Description
Tremec TKX TCET17805 Transmission Overview
The Tremec TKX Manual Transmissions TCET17805 is a 5-speed manual transmission from Tremec’s TKX product line. It is designed for builders who want the feel and control of a manual gearbox with modern strength, smoother shifting, and better fitment options than many older transmission designs.
This model carries manufacturer part number TCET17805 and Summit Racing part number REM-TCET17805. It is sold individually and is listed with a GM style case, making it suitable for select GM-based performance and restoration applications.
The TKX series is built for vehicles that need a compact manual transmission capable of handling strong street performance. With a listed torque capacity of 600 lb.-ft., engine speed capability up to 8,000 rpm, and shifts up to 7,500 rpm, this transmission is designed for serious performance use while still supporting everyday drivability.
This unit uses a 5-speed gear layout with a 0.68:1 fifth gear overdrive, which helps improve highway cruising compared with traditional 4-speed manual transmissions. For many muscle car and restomod builders, that overdrive gear is one of the key reasons to choose a TKX transmission.
Vehicle Fitment and Common Applications
The Tremec TKX TCET17805 is designed for select GM-style applications. It can bolt up to a standard GM Muncie bellhousing or be used with a compatible QuickTime bellhousing, depending on the vehicle setup and installation plan.
Fitment should always be confirmed before ordering. Important details include bellhousing compatibility, clutch disc spline count, output spline count, driveshaft yoke requirements, shifter position, transmission tunnel clearance, crossmember location, and vehicle-specific installation needs.
This transmission uses a 1.125-inch input shaft diameter with 26 input splines. That means the clutch disc must be compatible with a 26-spline input shaft. It also uses a 31-spline output shaft, so buyers must confirm the correct yoke and driveshaft setup.
The TKX design supports multiple applications with three shifter locations. Its compact, end-loaded layout is designed to provide clearance in many transmission tunnels without requiring floor modifications in many builds, though vehicle-specific confirmation is still important.
This transmission is commonly selected for muscle cars, classic GM vehicles, restomods, pro-touring builds, high-performance street cars, and manual transmission upgrade projects where strength, shift quality, and overdrive cruising matter.
Gear Ratios and Driving Feel
The Tremec TKX Manual Transmissions TCET17805 uses a 5-speed ratio set designed to support strong launch control, flexible street driving, and relaxed cruising.
The first gear ratio is 2.87:1, which helps provide useful low-speed pull without being overly aggressive for many street performance combinations. Second gear is 1.89:1, third gear is 1.28:1, and fourth gear is 1.00:1, creating a traditional direct-drive fourth gear.
The fifth gear ratio is 0.68:1, giving the transmission an overdrive gear for highway driving. This can help reduce engine rpm at cruising speeds when matched with the correct rear axle ratio and tire size.
The TKX is designed for clean, crisp shifting. Tremec uses multi-cone synchronizers and hybrid synchronizer rings made from sintered bronze and carbon to support improved shiftability.
For drivers moving from an older 4-speed manual transmission, the TKX offers a more modern driving experience. It keeps the control and engagement of a manual gearbox while adding an overdrive gear and improved internal design.
Case Design and Internal Strength
The Tremec TKX TCET17805 uses an aluminum case, helping provide strength while keeping weight more manageable than heavier transmission designs. The TKX housing uses a 3-piece aluminum structure consisting of the main case, intermediate plate, and rear extension.
This 3-piece housing design increases case strength and structural stiffness. Stronger case construction is important in high-torque applications because drivetrain load can place serious stress on the transmission body and internal gear alignment.
All gears and shafts are made from special grade steel, listed as ASTM 4615, to support increased torque carrying capability. The wider gear design also helps increase gear life and torque capacity.
The transmission uses caged needle bearings to support the gears and reduce end play. This contributes to smoother operation, better control under load, and improved durability in demanding use.
Tremec also designed the TKX with noise, vibration, and harshness control in mind. The gear layout helps manage stress while reducing unwanted drivetrain harshness during operation.
Shifter and Driver Control
This transmission includes a high-performance short-throw billet aluminum shifter. The shifter is designed to provide clean, crisp gear changes while helping isolate road noise.
A good shifter is important in a manual transmission upgrade because shift feel affects the entire driving experience. The TKX shifter is intended to give drivers a more precise connection to the transmission without the vague feel common in worn older manual gearboxes.
The transmission also uses an internal 3-rail shift system and steel shift components. This supports a robust mechanical shift design for performance driving.
Because the TKX offers multiple shifter location options across the product line, it can support a wider range of vehicle interiors and drivetrain layouts. Buyers should still confirm the exact shifter location and fitment requirements for their specific vehicle before ordering.
For street cars, restomods, and performance builds, the included shifter adds practical value because buyers do not need to source a basic shifter separately.
Key Benefits for Performance Builds
The biggest benefit of the Tremec TKX Manual Transmissions TCET17805 is its balance of compact fitment, torque capacity, and modern manual transmission performance.
With a 600 lb.-ft. torque capacity, this transmission is suitable for many serious street and performance engine combinations. It is designed to handle significantly more power than many original classic manual transmissions.
The 5-speed design gives drivers better flexibility than a 4-speed setup. Lower gears help with acceleration, while the overdrive fifth gear supports better highway manners.
The aluminum case, 3-piece housing, special grade steel gears and shafts, wide gear design, and caged needle bearings all contribute to strength and durability.
The included short-throw billet aluminum shifter improves the overall driving experience. It supports crisp, direct shifting while helping isolate road noise.
