This shot shows the parts...
This shot shows the parts for the conversion: a Keisler-prepped Tremec TKO, balanced chromoly driveshaft, cross member bracket, rubber isolator, speedometer cable with driven gear, needle roller pilot-bearing, wiring, and mounting hardware.
Ugrading classic musclecars is one of the hottest trends in the hobby today. More cars are being modified for "show and go" than ever before. Car owners are taking the necessary steps to make their car not only look good, but drive even better than their late-model daily-driver parked in the driveway. This is one reason the Hot Rod Power Tour has become wildly popular.
Driving a musclecar with steep gears and a TorqueFlite or an A-833 transmission on today's interstates at a sustained high rpm quickly brings several problems to light: driver fatigue, poor fuel economy, and reduced engine and accessory life. Some enthusiasts even keep a spare differential setup with taller 2.78 or 3.23 gears, just to improve this situation. But who wants to swap rearends just so they can drive their car? And what if the rearend is a Dana? When a tall highway ratio is installed, acceleration is quickly sacrificed.
Enter the Keisler Engineering five- and six-speed transmissions for classic cars. Keisler has designed a transmission kit for every popular musclecar, street rod, and truck, including a T56 six-speed for the Dakota R/T. A year ago, we installed a Keisler A-Body five-speed kit in a '70 Duster with great success. what makes the Keisler kit such a good swap for any car or truck is the use of a modern-technology Tremec TKO transmission. with its bigger gears, more efficient and stronger tapered roller-bearings, chromoly steel gears and shafts, the TKO is as tough as it is functional. Keisler engineers the transmission to fit each application and supplies a complete line of installation parts, including the balanced chromoly driveshaft. With a choice of a 3.27 or 2.92 first gear, it provides better around-town drivability, plus butt-in-the-seat acceleration at the stab of the throttle. At the top end, a choice of .82:1 (18 percent overdrive) or .68:1 (32 percent overdrive) ratio offers low rpm in fifth gear, bringing the rpm down to normal levels at 65-80 mph and perfectly meeting the needs of anyone traveling over 55 mph. fuel economy is vastly improved, an added bonus. Keisler states numerous customers are reporting a 30-50 percent fuel-economy increase over an A-833, and a 50-85 percent increase when changing from a Torqueflite automatic to the TKO five-speed. Table 1 shows driving approximately 60,000 miles would pay for the swap alone, not including the reduced wear and tear on the engine, which is a major consideration.
This install also features...
This install also features Keisler's complete hydraulic clutch actuator kit. The hydraulic clutch eliminates all the moving parts of the original mechanical system. It is the easiest way to actuate the clutch, while reducing pedal effort at the same time, and increases header clearances. The system includes an application-specific master cylinder, slave cylinder with release bearing, reservoir, and all fittings and brackets for installation. For 2004, Keisler has changed to an improved hydraulic throw-out bearing. It features a self-centering preloaded bearing, piston with wiper and silicon-molded dust boot, solid adjustable spacer mount, forged aluminum hardened case, and a spring which keeps the bearing in contact with the clutch fingers at all times for quiet consistent operation. Additionally, this unit does not require an air bleeder line like the old model.
Keisler stocks an assortment...
Keisler stocks an assortment of floor tunnel humps, and this is the one used for the B-Body automatic conversion. It is included with the kit at no extra charge. It is shipped flat and then assembled prior to installation.
You want a shifter handle?...
You want a shifter handle? Keisler makes and supplies shifter handles for their kits. The top row is the pistol-grip style, while the lower row represents the classic round-shaft handle. Keisler also makes these handles for four-speed applications. Even Chrysler never made a pistol-grip handle for the A-body, Keisler does. (Keisler's also carries the shifter boots and rings.)
The aftermarket floor shifter,...
The aftermarket floor shifter, front seats, and carpet are removed. The carpet to be reused during assembly.
The automatic tranny, torque...
The automatic tranny, torque converter, flex plate, cooler lines, and driveshaft are also removed. The engine mating flange surface and dowel pins are thoroughly cleaned.
Keisler supplies complete...
Keisler supplies complete instructions for the conversion, including a floor template for marking the required cut-to allow the slightly taller transmission to clear the left side of the floor tunnel hump. The measurement is referenced from the engine to compensate for any variations in engine position. Using an air-saw or cutoff wheel, remove the section of hump.