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

[CoronetDarter]

View attachment 1810162
I know that I'm within required specs (.005), and I'm at .0025, but I may try to get the numbers closer to zero if I can. There are members who have struggled with getting their numbers within specs and have spent a lot of time getting this right, but maybe the stars were just lined up for me.

I was one of those members that struggled to get within SST specs. It was first-timers learning curve; once I figured it out everything fell into place. You can attempt to drive the TIR down for fun, but it's not necessary. Once the bell is within spec you're good to go. Did you use the RobbMc offset dowels?

 

[Charlie Brown]

I was one of those members that struggled to get within SST specs. It was first-timers learning curve; once I figured it out everything fell into place. You can attempt to drive the TIR down for fun, but it's not necessary. Once the bell is within spec you're good to go. Did you use the RobbMc offset dowels?

I used SST supplied dowels - identical to RobbMc. The price however, is a lot more expensive for the SST dowels. $79 at SST and $39 at RobbMc. I have been dealing with SST with pedal / clutch master cylinder connection issues and they were shipping me an updated item so I asked them to slip in a set of dowels in the same package. Maybe should have done a bit more homework.

 

[savoy64]

I received my offset dowels (.007) this week and installed them. First crack on the dial indicator read .005 TIR - so .0025 total run out. View attachment 1810162View attachment 1810163
I know that I'm within required specs (.005), and I'm at .0025, but I may try to get the numbers closer to zero if I can. There are members who have struggled with getting their numbers within specs and have spent a lot of time getting this right, but maybe the stars were just lined up for me.
While I have the trans out, I took the liberty to change out my oil pan from a 4 qt, unbaffled 187 pan to a baffled, 6 qt max wedge pan.
View attachment 1810167View attachment 1810168
Unfortunately, I was unable to keep my windage tray - they don't agree with each other.
As I was installing the new pan, you guessed it, I pulled the threads out of the block on the last pan rail bolt, which also happened to be the hardest one to install (above the cross member). I wasn't going to accept engine removal to fix this, so I was able to install a bolt that was longer than the original and was able the catch enough "good" remaining threads. The last few turns of the socket was a little nerve racking.

We got lucky on mine. Initial final runout was .003. I had a 727 with 3500 turbo-action converter and valve body, trans cooler, etc. 9 inch pppford with.364 gears and 522 stroker. I can now keep up with traffic on the highway( not being constantly passed by yugos, kias, hyundas , you know). My car actually runs 5-10 degrees cooler and is noticeably smoother/less noisy not to mention better fuel mileage. My only complaint about the TKX is that the 2-3 shift is stiff/balky (Ive got about 2000 miles on it, done in May of 2023). Overall I am a happy camper! Like the max wedge oil pan, we used a 6qt E body pan with windage tray. Had to trim the edges of the k member and massage the front passenger side of the pan with an appropriate tool (hammer)! Your pan is rounder at front passenger side than the Ebody pan. I think you will be very happy with the conversion.