Reply to "horsepower loss through the ZF"

Over the years, a few Pantera owners have provided both engine dyno & chassis dyno numbers to PI magazine, when PI has done an article about their car. I have noticed, in regards to Panteras with motors from 280 bhp to 550 bhp, that the number always hovers around 20%, not a fixed amount.

Argue all you want, that is what I've observed. If you don't believe me, thumb through your back issues of PI. It is logical to me the loss would be fixed, but the data says the opposite.

Mind you, there are ALWAYS some differences in testing an engine on an engine dyno & a chassis dyno that will create horsepower loss not associated with the drivetrain, for instance two differences that come immediately to mind are that the engine dyno normally has a less restrictive exhaust system and when mounted in the Pantera engine bay the motor normally inhales much warmer air.

John, my experience with front engine rear wheel drive cars is greater losses than that, in the neighborhood of 25%.

Your friend on the DTBB, George