1971 Nova - Tremec TKX 5-Speed mounting into LS Swapped Nova

[@trentdawg2832]

U need subframe connectors bro!! Putting a set in with upgraded sway bars was the next best thing i did to mines right after adding a LSA supercharger……american powertrain quoted me $6300 for complete tkx package for my nova…….im very tempted to jump on it

[@BillyFargon]

Check silversport too. It was everything as well and cheaper. I have had subframe connectors sitting at home for over a year waiting to be installed :/

[@buckdusty]

Thanks for the shout out. I'm a KZbin certified mechanic now. LOL

[@BillyFargon]

I agree! Feel free to chime in anytime!

[@Nova.1971]

Good to see the trans in!!! I look forward to each and every new video...... Well done Billy!!!

[@BillyFargon]

Thank you! I really know how to milk an install 😂

[@stanmendoza7871]

It's been a while..... bet you can't wait to drive the Nova. Thumbs up Billy!

[@BillyFargon]

It’s been way too long! I still have a ton to do but I should be driving it this summer 🤞

[@RustyWrenches]

Hell yeah! Looking good. I feel you on the struggle. I finally got out in the garage and started wrenching this weekend.

[@BillyFargon]

Good job! Just getting out there is half the battle.. so tempting to stay inside!

[@Motown454]

Billy why don’t you make a cover plate for the shifter hole and the old hole and screw it down. You can use it as an access for the shifter and you can make a rubber gasket.

[@BillyFargon]

Yeah I could do that.. might consider it depending on how big the hole ends up being..

[@BBBILLY86]

Looking good Bill !! Nice progress and great info on the handle swap.

[@BillyFargon]

Thank you! Wish I would have seen the handle swap before cutting a hole! 😂 oh well

[@CountyGarage207]

I surely enjoy you putting up vidoes! I need to get off my butt, and make more.. going to record one this weekend as I go pick up a 72 Nova I'm buying that's 8 hours away LOL

[@BillyFargon]

Thanks my friend! Another nova! Haha, not gonna lie, I would probably do the same thing :) definitely put a video up on getting it, I want to see it!

[@MrSprintcat]

Hey, good job, wondering what you used for a fly wheel and pressure plate , and through out bearing? If you did a video on that could you link it ? Thank you👍👍

[@BillyFargon]

I got all those parts as part of the kit that silversport transmission put together for the whole swap. I would give them a call and tell them what you have and what’s needed and I know they could get you lined up with all the right stuff :)

[@MrSprintcat]

@@BillyFargon thank you

[@seankrieger483]

Trans shift is crispy, great job on the install I have been subscribed for a while and have been following the build I know it’s been a battle with it and now you can reap the rewards of your labor, looking forward to the next one keep up the progress, thanks for the content

[@BillyFargon]

Sean I always appreciate your kind comments and encouragement. Means a lot, thank you!

[@FirstLast-tx3yj]

@@BillyFargon sir you are a hero There arent many TKX LS swapped videos out there So you have an LQ4 6.0 correct? Please specify which car did you get the tKx from and the things like Clutch/flywheel Pilot bearing Throwoutbearing Bell housing Please do not ignore my comment as I have the same engine as you and want to fit the trans in Thank you very much!

[@BillyFargon]

Mine is an 2003 6.0. As long as you get one from a 2002 or newer you will be all good. Doesn’t matter if it’s from a Tahoe, Silverado, camaro or whatever. It all works. Contact silversport transmission and they can get you lined up with trans and all the components needed :)

[@uscfan92879]

I noticed on an earlier video you had the McLeod throw out bearing, it appears you switched. Can I ask why? About to install a similar set up.

[@BillyFargon]

It wasn’t actually the correct one for the kit. It was during covid supply issues and they sent a substitute and realized it was wrong then they got more of the correct one and sent it instead.

[@cap42]

Glad you got it installed! You going to weld in that plate with the trans installed? Keep the videos coming Billy, I enjoy seeing what your doing. Completely agree that when you have an audience you are more motivated on getting progress

[@BillyFargon]

I was hoping I could get a welding blanket over the trans and just take my time with spot welds for that patch… what do you think?

[@cap42]

​@@BillyFargon For such a small area a welding blanket should be fine. Just watch the heat and make sure sparks won't catch anything around it on fire. For the patch you could go a few different routes, easiest would be to just make a panel a little bigger than the opening and then rosette weld it in, seam seal it and call it a day. Another option is to make the patch exactly to the opening butt weld it in a few spots so it doesn't go anywhere and again seam seal it. This would be a little longer trying to get panel fitment just right and depending on how good the welds come out little to no cleanup of the welds. The last option is same as the 2nd except you seam weld the whole patch in and try and make it look part of the trans tunnel. You definitely want to watch the heat here and you'll most likely need to clean up the welds on both sides which means the trans may be in the way.

[@BillyFargon]

@@cap42 that’s some good info, thank you! I feel the extra time for option 2 may be best. Then next time trans comes out and I do my floor pans up front I can finish weld it then..

[@BluegrassHiker]

Maybe I missed it. Did you have to clearance the floor pan at all ( cut or hammer)? Installing TKX in my 70 Nova and looks the the top of the trans just touches my tunnel.

[@BillyFargon]

On mine it has about a 1/4”-3/8” clear. No mods of pan or tunnel besides shifter hole

[@UCxPdotWee]

Sup brotha , I’m having a hard time getting the input shaft to fully seat , off about 1/4 inch. Any tips for making it go smooth without the fight?

[@BillyFargon]

Your bell housing is about 1/4” away? If so, I struggled the same way.. it’s cause the clutch disc is not perfectly aligned.. even with the tool it can move some. I walked the bolts in super careful but I don’t recommend that. I actually had some clutch pedal the second time I did it and when I pushed it, it pushed the clutch just enough so the disc would be more loose and align if that makes sense :/

[@UCxPdotWee]

@@BillyFargon ok thanks for reply, don’t have a clutch pedal installed at the moment but think I’m going to either install one or I’m hearing put electrical tape around alignment tool and realign

[@BillyFargon]

Hmmm.. haven’t heard of the electrical tape trick. Hopefully that works. I will remember that for next time.

[@UCxPdotWee]

Finally got the tranny in walked away and came back to it 😅 final question did you cut and splice for neutral safety or did you find a pigtail for it. Sorry so many questions brotha!

[@BillyFargon]

Don’t be sorry, no problem at all. I didn’t do anything with neutral safety. Eventually I will.

[@Jonny_trans]

You have any spare motors laying around? I got my truck up and running, your trans harness worked great!! I absolutely TNTed the front 2 cylinders out of my truck

[@BillyFargon]

Dang, that sucks! I just have this older long crank 6.0 I was going to save for the block to put a good rotating assembly in. But it might make more sense to buy like a 5.3 complete on marketplace..