The Process

After all the parts and pieces arrived at my mechanic’s shop, we scheduled to begin the project on November 13, 2022. We followed the instructions, disconnected the automatic trans linkage, and then with the truck up on a hoist, removed all the rest of the automatic trans connections, wires, cooling lines, etc. After removing the driveshaft, we used a transmission jack to support and lift the back of the 4L60E. We then removed the transmission cross-member. Then we unbolted the bell housing bolts from the engine and pulled the trans back and then lowered it out of the way.

Next, we installed the flywheel and clutch assembly, then the bell housing. We test fit the trans several times to figure out how many spacers we needed for the clutch and to locate where to cut the hole in the floor for the shift lever. NOTE: This kit does not include a floor shift boot. I finally settled on a 14″ Hurst floor shifter for a Mustang, and a Hurst floor shift boot and mounting ring. I also added an 8-Ball knob instead of the white knob included in the kit.

The Problems

In the process of the first day, we discovered a few problems. The rear transmission seal had been damaged during shipping. Also, when the clutch pedal assembly was put together at the manufacturer, someone had tightened down a bolt without clearing a fitting first, which caused the fitting to be dimpled. Also, when test-fitting the shifter lever, we discovered that it hit my dash in the forward position, and my console in the back position. So, an email and photos were sent to American Powertrain. American Powertrain responded within a day or so and shipped out the replacement parts.

The Driveshaft

American Powertrain did not tell me during the sales process that although the kit is complete, it requires you to measure for the driveshaft after the trans is installed, with the vehicle setting on the ground under normal operating conditions. We did this next, and then I filled out the driveshaft order form on the American Powertrain website. It is important to note that this process adds basically another week to the entire installation because it takes a couple of days for them to make the custom driveshaft, and ship it to you. You cannot do this swap in one weekend!

The Final Touches

The following weekend after Thanksgiving we were able to finish the project. The driveshaft fit perfectly. In my case, it was exactly the same length as the driveshaft I removed, meaning that my 4L60E was the same length as the TKX trans. The clutch pedal assembly also fit under the dash well. We had to move some wiring around, and hook up the backup light switch when in reverse. We were not sure that the hydraulic clutch line connecting the clutch with the slave cylinder was long enough, but finally figured out a way to drill a hole in the firewall that worked. It is very very close to not being long enough!

There were a number of parts included in the kit that I ended up not using. I decided against the reverse lockout feature since I would be the only driver, and I had never driven a manual vehicle with the feature before in my life. I didn’t see why I needed it now.

Also, the double-bend shift lever included in the kit did not work. I returned it and received a single-bend one that did.

First test drive with the 5-speed TKX transmission

The Assessment – Winter 2022

I would say that this kit is a pretty good option for a way to change the transmission feel and performance of your OBS Chevy with the minimum of sourcing time and technical issues. American Powertrain has done a pretty good job of putting this kit together, and their instructions were pretty good. I’d say that their weakness is in customer service and communication. They did not make the entire process clear during the sales process, and I discovered major surprises during the process, rather than being informed at the outset.

They did come through with solutions to every problem, but it took extra time and communication was not always optimal. There were delays and gaps when I did not know what was happening or what to expect. So, if you choose to go with this kit, plan on spending extra time being proactive with American Powertrain.

But, it is very fun to drive!

April 20, 2024 – A Blown Clutch

Last Fall of 2023, I noticed that the clutch would slip a little in 4th and 5th gears. This is after less than 10K miles on it. I put the truck away for the winter and discussed the issue with my mechanic, Paul.

Today, I drove the truck carefully to Paul’s shop and he test-drove it. He confirmed our suspicions that the clutch is shot. I drive the truck pretty conservatively, certainly not hard. The only times I would accelerate hard would be to pass someone on the Interstate or get up to speed on an on-ramp. I do not race, do burnouts or donuts, or anything close to abnormal driving.

I have contacted American Powertrain to get the specs on the clutch that they provided in the conversion kit so that I can assess what clutch to get to replace it. Paul and I think that we need to buy a heavier-duty clutch than the one provided in the kit.

I’ll post more info here as we get into this unfortunate replacement.