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70 CHALLENGER 5 SPD CONVERSION
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70 CHALLENGER 5 SPEED CONVERSION


70 Challenger 440 auto 391 gears Fresh 440, very clean above average driver

This car began life as a Challenger 'Deputy', or coupe, with stationary back windows, and who-knows-what for an engine. It has been turned into a very clean, simple near show quality driver with R/T options and stripes. It has a very strong, fresh 440 with a console automatic and 391 gears. Everything is fine and it runs well except it just feels like it needs another gear when you get it on the highway. We will be upgrading it to a Keisler 5-speed with hydraulic throw out bearing to give it that something extra to make it a more wide range cruiser, as well as a hard launching street brawler. We will be taking pictures along the way to give you an idea how the transformation from auto to 5-speed looks during the process.    

Steam cleaned before removal Removed old unit
First thing is to get it up in the air, clean it off and remove the automatic trans and exhaust. Depending on the manifolds you use, or the headers, and the system thats hooked up from there, some exhaust modification may be needed. Generally the Keisler transmissions and bellhousings are designed around stock exhaust manifolds and systems and will also work with TTI systems, without modification. Shorty headers or custom stuff may get in the way so be prepared for that.

TKO-600 complete kit New bellhousing

This is what the complete kit looks like all laid out on the floor. Custom built TKO-600 Tremec 5 speed with .64 5th gear, new crossmember and mount, speedometer cable, wiring harness for reverse lights, roller pilot bearing, new titanium-aluminum bellhousing with inspection cover, 130 tooth billet flywheel, 10.75 500# clutch, hydraulic throw out bearing, clutch pedal kit and sheetmetal shifter hump. Oh yeah, new pistol grip shifter handle with neat looking TKO logo on the side instead of the Hurst name and a 5 speed pattern on top.  Tons of grade 8 attaching hardware clearly labeled for putting it all together, instructions that are easy to understand and templates to do any modifications. The only thing that doesnt come with it is the driveshaft, which is sent only after everything is installed and you give them a measurement. Saves guesswork and doing it twice. The picture on the right shows the new Keisler bellhousing. You have 3 choices: send them one of your bells to have it machined to fit the transmission, buy their Lakewood scattershield that has been machined, or buy their new casting made from a titanium-aluminum alloy. Just a suggestion here--get their bellhousing, it will fit the best and be easiest to work with if you have to service the clutch or throw out bearing. Scattershields are too heavy and suck to try and work around, as well as you have to clearance them to fit certain TTI exhaust. You send them your 30+ year old bellhousing and its not worth the money due to its age. Just get their bellhousing and be done with it correctly the first time. If you are worried about meeting tech at your racetrack, buy a blanket for it.

This is a comprehensive kit that works well. Dont try and short cut, or pinch a penny here and there. You are buying the highest quality available so get it all from the same place. If there is a problem, you will know where to go for answers.


Cut here (template provided) Seam sealed

Templates are provided to clearance the tunnel for the larger case of the Tremec transmission. First cut the hole for the shifter to come through, tack in the 4 speed hump, then cut the forward clearance hole. Its a good idea to fit the trans in the car at this time, with the crossmember in place, just to see how much room you need between the trans and the new piece. The actual clearance you gain is minimal but very needed. Using a large towel, or foam rubber in between the trans and plate will give you enough clearance that you wont have rattles from too tight a fit. Try not to catch on fire the material you use for the spacing, when tacking it in place. Once its all tacked in, use some type of seam sealer to seal the edges. Coating everything with POR 15 or similar products is cheap insurance that it wont rot off or have a noticeable different visual appearance from below, and helps it hold undercoating better. Once the carpet is in, you wont be able to tell anything is different from the top.

Check the condition of the floors before you start cutting, as repaired floors or ones needing repair will take extra time and money. Basically make sure you have something to tack weld to.