Keisler RS 600 5 Speed

[William V.]

Hay everybody

Has anyone installed a Keisler RS-600 5 speed into a C2 or C3 Corvette? Currently I have a 75 t-top with a 388 stroker Muncie M22 and 1965 4.11 rear. This setup is awesome except when I get out on the highway. I plan to replace the 4 speed with the 5 speed in hopes of low RPM highway cursing. (est 70 MPH @ 2200 RPM) .Even though the engine develops 6800 to 7000 my concern is the first gear ratio change from 2.20 to 2.80 which may be too low. Any input on this is greatly appreciated.

Thanks Bill

[Joe T.]

Re: Keisler RS 600 5 Speed

What's 2nd gear in the Keisler RS-600 5 speed?

[William V.]

Re: Keisler RS 600 5 Speed

The ratios are as follows: (1) 2.80, (2) 1.99, (3)1.34, (4) 1.0, (5) 0.67


Bill

[Joe T.]

Re: Keisler RS 600 5 Speed

The reason I asked was: Is 2nd gear with the 4.11:1 too high for daily driving if used as a "first" gear? It must be pretty close to the 2.20 first gear with a 3.70 rear? If my calculations are correct:
2.20*3.70=8.14 final ratio
vs
1.99*4.11=8.18 final ratio.
From EXCEL:
trans diff final
2.2 3.7 8.14 1.99 4.11 8.1789
I thought the 2:20 was available with the 3.70 rear, but I could be mistaken?

[Terry D.]

Re: Keisler RS 600 5 Speed

William
With 4:11 gears there won't be much of a first gear around town. I have 3:70 gears ad start out in 2nd a lot. You might want to check the archives about Keisler, I bought my 5-speed through Classic Chevy, now owned by Hurst. Great tech support and very friendly. If you would like to discuss Keisler or the conversion, call or drop me a line
Terry

[Joe R.]

Re: Keisler RS 600 5 Speed

Hay everybody

Has anyone installed a Keisler RS-600 5 speed into a C2 or C3 Corvette? Currently I have a 75 t-top with a 388 stroker Muncie M22 and 1965 4.11 rear. This setup is awesome except when I get out on the highway. I plan to replace the 4 speed with the 5 speed in hopes of low RPM highway cursing. (est 70 MPH @ 2200 RPM) .Even though the engine develops 6800 to 7000 my concern is the first gear ratio change from 2.20 to 2.80 which may be too low. Any input on this is greatly appreciated.

Thanks Bill

Hi Bill:

I have the Tremec TKO 600 with a 327/300 and a 3.70 rear in my 67. I think the ratios are great for my car, but if you have more torque and a lower rear axle ratio you may have trouble with wheel spin in first gear.

The RS 600 has almost identical ratios but reportedly has smoother shifter and fits a bit better.

[William V.]

Re: Keisler RS 600 5 Speed

Joe


Thanks
Bill

[Tom G.]

Re: Keisler RS 600 5 Speed

Bill,
I have the TKO 600 in my '79. It has the 3.70 rear. The installation was quite challenging since the crossmember is welded in, but the results are worth the effort and the Keisler kit is engineered very well. I am out of first quickly, but cruising on the expressway at 70 in 5th was worth it.