Tremec TCET18085 TKX 5-Speed Manual Transmission, Ford, 26-Spline

The TREMEC TCET18085 is the Ford-pattern, wide-ratio TKX, built with a Ford-style 4-speed bolt pattern, a 3.27 first gear, and a 0.72 overdrive fifth for Ford-based restomods and street builds that want stronger low-gear acceleration than a closer-ratio build offers. TREMEC caps it at 600 lb-ft of torque, with shift quality good to 7,500 rpm and an overall rev ceiling of 8,000 rpm.

Case construction and shift feel

A ribbed, three-piece aluminum case with gaskets at every flange keeps the unit rigid while staying slim enough for transmission-tunnel clearance in many classic Fords. Multi-cone synchronizers with hybrid synchronizer rings carry the shift, with second stepping down to 1.98 and third to 1.34 before the overdrive, and reverse set at 3.00.

Shifter options and clutch release

A forward-mounted shifter is an option too, though it calls for its own separate conversion kit, not bundled with this transmission; the standard rear-mount position is reversible without one. The input side carries 26 splines, stepping up to 31 at the output. The clutch release stays mechanical from the factory, though aftermarket hydraulic conversion kits exist if you want to switch it over later. Mechanical and electronic speedometer needs are covered, and so are the reverse-light and neutral-safety switches. Fluid capacity is 2.7 quarts.

What does the wide-ratio first gear change? Starting at 3.27 gives more low-end pull than a closer-ratio TKX, at the cost of slightly quicker rpm climbs between gears.

Can the shifter be moved forward? Only by adding a separate forward-conversion kit, which does not ship with this transmission.