Manual OD Trans for 450HP Street/Strip Car

[SuperSport]

Hey Gang,

I am in the process of planning out my next project Camaro......it is an all steel '68 that will be street driven alot, and even going on 500 mile road trips a few times per year.

I want to run 12.00's with it N/A-my plan for power is a hydraulic rollerized BBC, around 450 HP. I know this is easy, but I am wanting some feedback on the transmission selection.

Since the car will be on the highway I am thinking about using a 3.55 gear with OD and 27 or so inch tall tires. Should I use a 6 speed to get a low 1st gear with a 6th gear OD? Or do you think a 5 speed is appropriate?

Need a tranny that will handle some power shifts-10K RPM launches won't happen obviously, but I'm not going to be a candy ass when it comes to banging the gears. Gotta be strong enough to hold up. OEM probably wouldn't be a good choice...

Richmond? TREMEC? Or some thing else?

Please elaborate on why you think a particular tranny would be more beneficial.

[Kurt70s]

While I can't give you an opinion based on actual experience, I've read posts on other boards about guys liking the Tremek TKO transmission. I believe there are different levels for the TKO trans. I'd just try to go with the toughest model, that way you should be safe. I do know that a T-56 6 speed is a swap that guys do perform. I would think that a Camaro may have a big enough trans tunnel for a T-56 to fit into. G-Force transmissions has upgrade parts available for the T-56's, rated upto 900 HP. http://www.longshifters.com

[5.0joe79]

the TKO is a good trans had it in my stang with 500hp to the wheel for 5 years of beating on it and never broke but if you are running index i would suggest an auto.

[rednotch]

find an older tko model if you can, I beaten the shit out of both my older tko and 3550 only thing I ever replace was 2nd gear and the synchro's from abuse at the track.

the redesigned 500/600 series is a crap shoot, I've personaly seen three brand new ones that would not shift into 3rd at all at high rpm, never had that issue with an older one.

[turbocoupejim]

the t56 are pretty nice...theres a guy wit an 04 cobra making over 600 rwhp and the thing is holding up pretty good....but if you want a 5 speed a tremec is the way to go...

[n20capri]

Me and my pop have the TKO 600 and it's an awesome trans!