ZF pantera transaxle?

PaulGT40 · 12-22-07, 07:50 AM

Can anyone tell me if the Pantera transaxle is OK for a poor mans build?
I am picking up a New Pantera Transaxle connected to a new 351C this morning. It has been in a garage on an unfinished sand rail started in 1978 but never finished. Please help!!

Bob Putnam · 12-22-07, 08:40 AM

The Pantera unit is good for any build, as long as it fits into your current chassis. It can run in its current (Pantera) orientation or inverted (original GT layout) with a new bellhousing and some internal modifications.

PaulGT40 · 12-22-07, 08:45 AM

Thanks for the reply, Why a bell housing? the engine is attached now. I am building the frame ground up. I am not trying to reproduce a perfect replica, just a close approximation, just can't afford the real deal, doing this for my son, a 21 year old who fell in love the first time he seen a GT40

Dean Lampe · 12-22-07, 09:34 AM

Paul, That transaxle is what everyone is looking for. The original cars ran the ZF (Pantera) transaxle inverted which really isn't that hard to to do. The new bell housing will allow you to do that. It gives your axles a little better angle. Good luck with your build and welcome to the madness!

If I can help along the way, just send me a note.

Dean

PaulGT40 · 12-22-07, 09:38 AM

Dean,
Thanks for the help, sorry to keep asking questions but what bell housing would I need and any chance of finding one on ebay?
Paul

Dean Lampe · 12-22-07, 09:43 AM

Not much chance of that. They are cast by a few people but KEP engineering has the for areound $400 bucks. You will need to do the transaxle mods for that to work. It must be able to run upside down to fit in the car properly. That means some internal changes.

PaulGT40 · 12-22-07, 10:06 AM

Hoping its just flipping the ring gear so I can do it myself!

PaulGT40 · 12-22-07, 10:17 AM

One more question for someone, the guy had a 4:11 ring and pinion put in but still has the originals, is it worth trying it with this ratio or just put the original back in.

PaulGT40 · 12-22-07, 11:01 AM

I am starting with this mess

Dean Lampe · 12-22-07, 11:07 AM

4:11 will be just fine. That should put you at about 3500 rpms at 75 mph in 4th. I am not sure about 5th but it is a big drop. Someone else here could probably be of more help.

Are you sure that is a ZF?

Big-Foot · 12-22-07, 11:10 AM

Ummm... Looks like an Audi box connected to a Small Block Chevrolet...

Is that a FiberFab Valkyrie ???

FIBERFAB.US - Manufacturers of UNIQUE KITCARS, VALKYRIE V8 Series by FIBERFAB.US

Gregg · 12-22-07, 11:56 AM

I agree with Randy. Looks like an Audi box.

PaulGT40 · 12-22-07, 12:29 PM

Ummm it is an audi box, I am picking up the pantera stuff in a little while, I know the criticism will start. My application to the loflyin40 group was not approved
so I was hoping to find a little better reception at this group. Yes it is a FiberFab Valkyrie, Its all I could afford. I have a great shop where we can build the frame
and suspension www.lasercutting.com hope not to many are offended by a Valkyrie, we are going to duplicate a car built by Jeff Leaver the leaver GT since we can't afford a real deal.
Paul

PaulGT40 · 12-22-07, 12:35 PM

I am sure of the ZF I have known this guy for 30 years, remember when he bought it. I will post pics of it tomorrow. Maybe I should see if someone wants to trade for a rolling chassis and body so I can give my son the real deal on the outside, but that an't gonna happen.

Gregg · 12-22-07, 01:41 PM

Paul, there is no need to ever apologize for your build and what you can do within your means. Anyone who gives you grief should take their attitude to another forum. Good luck with your build and feel free to ask as many questions as you have, provided the answers can't be found by doing a forum search first.

frank beuker · 12-22-07, 04:53 PM

Hi Paul,
Welcome to the forum
I started 23 years ago with a ftbonito ftbonito/ft bonito - frames and wished that there was something like the internet and this forum to help me out
Now at the age of 40... I've got a real one (kva) and still need the help of this fantastic forum and the helpfull members
cheers
Frank

PaulGT40 · 12-22-07, 07:19 PM

Thanks everyone, I am building this for my son. I just picked up my pantera stuff. The guy told me he had to have the transaxle tuned upside down to use it. I wonder if it was GT40 to begin with. Took some pics.
Paul

PaulGT40 · 12-22-07, 07:25 PM

PaulGT40 · 12-22-07, 07:33 PM

PaulGT40 · 12-22-07, 07:34 PM