Mothballed 1970 Chevelle Convertible Project Car

Build-in-Progress stories is a new feature we have started on the TREMEC blog. These  new features will show cars, trucks and other types of vehicles using TREMEC 5- and 6-speed transmissions while they are being built.

This 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle convertible is a muscle car rescue of sorts; a project that had been mothballed for a number of years. With a new owner, the car is now on-track for completion. Read More “Mothballed 1970 Chevelle Convertible Project Car”

Common TREMEC Transmission Installation and Conversion Mistakes to Avoid

A trouble-free conversion to a TREMEC transmission starts with good planning. Selecting the right transmission for your application and knowing the accessories and parts required will prevent headaches during the installation. To give you the best tips to make installing a TREMEC 5-speed or 6-speed transmission as easy as possible, we interviewed some of our TREMEC Elite Distributors about common challenges and mistakes encountered – and how you can avoid them.  Read More “Common TREMEC Transmission Installation and Conversion Mistakes to Avoid”

Chris Nolff’s 1932 Ford Coupe Highboy Build in Progress

“No bells, no whistles. Just a hot rod.”—Chris Nolff

In this edition of Build-in-Progress, TREMEC is shining the spotlight on Chris Nolff of Michigan and his 1932 Ford highboy classic, outfitted with a TREMEC TKO 600 transmission. The vintage-style Blue Oval is not his first adventure in old iron, having owned other 1932s, as well as a 1937 and 1940. In fact, parked in the home shop next to this project is a 1966 Ford Mustang that he has been renovating simultaneously to be a Pro Street dragstrip car. Read More “Chris Nolff’s 1932 Ford Coupe Highboy Build in Progress”

Tim Casto Wins His First Ever TREMEC Stick Shift Shootout

Tim Casto barely made it to Bowling Green, Kentucky, for the NMRA All-Ford World Finals and to patriciate in the 2020 TREMEC Stick Shift Shootout. He worked late the night before the event to swap ignitions just to get the car running. Then, during one of his test passes, Casto hit fluid near the top end of the track and spun the Electric Red 1993 Mustang LX in a wild 360. Using creative driving, he managed to miss both concrete walls. Read More “Tim Casto Wins His First Ever TREMEC Stick Shift Shootout”

Fastest H-Pattern Stick-Shift LS-Powered Nitrous Car

When you read about a stick-shift car setting a new record in drag racing, it’s never a surprise that the car has a TREMEC transmission. Alan Morgan recently put his name in the record books with his Magnum 6-speed–equipped 2000 Chevy Camaro, running a 5.42 e.t. at 130 mph in the 1/8-mile on nitrous. Read More “Fastest H-Pattern Stick-Shift LS-Powered Nitrous Car”

How to Use the TREMEC Gear Ratio Calculator

When building a vehicle, selecting a TREMEC 5- or 6-speed transmission gives you the opportunity to change the vehicle’s axle gear ratio in order to maximize the driving experience. The TREMEC Gear Ratio Calculator makes it easy to experiment with the affect that various ratios will have on the engine rpm at various speeds, letting you choose the ratio that will be best for the way you want to use your vehicle. Read More “How to Use the TREMEC Gear Ratio Calculator”

TREMEC Transmission Maintenance

Love the great performance and smooth shifting of your TREMEC Magnum 6-speed, TKX 5-speed or T-5 5-speed transmission? We thought so. And regular maintenance will keep your transmission in top-performing condition.

Our transmissions are manufactured to strict original-equipment vehicle manufacturing standards, and they do not require much maintenance. The popular Magnum, TKX and T-5 transmissions are often installed in high-performance or race vehicles that require somewhat regular inspection.

In this article, we’ll provide a rundown of what to check, as well as how to perform an oil change on a TREMEC transmission built for aftermarket use. If you have a transmission that came as factory equipment in a vehicle, we recommend that you follow the vehicle-manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule and procedures.

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For all of this work, the car will need to be elevated to give you access. Secure the car safely using appropriate jack stands. It’s important to check that all transmission and bellhousing bolts are tight, including the transmission mount fasteners. If these work loose, transmission damage can occur.
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Look for signs of oil leaks. Specific areas to check are where the transmission bolts to the bellhousing which could indicate an input-shaft seal leak, where the sections of the case come together and the rear-output shaft seal. Any leaks should be remedied; replacement parts and service are available through TREMEC distributors.
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Also check the driveshaft U-bolt fasteners. If these become loose, it can cause a driveline vibration, and can eventually cause a leak at the rear output seal.
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We recommend that the fluid in a TREMEC Magnum, TKX or T-5 transmission should be changed after its initial 500 miles. The fluid should be changed every 30,000 miles after that. You can use a high-quality Dexron III fluid, or TREMEC HP-MTF™ manual transmission fluid. We developed HP-MTF to provide rugged protection while maintaining responsive shifting. It takes the guesswork out of which oil is correct for my TREMEC aftermarket transmission.
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To drain the transmission oil, locate the drain plug. There are two plugs on the side of the transmission. The lower one is the drain and the upper one is for filling. Use a 3/8-inch square drive in the plug to remove it. Capture the drained fluid and dispose of it properly.
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Once the transmission is completely drained, clean the threads on the plug and apply a mild thread-locking liquid. Insert the plug and tighten until snug – do not overtighten! Then remove the upper plug.
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For most vehicles, you will need to use a pump and hose to get the new fluid into the transmission. Fill the transmission until fluid comes out of the fill hole. Let the excess fluid escape. Apply mild thread locker to the cleaned fill plug and install it in the same way that you did the drain plug. Wipe excess fluid from the outside of the transmission.