Reply to "Ford GT Ricardo 6 speed in a Pantera?"

It can be done as the guys here stated, but it does cost some $$$, unless you can do the work yourself. The Ricardo is physically wider than the ZF, and this is the problem with installing it in a "stock" engine compartment. I would not be concerned with the cost of the Ricardo, this is not the issue -- I bought mine brand new from Ford for $13,500 delivered to Panteras by Wilkinson in Paramount from Detroit (about the same money as a rebuilt ZF). The cost comes into the equation when you have to get the thing to fit in the car.

The reason I got it was not for the six speeds. I got it because these transaxles shift like butter. There are three synchros on the forward three speeds, and then two on the last three. So you are getting modern technology for about the same cost as a rebuilt ZF with old technology -- again, the problem is getting this to fit into a Pantera; and yes, my car was heavily modified to make this work. The other thing that I liked about the Ricardo and modular Ford motor is the clutch that can be used. The clutch will have a very light feel to it -- like a Centerforce clutch would have, and it will be able to hold up to 800 horsepower. So you get the best of both worlds, incredible holding power with a feather light clutch pedal along with a small rotating mass.

The other issue that I am aware with the Ricardo 6 speed is getting the starter to fit properly on a 351. The modular Ford motors would be a piece of cake to make work, but I have no idea how it would work to fit to a 351 -- Steve Wilkinson would be a far better source of information concerning if it could be done.

I also do not know about the weight of this transaxle. Again, Steve would be one to answer it correctly as he would be able to actually weigh it on a scale.

One final thought. The final drive ratio in the Ricardo is very different than the ZF as well. The standard Ricardo final drive ratio is 3.3:1, and while there is a conversion to change it over to 3.90:1, this is not a common thing to do -- so there are very few of these. Also, to do this conversion is around $6,500 -- very expensive. The engine that is going into my car should put 650 to 700 horsepower at the rear wheels; so the 3.3 ratio will not be as much of an issue with my car. Yes, the 3.9 rear end would be something for drag racing; but I do not plan to track my car so again, I feel that this is not very good value for the money to do this change.

Mark