I have Pantera number 4903. It is a europeon GTS. I have always loved how the car has driven and performed, but was not too thrilled with reliability. Let me explain.
The car ran like a stripped a@@ ape. It had those closed chamber heads (11:1 CR) and would flat wail. But I always had to buy octane boost to keep it from pinging and once the car was warmed up I dare not shut it off as there was just not enough umph in the stock starter to turn her over fast enough to start. I also had a ton of advance dialed in (30 degrees initial) so I thought maybe taking some out might fix it. My son had been bugging me to let him work on my car so I relented. A tune up and oil change, what could go wrong??
A thrown rod in the motor is what can go wrong. Yeah after being re-assured by my son three times that the firing order was correct and further inquirey would be insulting. So I drove it backfireing until it started to knock. After the knock developed my son did admitt he was mistaken. DOH!!!
This winter I had a new motor put in. It is a Cleveland again only this time I opted for the four bolt mains, forged steel crank and vanadian rods. But I also opted open chamber (8:1 CR) heads. Gasp??!!! How could you do that DeTom??? Knowingly giving up seventy five to 100 horsepower??? Are you insane??
Well, maybe, but I sure do like being able to fill up with regular gas and not having to buy octane boost. I also like being able to start my car anytime I want even if it is hot. Yeah it doesn't pin me in the seat, it also doesn't rattle the windows in the house like it used to when I start it in the garage. So I am a totaly unique Pantera owner because I willfully GAVE UP HORSEPOWER, for conveniance and comfort. I may be the only Pantera owner in history to have ever done that.
Besides I kept the closed chamber heads if I ever want to change my mind later. :P
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