Converting a vehicle that left the factory with an automatic (or a compromise setup like a dual-mass flywheel) to a proper manual transmission is one of the most satisfying upgrades a driveline can receive, but it is also one of the most parts-intensive. The kits I cover here take very different approaches to that job, and the right pick depends almost entirely on what you are starting with. If you are swapping a small-block Ford and want a complete, high-capacity package, my top pick is the Speedway Motors SBF TKX 5-Speed Transmission and Clutch Conversion Kit (28-Balance), which bundles the transmission, a Ram dual-disc clutch, bellhousing, and hardware in one box rated to 600 lb-ft. If your engine uses a 50 oz balance, the near-identical Speedway Motors 50 oz Balance kit is the smarter match, and choosing incorrectly between the two will cause vibration problems no amount of tuning will fix. Finally, for Cummins-powered Ram 2500/3500 owners who already have a G56 manual and simply want to eliminate a failing dual-mass flywheel, the Southeast Clutch solid flywheel conversion kit is a targeted fix rather than a full swap. The main tradeoffs throughout this roundup: kit weight (203–207 pounds of freight and install logistics), narrow engine and balance compatibility, and the difference between a full transmission conversion and a clutch-and-flywheel refresh.
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Key Takeaways
- Three of the four kits are Speedway Motors Tremec TKX packages for small-block Fords; the deciding factor between them is your engine’s crankshaft balance (28 oz, 0 oz, or 50 oz), so verify this before ordering.
- All three TKX kits share the same 600 lb-ft torque rating, 750 hp support, 7,500+ RPM shift capability, and Ram 10.5-inch dual-disc clutch, so you are choosing on balance spec and hardware details, not on performance.
- The Southeast Clutch kit is not a transmission swap at all — it converts a Cummins Ram’s dual-mass flywheel to a solid flywheel, so it only makes sense for trucks that already have a G56 manual.
- Every kit in this lineup is heavy and application-specific; none is a universal fit, and all four require mechanical confidence or professional installation.
- The dual-disc clutches in the TKX kits are designed to pair strong holding power with stock-like pedal effort, which matters if the car will be driven in traffic rather than only at the track.
| Speedway Motors SBF TKX 5-Speed Transmission and Clutch Conversion Kit, 28-Balance |  | Best Overall for 28 oz-Balance Small-Block Fords | Brand: Speedway Motors | Transmission: Tremec TKX 5-speed manual | Engine compatibility: Ford small-block | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| TKX 5-Speed Transmission and Clutch Conversion Kit for Small-Block Ford |  | Best for 0 oz Internally Balanced Builds | Brand: Speedway Motors | Transmission: Tremec TKX 5-speed manual | Compatibility: Small-block Ford (0 oz internal balance) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Speedway Motors Small-Block Ford TKX 5-Speed Transmission and Clutch Conversion Kit, 50 oz Balance | | Best for 50 oz-Balance Later Small-Blocks | Manufacturer: Speedway Motors | Transmission: Tremec TKX 5-speed manual | Engine compatibility: Small-block Ford (50 oz balance) | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Clutch and Solid Flywheel Conversion Kit for Dodge Ram 2500/3500 5.9L/6.7L Cummins with G56 Manual Transmission |  | Best for Cummins Ram Dual-Mass Flywheel Elimination | Brand: Southeast Clutch | Model: Premium Clutch Flywheel | Manufacturer part number: 05-124SMF-1 | VIEW LATEST PRICE | See Our Full Breakdown |
| dual-clutch to manual conversion kit | Brand | Transmission | Clutch | Horsepower support |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Speedway Motors SBF TKX 5-Spee | Speedway Motors | Tremec TKX 5-speed manual | Ram Concept 10.5-inch dual-disc | Up to 750 hp |
| TKX 5-Speed Transmission and C | Speedway Motors | Tremec TKX 5-speed manual | 10.5-inch dual-disc | Up to 750 hp |
| Speedway Motors Small-Block Fo | — | Tremec TKX 5-speed manual | Ram Concept 10.5-inch dual-disc | Up to 750 hp |
| Clutch and Solid Flywheel Conv | Southeast Clutch | — | — | — |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Speedway Motors SBF TKX 5-Speed Transmission and Clutch Conversion Kit, 28-Balance
This is the kit I would point most small-block Ford builders toward, provided the crankshaft balance matches. It pairs the Tremec TKX 5-speed with a Ram Concept 10.5-inch dual-disc clutch, a steel bellhousing, and the fasteners and instructions needed to complete the swap, all rated for up to 600 lb-ft of torque and 750 horsepower with 7,500+ RPM shift capability. The value here is not any single component but the fact that the pieces are engineered to work together — you are not cross-referencing a bellhousing from one supplier against a clutch from another and hoping the stack height works out.
