Reply to "Any stick shifts on board?"

Jani,

I will get some photos of my pedal set up over the next few days. Please note that my Longchamp is RHD and that the clutch pedal fits around the steering column. This means that RHD Longchamps have very limited space in the footwell and no left foot rest. The bellhousing for RHD cars differs too and DeTomaso modified the bellhousing to fit the starter on the opposite side from LHD cars. One wonders how DeTomaso justified the cost of tooling up for the few RHD Longchamps that were made!

I think that the pedal box (manual and auto) for Maseratis and Longchamps are very similar castings. They may have been made by the same brake manufacturer such as Girling(?). I think the Pantera pedal box is not dissimilar as well.

The gearbox I used was the Tremec T5 (World Series) with HD V8 gearset (same gearbox that was used in late V8 Mustangs, etc). The T5 fits in beautifully with no modification to the underbody etc. It must be of very similar dimension to the original ZF, but stronger. The Tremec TKO (late Aston Martins, Holden Monaro, etc)is probably the most robust gearbox to use, but it weighs more and is more bulky, but I think it would still fit ok. Phil (Transmitter Man) and I corresponded at length about gearbox options and I think he will use the Tremec TKO when he does his swap - he may even use a Tremec 6sp 'box).

I think the Longchamp driving experience is greatly enhanced with a manual over the auto, particularly for those cars with modified engines (narrower powerband). The chassis is so good on the Longchamp and the manual allows you to fully appreciate its handling capabilities especially in the GTS configuration.


Stuart