Installing Classic Motorsports Group’s
Elite TKO Overdrive Transmission Kit

Into a 1970 SuperBee

By
Jeff Mortenson
Classic Motorsports Group

Overview
This particular car is owned by Randy Bolig, editor of Mopar Muscle magazine. Randy was in the process of doing a full restoration/modification of his 1970 SuperBee including a planned 800+ HP big block motor, upgraded steering, suspension, and brakes. Because of the build-up in progress (no engine, transmission, interior, exhaust system, etc.) this installation was relatively easy to complete.

Installation
Because the TKO is a top loader style transmission (shifter mechanism mounted on top as opposed to the side) it is necessary to enlarge the stock 4-speed shifter opening to allow the top mounted shifter to come through the floorboard. The Classic Motorsports Group kit includes a cutting template to show you where to cut as well as a replacement tunnel patch.

Shifter opening modification

The next step was to test fit the transmission into the tunnel to check for any clearance issues. For ease of test fitting, we did this by only installing the bellhousing to the motor (no pilot bearing, flywheel, or clutch assembly). The TKO was then bolted to the bellhousing and the custom CM5S crossmember was temporarily bolted into place to support the transmission tailshaft. Once in place, we noticed that the front “shifter cover” of the TKO slightly touched the bottom of the tunnel on the passenger side. To take care of this, we marked the tunnel where the interference occurred, removed the TKO, and then we “massaged” the tunnel with a hammer to create the desired clearance.

TKO touching tunnel


Tunnel massaging

With the big block engine on a stand the custom made CM5S roller pilot bearing, new flywheel, clutch assembly, and modified Lakewood scattershield were installed onto the motor. The scattershield is a big block Mopar unit that has been modified by machining the TKO bolt pattern and register bore size into the transmission side of the bellhousing. Additionally, the bellhousing surfaces were machined to within .002” of parallel with each other which is important when installing a TKO. The modified Lakewood is available from Classic Motorsports Group. CM5S also has a reproduction, small block aluminum bellhousing available for the Mopar-to-TKO application. The engine was then positioned in place, supported with a strap, and then the car was then hoisted with the lift.

Modified Lakewood bellhousing installed

The next step was to install the TKO in the same manner as installing a stock transmission. CM5S modifies the tailshaft of the transmission so that the transmission fits below the stock floor pan brace.

Custom CM5S TKO tailshaft fitment under floor pan brace

Crossmember
The Classic Motorsports Group kits include a custom crossmember specifically designed for 1966-70 B-body cars. It is a direct bolt in replacement for the stock cross member requiring no modifications to the car. All of the hardware needed for the crossmember as well as the complete installation is included with the kit.

Custom crossmember


Cross member and transmission installed

Driveshaft
The Classic Motorsports Group kit also includes a custom made driveshaft complete with u-joints and C6 slip yoke. Detailed driveshaft measuring instructions are included with the installation instructions. After measuring, the driveshaft form was faxed to CM5S for processing. The custom driveshafts are built and shipped within 3 days of ordering.
Final under car work
After installing the new driveshaft we then focused on the electrical connections. For the reverse light switch, we simply hooked up the reverse light wires from the stock wiring harness to the reverse light switch located on the driver’s side of the transmission case. The kit includes a custom pigtail connector that easily snaps on to the reverse light switch on the transmission. 
Next, we wired the aftermarket electric speedometer using the electric speedometer connector kit that is included with the kit. A custom mechanical speedometer cable is also available when using a stock speedometer gauge.

Mechanical Speedometer Cable

Before leaving the underside of the car, we filled the transmission with 3 quarts of Pennzoil Syncromesh transmission fluid.

Interior & Console
The custom designed CM5S mid-mount, offset shifter that is included with the Mopar kit is a high quality unit and works excellent in this application. This shifter fits in the stock Mopar center console without having to modify the console in any way. The original Hurst Pistol Grip shifter that came with the car bolted directly the CM5S shifter and the height of the handle was the same as the factory position. The only modification to the shifter handle is the addition of a custom 5-speed bezel to the top of the Pistol Grip – this bezel was included in the kit. All we needed to do was to install the shifter boot, the center console, reinstall the carpet and trim pieces, and the interior was done! You can’t tell there is a 5-speed in the car without crawling under it.

Factory shift stick positioning