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.