Keisler transmission

[Ken B.]

I got a quote for a 5 sp tremec transmission from this company(Keisler)and was wondering if anyone has dealt with them or used a tremec tranny in any of there cars.

[Joe L.]

Re: Keisler transmission

I got a quote for a 5 sp tremec transmission from this company(Keisler)and was wondering if anyone has dealt with them or used a tremec tranny in any of there cars.

Ken----


I've never dealt with Keisler or owned a Tremec transmission. However, both are well regarded companies.

Keisler is mainly a distributor of Tremec (and other) manual transmissions and related components. They "package" kits which include transmissions and other necessary parts for installation in specific chassis. I think they may also do some actual manufacturing, but they don't manufacture any transmissions.

All Corvettes since 1997 with manual transmissions have used a Tremec T-56 6 speed transmission. All Camaros from 1993 until they went out of production used Tremec T-56 6 speed transmissions. All Dodge Vipers use Tremec T-56 6 speed transmissions. So, Tremec is a well established brand. Most, if not all, Tremec transmissions are manufactured in Mexico since Tremec is a Mexican company. However, there are very few American-manufactured transmissions for use in automobiles being manufactured today. The only one I know of is Richmond Gear which manufactures 4, 5 and 6 speed transmissions.

[Joe R.]

Re: Keisler transmission

The Tremec is indeed a fine transmission but a word of caution to anyone purchasing a Tremec for a 63 thru 67.

When installed they perform beautifully. The key words in that sentence is "when installed". I have seen them drop in a midyear, not a 63 and I have seen them NOT go in with a shoehorn.

As our pride and joys mature (along with self) their bodies tend to droop somewhat on the chassis. Now, I am describing the car and not myself or any of our membership! I believe Tremec is providing a kit now that will lift the body approximately 1/2 inch to facilitate installation.

If your body has relaxed the Tremec will NOT fit so you had better plan on having several friends over for a lifting party (beer included) some Saturday.

Just a word from someone who has traveled that bumpy road a couple of times.

JR

[Jimmy G.]

Re: Keisler transmission

The people at Classic Chevy are a little easier to deal with vs Keisler. It is not a "drop in" and generally requires a fair amount of work. Rewards aftter installation can also be good also. There should be some good past threads on this subject with other peoples highs and lows

[Stuart F.]

Re: Keisler transmission

There have been some good magazine writeups recently as well. They cover the clearance problem in detail, including that it is near impossible to drop engine and trans together and, if nothing else, seems the tunnel insulation has to go. I don't know how many BB's could live with that.

Stu Fox

[Joe L.]

Re: Keisler transmission

I think a big part of the issue here is whether we're talking about a Tremec 6 speed or 5 speed. The T-56 6 speed is a very large transmission. I believe it requires major work to install one of these in any C1, C2 or C3 Corvette. However, the Tremec 5 speed is considerably smaller. While it's certainly not an easy bolt-in sort of thing, I think the problems with retrofitting a Tremec 5 speed would be much less.

The Tremec 5 speed would provide a single over-drive top gear which would be of benefit but it also has less torque handling capacity than a Tremec 6 speed. So, I don't think the Tremec 5 speed would be a good choice for a big block. However, I think it would work quite well for any small block.

[Mark W.]

Re: Keisler transmission

I had the Keisler 5 spd installed in my '66 this past March and love it. As several people have said, spacing can be a problem, but is easily resolved. I visited a local shop in Colorado Springs with experience in installing this trans in mid-years and right away they told me to order the spacing kit(bushings). When I spoke with Keisler, they also recommended ordering the spacing kit, which I did and the shop had no problems installing the transmission. Keisler was very good to deal with and I had absolutely no problems with ordering, technical questions and delivery right to the installation shop.

[Joe L.]

Re: Keisler transmission

I was wrong about the torque handling capacity of the Tremec 5 speeds. Depending upon model, these are rated at 500 or 600 lb/ft. That's considerably greater than any Muncie transmission, so the Tremec 5 speeds ought to be fine for big blocks as well as small blocks.

[Tim S.]

Re: Keisler transmission

Ken,
I have had experience with the Tremec and Kiesler. I like the Tremec trans. You will love the drop in rpm and how the car is cooler and quieter. Kiesler on the other hand, I have a luke warm opinion of. You have to watch how the order is filled. I did a Tremec conversion on a 67 Nova I also own. It took 4 MONTHS to get all the parts! They would just trickle thru. They were happy to charge my credit card in December, but I could not execute the install until April! My next venture with a Tremec, I would try Classic Chevy first.
Tim

[Mark W.]

Re: Keisler transmission

Tim, that is surprising to hear about Keisler as I had a great experience dealing with them. I requested and received a quote from them very quickly. I then called them several times with questions over a couple weeks time while I was also talking to a shop experienced with installing their transmission. My questions were always answered promptly and honestly. When I made the actual purchase, they sent me the purchase order via e-mail and then we went over it one last time on the phone to ensure everything was correct and they shipped it out, as promised, in the next couple days directly to the shop that was going to do my install. When it arrived, I went to the shop to verify everything was there. It all arrived at the same time and the install went off without a hitch. I've put about 1800 miles on the new transmission and I absolutely love it. Shifting was a little stiff in the beginning, but that was expected and explained by Keisler both in the documentation and on the phone. During the first 400-500 miles shifting became smoother and it now shifts like a dream.

[Tim S.]

Re: Keisler transmission

Perhaps they cleaned up their act. I also consulted a local shop that builds some high performance Mopars. They also had similar experiences. Otherwise, I would just write the whole deal to a isolated incident. It happens