I already have the TKO 500 transmission but it has a windsor-style bellhousing and I need one for a modular motor. I also need to do a little research on a new clutch.
www.thegearbox.org provides a service for the TKO where they can remedy its poor high-rpm shift characteristics. You need to send them a few parts from your transmission (gear cones for 2nd,3rd,4th) and they modify them in-house. I’m considering this service, depending on how long it takes to get the parts back.
I originally came across your post on allfordmustangs.com, I have a TKO-500 in my 93 Cobra and am also very interested in the Coyote swap. I am curious as to whether or not to use the TKO. I found a bell that would work for the TKO-500; but if I go with a T56 Magnum, my completed car will be pushed back 6-12 months($$$$). What did you decide to do with your project? By the way you have an extremely clean notch, good looking car man.
I’m in the same boat as you. I’d rather have the Magnum – but the price is up there and it will set me back. It seems like I’m in a perpetual state up upgrading things that don’t need upgrading
That said, the TKO is known for hard shifting, especially at higher RPM. This is the same trans that I had when the car had the original pushrod motor and even then, shifting into 3rd at high RPM was a chore – and high RPM for that motor was 5800-6000. I have a feeling that it’s going to be darn near impossible at 7k. Still, I’m going to go ahead and use the TKO and see how it goes. Perhaps a better clutch and a few of the fixes that I’ve seen out there will help the shifting issue. See the links in the blog post for a company that claims to make the shift better.
In the end, I’m planning to get the car running with the TKO and will make the T56 a future project. Will give me something to look forward to, because I can’t leave well enough alone.