Whoa... nice bay, Mark! I can almost hear it...

I agree with George in the 'to each his own' attitude. Variety is what makes our Panteras desirable works of personal art! We're all just taking different avenues to the same destination. It gives each of us something new to learn.

Michael

But Cyboman, would you be as supportive and understanding if someone was asking how best to fit in a Honda motor and to fitt 22" wheels and tires?? How about if they ask how to install one of those hydraulic suspensions that make the car jump up and down???

You got me there, DeTom! I doubt I would be, but it certainly would be interesting to see the finished project! I'm sure it may even open the Pantera door to a whole new generation of tuners. I, however, am not part of that generation.

Michael

quote:

Originally posted by Cyboman:
You got me there, DeTom! I doubt I would be, but it certainly would be interesting to see the finished project! I'm sure it may even open the Pantera door to a whole new generation of tuners. I, however, am not part of that generation.

Michael

Lol Haha. I have to agree with Cyboman on that one. Even though I am quote "part of the tuner generation" due to my age- I am still far from being 'for' that garbage. If what DeTom mentioned was actually done I believe that would be the demise of the Pantera...

As far as mod motors go- that's kinda my forte.

Restoman- if you have decided to go modular look for a 4.6L Mustang Cobra motor. Make sure it's used and in working condition to save you some dough. Next have that thing bored to a 5.0L "Big Bore" motor. You can leave the heads pretty much alone other than maybe some polishing to clean them up a bit. Then add some 1/2" fuel rails, a 42lb injector, and a blower running between 14 and 19lbs of boost. On the Pantera you'd have to go roots style because I'm not sure of the fit for an S-Trim. (Some of the guys might be able to comment on that) Either way, you are looking at well over 500hp. If you want I can get you more build info for those motors.

(Note: the motor I described along with some added Mustang specific parts is making 620hp on a friends '98 Cobra)

MC '72,

Make that a Kenne Bell blower, which is an "auotrotor" blower, significantly different than a Roots or Eaton type blower. I think once you see their kits, you'll be sold.

None of the centrifugal blowers (i.e. Vortech)are going to fit on the front (or side) of the motor.

Go for the cammer, rock n roll! When do I get a ride?

your friend on the PIBB, George

quote:

Originally posted by Cyboman:
You got me there, DeTom! I doubt I would be, but it certainly would be interesting to see the finished project! I'm sure it may even open the Pantera door to a whole new generation of tuners. I, however, am not part of that generation.

Michael

Yeah I will be dead by then too. There is a bright side to getting old and dieing after all.

Motorcity72, you have some interesting points but I don't quite agree with your philosophy. I'm not saying it's wrong or anything like that because like George stated, everyone's ideas and buildups are valid and a work of art.

But, there's no reason to buy a running engine and pay that extra cash if you're just going to disassemble it and resleeve it for 3.7" pistons to get to 5.0L. These engines use torque to yield fasteners and they are a one time use item that must be replaced when you untorque them. You'd end up spending allot of $ on top of the big bore kit. If you're going to pay the extra cash for a running engine, don't open it up, just put the blower on it as it is.

If you are going to open it, or build one from a parts engine like I'm doing. There's no real point in looking for a Cobra. The Lincoln Mark VIII engine is nearly identical (less the forged steel crank) to the 96-98 Cobra engine. The cast crank is still good to over 500hp according to SHM. So get one of these engines and buy a forged steel crank and some of the newer 99-03 heads.

Also, I don't see the point in putting a big bore kit in it if you're putting a blower on it. The guys with the 03/04 cobras are changing pulleys, throttle bodies and other external parts and getting well over 500 HP at the rear wheels. This is according to my Dyno guy. With blower upgrades and head work they are getting over 600 HP at the wheels.

I'm building a twin turbo setup with T3/T4 hybrid turbos and I'm shooting for a measly 600HP. I'm running a Mark VIII block (93-98 Mk VIII and 96-99 Cobra blocks are the strongest stock blocks) a cobra forged steel crank, Manley Pro Series I beam rods, JE pistons 8.5:1 comp ratio, 2002 cobra heads (99-04 have the single intake runner per cylinder, 93-98 have two runners per cylinder), coil on plugs, and a bunch of other little do-dads.

With the deep skirt block and the 4 bolt main caps with cross bolts these things are bullet proof!

Your friends setup sounds like a hot ticket though. I'm not sure if any blower that uses a belt differing from the 03/04 cobra's super charger belt will fit in a Pantera. From the pictures I've seen, there's only 1/4" clearance with the 03/04 cobras blower.

Just my observations on everything, and that doesn't mean it's correct or the only way.

Nate

quote:

Originally posted by DeTom:
But Cyboman, would you be as supportive and understanding if someone was asking how best to fit in a Honda motor and to fitt 22" wheels and tires?? How about if they ask how to install one of those hydraulic suspensions that make the car jump up and down???

Hold on there, Detom.

I'll take a Honda F1 motor.

22inch wheels won't fit a Pantera, but if they did....you'd see them.

A switch operated, adjustable-height, bladder-type air suspension on a Pantera would be very, very cool. Drop the car to an insanely low height when you're able... very cool.

Kevin

Kevin,

That suspension was offered by Hall Pantera a few years back. I'm not sure if it's still available, and it may have been for the front only. You could raise the cars height for driveways and speedbumps, lower it to the ground for a static car show display, or put it at ride height somewhere in the middle to drive.

Michael