Compared with the 0 oz and 50 oz versions of the same kit, this 28-balance package targets the most common externally balanced small-block Ford setups, which is why I placed it first. The dual-disc clutch is the standout for street-driven cars: two smaller discs spread the clamping load, which translates to strong holding power without a leg-press pedal, a real advantage if the car sees commuter miles between track days. The tradeoff is weight — at 203 pounds, this is not a one-person delivery or install, and you will want an engine hoist or transmission jack, a helper, or both.
Buyers should also confirm their existing setup: this kit replaces the transmission and clutch side of the equation, but you will still need the correct driveline, crossmember, and shifter booted to the cabin. For anyone chasing a modern overdrive 5-speed behind a classic Ford small-block, though, this is the most complete and best-rounded package in the lineup.
Pros:- Bundles transmission, dual-disc clutch, steel bellhousing, fasteners, and instructions in one matched package
- Rated for builds up to 750 hp and 600 lb-ft with 7,500+ RPM shifts
- Dual-disc clutch design delivers strong holding power with smoother engagement than a comparable single-disc
- Complete kit avoids the fitment guesswork of piecing together components from multiple suppliers
Cons:- Fits only specified 28-balance Ford small-block applications — order the wrong balance and the drivetrain will vibrate
- The 203-pound item weight makes handling, delivery, and installation genuinely difficult without proper equipment
Best for: Owners of 28 oz externally balanced small-block Ford engines who want a complete, high-capacity TKX 5-speed conversion with street-friendly clutch manners
Not ideal for: Anyone with a 0 oz internally balanced or 50 oz balanced engine, or builders who lack the equipment to handle a 203-pound shipment and install
- Brand:Speedway Motors
- Transmission:Tremec TKX 5-speed manual
- Engine compatibility:Ford small-block
- Clutch:Ram Concept 10.5-inch dual-disc
- Balance:28
- Torque capacity:Up to 600 lb-ft
- Horsepower support:Up to 750 hp
- Shift capability:7,500+ RPM
- Manufacturer part number:91029056-28
Our verdict“This is the most complete and versatile conversion in the group, provided your engine’s 28 oz balance matches — the combination of TKX gearing, dual-disc clutch behavior, and 600 lb-ft capacity covers street and performance builds alike.”
TKX 5-Speed Transmission and Clutch Conversion Kit for Small-Block Ford
Physically and functionally, this kit is a sibling of my top pick — same Tremec TKX 5-speed, same 10.5-inch dual-disc clutch, same 600 lb-ft and 750 hp ceiling — but it is built for 0 oz internally balanced small-block Ford engines. That distinction sounds minor and is anything but: an internally balanced crank does not require counterweighting on the flywheel or flexplate, and installing a 28 oz or 50 oz kit on such an engine will shake the entire driveline apart over time. This is why the balance spec, not the performance numbers, is the entire reason to choose this kit over the other two Speedway packages.
Where this version earns its own identity is in the details of the listing: it highlights forged shafts, billet hardware, and ARP fasteners, along with detailed installation instructions. Compared with the 28-balance kit, the practical difference is negligible on paper — the same clutch is described as offering stock-like pedal effort, which is a genuine blessing in stop-and-go driving for something rated at this torque level. The weight lands at 207 pounds, a few pounds heavier than its siblings, which matters only for freight handling rather than vehicle dynamics.
I would recommend this to anyone building a stroker or aftermarket-crank small-block where internal balancing is common. If you are unsure of your balance spec, sort that out before anything else — this entire family of kits punishes guesswork.
Pros:- Full conversion package with transmission, clutch, bellhousing, and hardware included
- Forged shafts, billet hardware, and ARP fasteners add durability for high-output builds
- Dual-disc clutch provides strong holding power with stock-like pedal effort
- Detailed installation instructions help guide what is otherwise a complex swap
Cons:- Fits only 0 oz internally balanced small-block Ford applications
- At 207 pounds, it is the heaviest kit in this roundup to receive and install
Best for: Builders running internally balanced small-block Ford engines, including many aftermarket-crank and stroker builds, who want the full TKX package
Not ideal for: Anyone with an externally balanced engine, or a buyer who has not yet confirmed their crankshaft balance spec
- Brand:Speedway Motors
- Transmission:Tremec TKX 5-speed manual
- Compatibility:Small-block Ford (0 oz internal balance)
- Clutch:10.5-inch dual-disc
- Torque capacity:Up to 600 lb-ft
- Horsepower support:Up to 750 hp
- Maximum shift RPM:7,500+ RPM
- Model number:91029056-0
Our verdict“The right choice when — and only when — your small-block Ford is internally balanced, offering the same 600 lb-ft TKX performance as its siblings with hardware details suited to serious builds.”
