5/6 speed conversion from top loader

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   Guys, I'd like to see what info is out there on conversion from the top loader to a newer manual trans.
IE=TKO600

I've been looking around the last week, and I'm seriously planning on converting over my top loader.
I'm just tired of not running deeper gearing and getting passed by a Prius at 75.

I'd like to keep the side track conversations limited and to the point...my coil spring thread sort of went waayyyyy sideways and scattered at times. {no offense just noticed things got spread out}

I've noticed on ebay, a seller AMP Performance has a number of offerings and options.
Here is what I had emailed, and his reply:

Hi, I just sold my yellow '72 Gran Torino to a guy in Australia. 

Yes,
 the short shaft kit would be $200 installed. Yes, the S&S kit for 
$495 is a great idea which we can install at the same time we swap input
 shafts.

No, the reverse pigtail harness is additional $20. 

Yes, a steel 164 tooth flywheel would be $299 and 11" clutch kit $399.

Yes, a QT steel safety bell would be $500.

Warranty on all above parts including TKO is one year. 

If you have any further questions please let me know. 

Thanks again,
Tom Thompson
Vice President
602-437-2727 ex105
800-454-8387 ex105
22 Years Service
Click "respond" to reply through Messages, or go to your email to reply

From: eliteman76
To: ampperformance
Subject: Details about item: eliteman76 sent a message about TREMEC TKO 600 TCET-5008 OR TCET-4617 FORD BASIC KIT #370656226690
Sent Date: Feb-01-13 22:22:18 PST

Dear ampperformance,

Hi-
Am am looking at the TKO600 and curious, I would be replacing the original top loader in my 72 Gran Torino with the TKO.
You mention swapping out the front shaft for the shorter unit to work with the stock bell.
Does the trans include a pig tail for the reverse lights?

Also,
 I saw there is a SS upgrade kit for better rings and rod. Is this 
something you guys can install at the same time of swapping the input 
shaft?

Also, do you offer any HD 11" clutch kits and replacement 
fly wheels specific for a 351 Cleveland with the factory imbalance? Also
 considering a replacement safety bell house.

What is the warranty on the TKO?

Thanks

- eliteman76 

TREMEC TKO 600 TCET-5008 OR TCET-4617 FORD BASIC KIT
Item Id: 370656226690
End time: Feb-21-13 09:48:32 PST
Seller: ampperformance (7855)
99.6% Positive Feedback
Member since Feb-25-04 in United States
Location: AZ, United States
Listing Status: This message was sent while the listing was active.

In this reply, one of the things I was not aware of is a TKO600 is a 26 spline input, which means my HD clutch kit is unable to be reused.
So, I am looking at needing replace my clutch kit.
 I've noticed a lot of kits that say 10.5", and not 11" {like the original Torino 351C specific unit.}
I don't see an issue with a lighter car having 10.5", but I still think a heavier car from the intermediate line should have the 11". 
Add on the fact my flywheel, while I have had it checked. And rechecked. And a new ring gear installed, is the original cast flywheel that presumably came with my car.
Flywheel options: Steel, Aluminum with replaceable insert
There is an adder for a short shaft kit.
Side step: Lower torque rating, 10 spline input:
TKO500, with a 10 spline input.
Clutch kit options for street
Stage 1 vs Stage 2
Preferred, QUALITY clutch kits. No pep-boys, autozone china made crap!
Borg-N-Beck, 3 finger, or Diaphragm style late model
Installation issues:
Mechanical linkage vs cable vs hydraulic
Cable conversion kit {IE CJ pony parts, 71-73 mustang cable conversion kit 
Hydraulic conversion parts
Run caveman mechanical, KISS methodology {my favorite} 
Speedo -  Mechanical cable or electronic sensor options.
reverse light
Hey, this thing uses ATF??! Not 80-90 weight??!
Now, another option that caught my attention is the Keisler Engineering, all new design. Information off their site shows a blurb about it being based off the t-45/t-56 transmissions.
Their "Perfect-fit" manuals avoid issues of cutting and butchery of the floor pan / trans tunnel. I did email them this weekend about what they have to offer.
I also discussed things with American Drivetrain they advertise on a few forums I reside on and see a fair amount of their stuff advertised on Speed and Spike network car shows.
Side things, looking around, google searches, forum searches, notice 2-3 shift issues mentions on the TKO. I did look into an upgrade on the TKO for the synchronizer rings, and the pads for the shifter forks. Overkill? Possibly. But I like to bangshift my car. Old habits die hard.
I'm looking to build a better consolidation for updating manual transmissions. 
If needed, we can do a separate thread for auto-to-manual conversions, but I'd like to keep this one on topic.
Curious on thoughts here.
Lastly, I know a lot of things depend on how a car is set up, but tire size, and rear end gearing as well.
I've considered a couple options for myself, and debated about running my 3.50 gearing again. Part of me wants to bump up higher though...run a 3.73 or a 3.89 ratio. With a .63/.64 OD, the rev's would be tolerable at highway speed, and...well, fun as hell on take off.