When we first drove our Pantera at Willow Springs Raceway we were doing good. We made it through the whole weekend without a hitch. The last run. The last lap. Our oil pressure went to zero. Our engine stalled and we pulled off the raceway.
Willow Springs Pantera Run – 10/31/09 from Bell Productions Inc. on Vimeo.
Willow Springs – The Aftermath from SACC Restorations on Vimeo.
We have been thinking of putting a new engine into it for a more modern experience. Now we have a reason. We sold all the good parts of the Cleveland for $3000. Now we’re up $5000 on the new engine. What did we decide you ask? The GM LS376/480. Brand new 2010 Crate motor.
We always get the question “Why would we choose a Chevy engine when its a Ford?”
Well we had many reasons for choosing our engine.
- For one, its a Detomaso not a Ford. It was only “Powered by Ford.”
- The power to price ratio of the LS376/480 was awesome. With the Modular motor most people drop in, I would have to supercharge it and modify it to get anywhere near the power of the LS3.
- The LS376/480 make 480Hp and 475ft-lbs of torque. Out of the box. I would be lucky to get 350HP with the modular motor out of the box.
So our Pantera has been re-powered and is faster than ever before. I present to you, the Z06 Pantera.
SACC Restorations Blog 
Tom B
January 9, 2012 at 6:46 am
Ok so I thought what wacko would do this to a Pantera? But after watching the video and reading why you didn’t go with a mod motor I understand and actually like what you did. Makes a lot of sense actually…the LS3 will be a very powerful, dependable and modern motor. Nice job!
Chris Bell
January 10, 2012 at 3:31 pm
Thank you very much! We’re glad you like it! The LS3 has become one of the best things we’ve done for the car.