Speedway Motors Small-Block Ford TKX 5-Speed Transmission and Clutch Conversion Kit, 50 oz Balance
Rounding out the trio, this version of the TKX conversion kit targets 50 oz externally balanced small-block Ford engines — the balance spec used on many later 5.0L and related applications. The core package mirrors my top pick almost exactly: the same Tremec TKX 5-speed, the same Ram Concept 10.5-inch dual-disc clutch tuned for smooth engagement and stock-like pedal feel, the same steel bellhousing and ARP fasteners, and the same 600 lb-ft / 750 hp / 7,500 RPM ratings. If your crank calls for 50 oz counterweighting, this is not a compromise pick — it is the only correct pick among the three.
What separates it in practice from the 28-balance kit is purely the balance weight integrated into the rotating assembly, and that is exactly how it should be. Buyers get the same complete-package benefit: transmission, clutch, bellhousing, and hardware in one delivery rather than a months-long scavenger hunt across parts counters. Like its siblings, the 203-pound shipping weight is the main logistical hurdle, and installation remains a two-person job with proper support equipment.
I ranked this third only because 50 oz applications are a narrower slice of the market than 28 oz builds — not because the kit is any lesser. For the right engine, it is every bit the equal of my top pick, and choosing it over the others is not a preference decision but a mechanical requirement.
Pros:- Complete package with transmission, Ram dual-disc clutch, steel bellhousing, and ARP hardware
- Same 600 lb-ft and 750 hp capacity as the other TKX kits in this lineup
- Clutch designed for smooth engagement and stock-like pedal effort despite high torque ratings
- Machined exterior finish and quality fasteners throughout
Cons:- Limited to specified 50 oz-balance small-block Ford applications
- Heavy 203-pound kit requires serious lifting equipment for installation
Best for: Owners of 50 oz externally balanced small-block Ford engines — including many later 5.0L applications — who want a complete TKX conversion
Not ideal for: Anyone with a 28 oz or 0 oz balanced engine, or shoppers expecting a kit that fits multiple balance specs
- Manufacturer:Speedway Motors
- Transmission:Tremec TKX 5-speed manual
- Engine compatibility:Small-block Ford (50 oz balance)
- Clutch:Ram Concept 10.5-inch dual-disc
- Maximum torque:600 lb-ft
- Horsepower support:Up to 750 hp
- Maximum shift speed:7,500+ RPM
- Hardware:ARP fasteners
- Model number:91029056-50
Our verdict“The mechanically mandated choice for 50 oz-balance small-block Fords, delivering identical performance and completeness to my top pick for the engines it fits.”
Clutch and Solid Flywheel Conversion Kit for Dodge Ram 2500/3500 5.9L/6.7L Cummins with G56 Manual Transmission
This kit plays an entirely different game from the three TKX packages, and understanding that distinction is the key to using this roundup well. It does not convert an automatic truck to a manual — it is designed for 2005–2014 Ram 2500 and 3500 trucks with the 5.9L or 6.7L Cummins diesel that already have the G56 six-speed manual, and its job is to replace the factory dual-mass flywheel with a solid one. The dual-mass unit was engineered for refinement, but under sustained towing and hauling loads it is a known failure point, and converting to a solid flywheel with a matching clutch is the standard durability fix.
The kit includes the pressure plate, clutch disc, solid flywheel, alignment tool, and pilot bearing, which covers the parts you actually touch during the job. Compared with the Speedway kits, this is a far lighter, cheaper-in-scope project: no transmission swap, no bellhousing sourcing, no balance-spec detective work. The tradeoff is that it solves a narrower problem. If your Ram still has an automatic transmission, none of this helps you.
One issue I want to flag honestly: the listing’s fitment years are inconsistent — the description says 2005–2014 while the title references 2018. Buyers should verify their specific truck against the manufacturer part number (05-124SMF-1) and transmission code before ordering, because a clutch kit that almost fits is a very expensive paperweight. For the right truck, though, this is exactly the kind of targeted, towing-ready conversion that keeps a workhorse Ram on the road for another decade.
