I purchased the complete kit from SST Transmissions. For those who are interested, the complete kit was $5700 USD shipped. I've asked for a lot of advice and guidance on this forum which has helped me a lot, and it's probably not the last of it either - I've already run into two glitches. Anyhow, here's my story ----
Started the conversion last week. Taking out the front seat and because the car is a convertible, dropping the top makes interior access a ton easier.View attachment 1788464
Photo of car before I started.
View attachment 1788465
Next the dash comes out for easier access to change the pedals
View attachment 1788469

Pedal assembly removedView attachment 1788475

I had a glitch with the factory 4 speed pedal assembly - I thought the pedals I got with the car were from a 65 B Body, but they turned out to be from a 63 - there is a slight difference in the steering column bracket attachment - see this link to see how I solved this item - 64 Dodge 4 Speed Pedals - Install Issues
As per kit instructions, I removed factory clutch rod pin on the clutch pedal and installed supplied adjustable rod with new pin. I ground off the weld and the factory pin was knocked out.View attachment 1788488View attachment 1788489View attachment 1788490
After mocking up the new pedal assembly and hydraulic slave cylinder in the car, issue number two is apparent. Things don't line up and the connecting rod is to short.
View attachment 1788494View attachment 1788495

I sent a note to SST today with a few pics and will be on the phone with them tomorrow to try and resolve this issue. More to come!

I am waiting on my Tremec Magnum 6 speed kit to arrive from SST for my 68 Satellite, i ordered it last week, they wanted $8600 and i got it down to $7500 with the Sonnax slip yoke.........looks like its going to take some time but seems to be worth it, my stroker 496 screams on the highway with my 3:73 rear gear and the 4 speed is constantly difficult to shift without missing shifts.

 

[1 Wild R/T]

I am waiting on my Tremec Magnum 6 speed kit to arrive from SST for my 68 Satellite, i ordered it last week, they wanted $8600 and i got it down to $7500 with the Sonnax slip yoke.........looks like its going to take some time but seems to be worth it, my stroker 496 screams on the highway with my 3:73 rear gear and the 4 speed is constantly difficult to shift without missing shifts.

It made my car so much more fun to drive... I had an O/D before but having the third pedal is a smile generator....

Mine being an E body the shifter is more complicated & probably doesn't shift as well as yours will.. I'm comfortable grabbing 2nd near 6500 but 2nd to third I tend to short shift around 5500.... As it gets worn in hopefully the 2-3 gate will get easier...

 

[PRND21]

I put a TKO600 in my 65 Belvedere in 2008. It has the .87 5th gear. I used the stock clutch linkage, I had to modify the engine side of the torque shaft pivot to correct the geometry, but other than that it works fine. I didn’t want to pay the $600+ for the hydraulic unit. My only complaint with the transmission is that you can’t shift 2nd to 3rd very fast, but I understand that they cured that problem with the TKX.

 

[1 Wild R/T]

I put a TKO600 in my 65 Belvedere in 2008. It has the .87 5th gear. I used the stock clutch linkage, I had to modify the engine side of the torque shaft pivot to correct the geometry, but other than that it works fine. I didn’t want to pay the $600+ for the hydraulic unit. My only complaint with the transmission is that you can’t shift 2nd to 3rd very fast, but I understand that they cured that problem with the TKX.

So it hasn't improved? Mine is also a TKO... Originally purchased back in 04 but the car never got finished.. When it finally ran the guy decided he didn't like the ratios... So I got just the transmission for a smokin deal... I have less than 2K including all the parts I sourced to make it a complete deal... So if it never gets better I guess I can live with it... But I'm hoping it will improve... Oh, I added the carbon Fiber lined blocker rings & brass shift fork pads.... Maybe that'll help...

 

[PRND21]

I was told the TKO could be made better with a rebuild using newer designed parts, I don’t really feel like pulling the trans right now. I’ve got other things more important to do, I’ll live with it. It did get better as it got broken in, after about 600 - 800 miles it got easier to shift faster, but the way the shifter/shift rails are designed I don’t think it could ever be as easy to shift as a Hurst.

 

[1 Wild R/T]

I was told the TKO could be made better with a rebuild using newer designed parts, I don’t really feel like pulling the trans right now. I’ve got other things more important to do, I’ll live with it. It did get better as it got broken in, after about 600 - 800 miles it got easier to shift faster, but the way the shifter/shift rails are designed I don’t think it could ever be as easy to shift as a Hurst.

Yeah, the newer parts are the blocker rings & shift pads... It was also suggested to increase the preload on the mainshaft bearings which I did... It's probably got around 900 miles since it was new but only 400 since I rebuilt it with the upgraded parts.... I also sent out the gears & sliders for Micropolish & Cryogenic Processing