transaxle

The Zf transaxle is an out-of-production unit that in basic form was built from 1964 to about 1980. It was used in GT-40s, Mangustas, very late Maserati Bora & Merak, the Pantera and most mid-engined sport cars of the period. It is a very strong trans, having been used in pro-racing and behind souped-up 850-horse Panteras without drama. Parts etc are now available used from several sources and as new only from RBT Transmissions in So-Cal, who bought the manufacturing rights and all spare parts. None are cheap and specialized tools & knowlege are vital.

Type 2 ZF's were also used in BMW M1's although their drive/case orientation is that of a GT40's (180 degrees inverted from Pantera use) and a few other small differences (CV's, different shifter mechanism, different input shaft greater locking of the L/S differential, stronger case). I believe the M1 ZFs are still available brand new directly from BMW Germany through importers such as Maxmillian
(800-950-2002) for less than $6000!!

The M1 box is the better box, you do need to
flip the ring gear and redo the oiling ways,
the input shaft is different size and spline,and the shifter box is not like the Detomaso,you would have to change that to.

quote:

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Originally posted by loscannon@yahoo.com:
I am interested in seeking data on the ZF-5D5-25 Synchro 5-speed transaxle and the Ford T44 4-speed synchro t/axle

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T44 was developed for the GT40 MkII with the 7 litre 427". when developments were�nt enough with the 289" at the time.
So to handle the more weight and power of the 427" at the time when this development started in the winter of 1964�s MkII project when they only had a dreadful Colotti box.
They had to make a special "heavier" trans.
Designed in magnesium and a pair of quick change gears made the whole car go throu new front and rear structures as well as body shells.
The first expiremental MkII vehicl was completed during April 1965 and was evaluated on the 5-mile oval at Ford�s Michigan proving ground.
2.32:1 first gear
1.54:1 2nd
1.19:1 3rd
1.00:1 4th
With "Galaxie 427" type internals !
Had small gear pump for external cooler.
That resulted in some 400 Lbs of weight increase over the original GT prototype.
But with some 130 HP increase in power.
Then came LeMans -66 !...
And -67 with the Ford MKIV.

Then the ZF-5DS-25 came developed for the small block GT40ies.
With -68 and -69 LeMans etc...
This one was developed for the GT40 and the same material was used in some of the co existant F1�s.
It was developed partly from "older"boxes.
At the end of the GT40 era, the constant development and up-grading evolved the -1 series box.
Wich was the base for the Mangusta.
etc, etc.....
I hope this gives you some help.
Regards, Marco