Pros:- Replaces the failure-prone OEM dual-mass flywheel with a durable solid unit
- Specifically designed for towing, hauling, and high-torque diesel duty
- Includes pressure plate, clutch disc, flywheel, alignment tool, and pilot bearing in one kit
- Much simpler project scope than a full transmission conversion
Cons:- Fitment is limited to specified Cummins Ram models already equipped with the G56 manual
- Listing fitment is inconsistent — description says 2005–2014 while the title references 2018
Best for: Cummins-powered Ram 2500/3500 owners with the G56 manual who tow or haul heavily and want to eliminate a failing dual-mass flywheel
Not ideal for: Anyone whose Ram has an automatic transmission, or buyers who have not verified fitment against the part number due to the listing’s inconsistent year coverage
- Brand:Southeast Clutch
- Model:Premium Clutch Flywheel
- Manufacturer part number:05-124SMF-1
- Vehicle fitment:Dodge Ram 2500/3500, 5.9L or 6.7L Cummins Turbo Diesel
- Transmission compatibility:G56 6-speed manual
- Flywheel type:Solid
- Included components:Pressure plate, clutch disc, solid flywheel, alignment tool, pilot bearing
Our verdict“The right tool for one specific job: converting a G56-equipped Cummins Ram from a dual-mass to a solid flywheel for towing durability — just confirm your truck’s fitment before ordering.”
How We Picked
Because a conversion kit is a big-ticket, application-locked purchase, I focused my evaluation on the criteria that actually determine whether a kit works in a given garage. Compatibility precision came first: with balance specs, bellhousing patterns, and transmission families all in play, a kit that fits the wrong engine is worthless regardless of quality. I then weighed completeness — whether the package includes the clutch, flywheel-side hardware, bellhousing, fasteners, and instructions, or whether buyers will need to source a long list of extras to finish the job. Capacity ratings mattered as well, since a kit rated at 600 lb-ft and 750 hp suits very different builds than one designed for stock output. I also considered hardware quality (ARP fasteners and steel bellhousings are a meaningful differentiator at this level), clutch design (dual-disc setups with stock-like pedal effort versus heavier single-disc alternatives), and the practical reality of shipping and installation weight, which exceeds 200 pounds on the full transmission kits. Finally, I checked listing accuracy — where a product’s title and description disagree on fitment, buyers deserve to know before they order.
| dual-clutch to manual conversion kit | Brand | Engine compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Speedway Motors SBF TKX 5-Spee | Speedway Motors | Ford small-block |
| TKX 5-Speed Transmission and C | Speedway Motors | — |
| Speedway Motors Small-Block Fo | — | Small-block Ford (50 oz balance) |
| Clutch and Solid Flywheel Conv | Southeast Clutch | — |
Factors to Consider When Choosing Best Dual-clutch To Manual Conversion Kits
A conversion kit is one of the least forgiving purchases in the automotive hobby, because nearly every failure mode comes down to mismatched parts rather than poor quality. Here is what I would check before clicking buy on anything in this roundup.Confirm Your Engine Balance Before Anything Else
Three of the four kits here look nearly identical on paper but are separated by crankshaft balance spec — 28 oz, 0 oz, or 50 oz. Installing the wrong one introduces a rotational imbalance that no amount of tuning fixes and that can destroy bearings and seals over time. Check your crank, flexplate, or factory documentation before ordering, because the balance spec is a mechanical requirement, not a preference.
Full Transmission Swap or Flywheel Conversion?
The Speedway TKX kits are complete transmission conversions: they replace an automatic (or older manual) with a modern 5-speed, which means driveline, crossmember, shifter, and clutch hydraulics work. The Southeast Clutch kit is a component-level conversion for trucks that already have a manual — it swaps a dual-mass flywheel for a solid one. These solve different problems, and buying the wrong category wastes both money and garage time.
Match Capacity to Your Build, With Headroom
The TKX kits are rated for 600 lb-ft and 750 hp, which comfortably covers most naturally aspirated and moderately boosted small-block Fords. The Cummins kit is built around diesel towing torque. Size your kit to your engine’s realistic output plus a margin for future upgrades — a clutch that is marginal today becomes a liability the moment you add power.
Factor In the Physical Reality of Installation
The TKX kits ship at 203–207 pounds. That means freight delivery logistics, a quality transmission jack, and ideally a second pair of hands. Even the Cummins kit, while lighter, involves dropping the transmission to access the flywheel. Budget your time, tools, and help honestly — the kit itself is only part of the project cost.