For builders upgrading a classic GM vehicle, this transmission can provide a more modern drivetrain feel without moving to an automatic transmission.
Who This Transmission Is Best For
This transmission is best for performance drivers, classic car owners, restomod builders, and professional installers working on compatible GM-style vehicles.
It is a strong choice for buyers who want a 5-speed manual transmission with overdrive, strong torque capacity, and improved shift quality. It is especially useful for muscle car projects where the original transmission no longer matches the power level or driving expectations of the vehicle.
The Tremec TKX Manual Transmissions TCET17805 is also suitable for pro-touring builds, weekend performance cars, street-driven classics, and upgraded vehicles that need better highway cruising than a traditional 4-speed manual gearbox can provide.
This product is not the best choice for buyers who need a complete installation package. It does not include a bellhousing or yoke, and the clutch disc must match the 26-spline input shaft.
It is best for buyers who understand drivetrain fitment or are working with a qualified installer who can match the transmission with the correct bellhousing, clutch, yoke, driveshaft, crossmember, and supporting hardware.
Technical Details and Included Components
The Tremec TKX Manual Transmissions TCET17805 is a new 5-speed manual transmission with a GM style case. It is part of the Tremec TKX Manual Transmissions product line and is sold individually.
This transmission uses a 1.125-inch input shaft diameter, 26-spline input shaft, and 31-spline output shaft. It does not include a bellhousing or yoke, but it does include a shifter.
The ratio set includes a 2.87:1 first gear, 1.89:1 second gear, 1.28:1 third gear, 1.00:1 fourth gear, and 0.68:1 fifth gear. This gives the transmission a useful balance of acceleration and overdrive cruising.
The case is made from aluminum and uses a strong 3-piece housing design. The transmission is not remanufactured and is sold as a new unit.
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | Tremec |
| Product Line | Tremec TKX Manual Transmissions |
| Manufacturer Part Number | TCET17805 |
| Summit Racing Part Number | REM-TCET17805 |
| Part Type | Manual Transmissions |
| Number of Gears | 5 |
| Case Style | GM style case |
| Input Shaft Diameter | 1.125 in. |
| Input Spline Quantity | 26 |
| Output Shaft Spline Quantity | 31 |
| First Gear Ratio | 2.87:1 |
| Second Gear Ratio | 1.89:1 |
| Third Gear Ratio | 1.28:1 |
| Fourth Gear Ratio | 1.00:1 |
| Fifth Gear Ratio | 0.68:1 |
| Torque Capacity | 600 lb.-ft. |
| Engine Speed Capability | Up to 8,000 rpm |
| Shift Capability | Up to 7,500 rpm |
| Case Material | Aluminum |
| Bellhousing Included | No |
| Yoke Included | No |
| Shifter Included | Yes |
| Remanufactured | No |
| Quantity | Sold individually |
Fitment Support and Ordering Notes
Before ordering the Tremec TKX TCET17805, buyers should confirm that the transmission is correct for the vehicle and drivetrain setup. Important details include bellhousing type, clutch spline count, output shaft spline count, yoke compatibility, shifter location, transmission tunnel clearance, driveshaft length, crossmember position, and speedometer or wiring requirements.
This transmission can bolt up to a standard GM Muncie bellhousing or be used with a compatible QuickTime bellhousing. A 26-spline clutch disc is required because the input shaft uses 26 splines.
The transmission does not include a bellhousing or yoke, so these components must be selected separately. Buyers should also confirm that the included shifter location works for the vehicle interior and console layout.
The TKX includes built-in support features such as a reverse light switch and cruise control safety functionality. These features may help with street-driven builds where factory-style drivability and safety functions matter.
Customers can compare this product with other manual transmissions, related Tremec TKX transmission options, compatible bellhousings, clutch kits, yokes, driveshaft components, and shifter accessories when planning a full drivetrain upgrade.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Tremec TKX TCET17805 designed for?
The Tremec TKX TCET17805 is designed for select GM-style applications that need a strong 5-speed manual transmission. It is commonly used in muscle cars, restomods, street performance builds, and classic vehicle upgrades where torque capacity, shift quality, and overdrive cruising are important.
Does this transmission fit a GM Muncie bellhousing?
Yes. The Tremec TKX line is designed to bolt up to a standard GM Muncie bellhousing, or it can be used with a compatible QuickTime bellhousing. Buyers should confirm the full drivetrain setup before ordering.
What clutch disc does this transmission require?
This transmission uses a 26-spline input shaft, so it requires a compatible 26-spline clutch disc. The input shaft diameter is listed as 1.125 inches, and buyers should match the clutch system to the engine, bellhousing, and intended use.
Does the Tremec TKX TCET17805 include a shifter?
Yes. This transmission includes a high-performance short-throw billet aluminum shifter. The shifter is designed to provide clean, crisp gear changes while helping isolate road noise during operation.
What is the torque capacity of this transmission?
The Tremec TKX is rated for 600 lb.-ft. of torque. It is also capable of engine speeds up to 8,000 rpm and shifts up to 7,500 rpm, making it suitable for many serious street and performance builds.
Does this transmission include a bellhousing or yoke?
No. The Tremec TKX TCET17805 does not include a bellhousing or yoke. These parts must be selected separately based on the vehicle, engine, clutch setup, driveshaft, and installation requirements.
What is the benefit of the 0.68 fifth gear?
The 0.68:1 fifth gear provides overdrive for highway driving. When matched with the right rear axle ratio and tire size, it can reduce cruising rpm and make the vehicle more comfortable for longer drives.
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