Although I was certainly happy to see the Pantera article, I couldn’t help feeling a bit disappointed after the brief read thinking it in no way did justice to the quality and amount of work that Goran has put into his car. Sure the obvious things were captured; the Hemi transplant and references to weight reduction, but Goran has radically reworked every aspect of that car, structurally, suspension, driveline and every mechanical system on the car.
The article appropriately sites a 660 lb weight reduction to achieve 2425 lbs with and Iron Mopar big block. That compares against the middle of the typical range of curb weight for pre-L and L models (~3025-3250lbs). The article does mention the possibility of an alloy block build that would reduce weight by 130 lbs. That would take the car to just under 2300 lbs. It takes a lot of work and attention to detail to get a Pantera to that weight let alone with a 525 CI Mill, and especially a street driven car. However, I suspect Goran’s tolerance for street amenities may be different than most. It’s really a tribute to Goran’s fabrication skills and fanatical attention to weight. Just have a look at the listing of component weights at his website. I’m sure our own Bosswrench can appreciate and attest to level of time investment this represents. I guess long Winters with little sunlight does have some benefits.
quote:
“…..credit the weight savings to a gutted interior, Lexan windows, aluminum heads, carbon fiber hood….”
Yah, and a couple hundred other things. Lexan windows? Have a look at the Title page photo shot with Goran driving, through the driver’s side window and out the windshield in the title page. Think the windshield may be Lexan?
quote:
“………..Goran noted the original ZX transaxle didn’t need any modifications to operate with the additional torque from the Hemi”
ZX? Heh-heh. That’s a pretty interesting remark from someone that has extensively skid pad tested that car and the Hemi is 525 CI, 700 HP mill mind you. The article also references E85 fuel? Admittedly I’m not current with Goran’s car but E85 in Sweden seemed a bit surprising. I wonder if that was an off the cuff remark or he's actually running it? He had hand shaved Avon tires on the car for a long time but given the Article states he logged 20,000 miles on the car and has been touring, so the street tires it’s wearing are certainly sensible.
quote:
“The induction uses a Weiand tunnel ram base and its all custom from there.”
Uhhh, yahhhh. It’s actually IR EFI with roof top cold air induction but article is just content to talk about the visibility through the clear section of the induction and that Goran made the throttle bodies.
It’s been years since I corresponded with Goran. He’s a fascinating guy. I read Goran’s website front to back. His site has an incredibly detailed chronicle of the evolution of his car, analysis, and test results. I realize space in a rag like Hot Rod comes at a premium but you’d think they’d at least reference his website wouldn’t you?
The article does reference Goran being a former guitar builder. He is actually a very accomplished guitar builder. I was always intrigued by the analogies Goran made between the harmonics of tuning a guitar and tuning an automotive exhaust system….by ear! –Great stuff. At 67 years young, I wonder what else he may have up his sleeve? It’s also noteworthy that Goran offers his website up in what I’m sure is at least his second language for us monolingual English speaking folk. -Very nice indeed.
Best,
Kelly