Verify Fitment Against Part Numbers, Not Titles
Listing text can be inconsistent — one kit in this roundup shows different fitment years in its title versus its description. Before ordering, cross-check your vehicle’s year, engine, transmission code, and balance spec against the manufacturer part number. Returns on 200-pound freight shipments are slow and expensive, so an hour of verification is the cheapest insurance you will ever buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I install one of these conversion kits myself, or do I need a professional shop?
All four kits are installable by a competent home mechanic, but the difficulty varies by category. The TKX transmission kits are the bigger undertaking: you are installing a 203–207 pound transmission, mating a dual-disc clutch, bolting up a steel bellhousing, and addressing supporting items like the crossmember, driveline, and shifter opening — realistically a weekend-to-a-week project with a transmission jack, engine support, and a helper. The Southeast Clutch kit is more approachable but still requires removing the transmission to access the flywheel, which on a heavy-duty Ram is its own workout. If you have never done clutch or transmission work, this is the kind of job where one professional install can be cheaper than fixing a DIY mistake.
What happens if I order the wrong balance spec on a small-block Ford TKX kit?
The engine will run, but the rotating assembly will be out of balance, and that is the trap. An imbalance at crank speed produces vibration that hammers main bearings, front and rear seals, and eventually the transmission input shaft. The damage accumulates over hundreds or thousands of miles rather than appearing immediately, so it is easy to misdiagnose. Because the 28 oz, 0 oz, and 50 oz kits are otherwise nearly identical, always verify your balance spec — from the crank itself, the original flexplate, or your engine builder’s documentation — before ordering rather than guessing from the listing photos.
Why replace a dual-mass flywheel with a solid one on a Cummins Ram?
A dual-mass flywheel uses two plates separated by springs to absorb driveline harshness, which makes for smooth factory manners but introduces a complex component that fails under sustained heavy load — a common fate for worked 5.9L and 6.7L Cummins trucks. A solid flywheel eliminates that failure point entirely and pairs with a clutch designed for towing and hauling torque. The tradeoff is character: a solid flywheel transmits more gear rattle and vibration at idle and low rpm, particularly with the G56. Most owners who tow regularly consider that a fair exchange for durability, but if your truck is a gentle daily driver, the stock-style behavior may be worth keeping alive.
What does a dual-disc clutch actually feel like compared to a single-disc performance clutch?
The advantage of a dual-disc design is leverage of physics rather than brute clamping force. Two smaller discs provide a large total friction area, so the pressure plate does not need to squeeze as hard to hold the same torque. The practical result, which all three TKX kits advertise, is a stock-like pedal effort despite a 600 lb-ft rating — whereas a single-disc clutch rated for that torque typically demands a heavy, tiresome pedal in traffic. The tradeoffs are cost, complexity, slightly more engagement noise on some setups, and a more expensive rebuild if the clutch wears out. For a car that sees street miles, the dual-disc approach is usually worth it.
Do these kits include everything needed to finish the swap, or will I need more parts?
The TKX kits include the major drivetrain components — transmission, dual-disc clutch, bellhousing, and fasteners — but a full conversion typically still requires supporting items on the vehicle side: the correct driveline length or yoke, crossmember or mount modifications, shifter boot and handle, clutch hydraulics or linkage, and fluid. The installation instructions included with the kits help identify what is vehicle-specific. The Southeast Clutch kit is closer to truly complete for its scope, covering the pressure plate, disc, flywheel, alignment tool, and pilot bearing, though you will still need fresh fluid and standard shop supplies. Budget for the ancillary parts before you start, because discovering them mid-install is how weekend projects become month-long projects.
Conclusion
Because three of these kits are siblings separated only by balance spec, the right choice is largely determined by what is sitting in your engine bay. For owners of 28 oz externally balanced small-block Fords — the most common configuration — the Speedway Motors SBF TKX 28-Balance kit is my top overall pick: complete, rated to 600 lb-ft, and fitted with a dual-disc clutch that keeps the pedal civilized. If you are running an internally balanced crank or a stroker build, the 0 oz TKX kit is your version of the same package, with forged shafts and ARP hardware for serious output. For later 50 oz balanced engines, including many 5.0L applications, the 50 oz TKX kit is not optional — it is the only mechanically correct option of the three. And if you own a Cummins-powered Ram 2500/3500 with a G56 and you tow hard enough to be eating dual-mass flywheels, the Southeast Clutch solid flywheel kit addresses exactly that problem — just verify your fitment against the part number given the listing’s inconsistent year range. Whatever you choose, verify balance and fitment before ordering: these kits reward precision and punish assumptions in equal measure.
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