The floor pan in my Dad's 72 442 needs to be replaced. I would like to install a 5-speed manual in the future. Are there any 5 speed kits that do not require tunnel modification for clearance?

 

The TKX is the best-fitting five speed.

 

Right, but there are various versions of the TKX out there. Some interfere.

 

There is only one TKX GM case that I'm aware of. Shifter location can be varied to fit your application.

 

Ok partner.

 

The TKO, which is available in both 5 and 6 speed, requires tunnel mods.

The TKX was designed with a slimmer profile to be an easy fit into most applications including the GM A Bodies. Some members here have been able to install the TKX with no issues whatsoever. In my case, I had to cut a small relief on the top of the tunnel just behind the shift level. Very minor and completely invisible once carpet is down, with or without a console. I talked to my vendor's tech support and apparently it isn't uncommon for there to be minor clearance issues.

I should mention that I have all new body mounts, and the body was lowered onto the frame after the engine and transmission were installed in the frame.

If using the TKX, you don't need the transmission hump that was factory installed for 4 speed cars, and if you're replacing carpet get carpet for an automatic transmission.






The final hole was a bit bigger but I can't find the photos right now. I made a slightly domed plate to fit over top the hole and used some weatherstrip and self tapping sheet metal screws to secure it.

 

Thanks, that echos what I have read. I wonder if this version would have fit better?

 

What is "that" version? I'm afraid the photo isn't self explanatory.

The TKX is the one you want if you wish to avoid any major tunnel mods.

 

Counterboring the cover looks like an advantage to me over bolt heads.

 

The bolt heads are the same height in both cases. The countbored cover is thicker. Note that the non-counterbored cover has steps where the bolts sit. The photo you posted has the offset shifter location to better fit cars that were originally Muncie-equipped. Any five speed trans will be longer/larger than a Muncie or T10 to accommodate the extra gear sets. You can play with trans mount height but that compromises driveshaft angle.

 

Got it. Thank for explaining.

 

Well, years ago I put a Keisler 5 Speed in my 68. It was the TKO if I remember correctly. We had to modify the floor to the point we just cut out the trans tunnel and made a new one. W/ the carpet installed, it was a non factor.

 

I put a tko600 in my 71 cutlass as an auto to manual conversion. The tko600 is relatively square relative to the hump. So cut most of my auto hump down to the floor and made a flat top tent with sheet metal to fit around the trans. Unless you are looking at the underside of the car or have a trained eye no one will notice.

2 notes:
An automatic carpet fits better over the bigger hump then a manual carpet.

If you have a bench seat and are keeping it i found a factory chevelle 3 speed floor shifter cut shorter with new angled mounting holes worked great. They are available new as a reproduction and at the time where cheap.