What do yo folks know about the ZF 5 speed synchro transmissions that were put in E-Types back in the early 60's? I have been told that they are huge, heavy and sometimes can crack engine blocks and bell housings? Is there any truth to this 40 years later or have these problems been corrected?
Jaguar XKE, roadster, 1969

Submitted by CaptDMO@AOL.com on Wed, 09/13/2006 - 14:27

Terrys Jaguar Parts 1-618-439-4444 (racing stuff)
terrysjag.com
Series III XKE 5-speed transmission conversion kit
#1. trans/bell housing (exchange)(stock)/trans mount&
bracket/ clutch disc/ drive shaft.

#2. #1plus Bell housing (exchange)(XJ)/
Tilton T-O bearing (must be used on V-12 E)

They say no cutting of body panels and shifter comes out in
the right place. .73, .80, or.90 fifth ratio.
I've never used one, ask them or check their site.

60 MkIX
72 XKE V12 2+2
78 Series2 XJ12L

Submitted by mfrank@westnet.com on Wed, 09/13/2006 - 09:50

Hmm...not sure how that message repeated. If you have an opportunity to look at a car with a ZF, by all means do so. As I mentioned, the ZF was only used on a handful of racers, so you can't use that experience as indicating a problem. The same transmission was used in Maserati and Aston street cars, so it is a proven box. I'd at least give it a look...

Submitted by urbanski@gwi.net on Wed, 09/13/2006 - 02:41

I know of a Series II roadster for sale that already has the ZF transmission installed in the car. The car is quite a distance from me, so I can't inspect the vehicle. Based on what I previously said about the size, weight and problems associated with cracking the engine block or bell housing , I'm qustioning why they are selling the car. You certainly don't hear of anyone putting this transmission in an XKE? I would love an XKE with a 5 speed, I just am not sure if this car would be one to seriously investigate. The ZF transmission could be a real "hornets nest". I would appreciate any comments or suggestions about this transmission already being installed in a Series III XKE.

Submitted by mfrank@westnet.com on Tue, 09/12/2006 - 21:56

First of all, they weren't put in general production E-Types. A handful of Lightweights had them. There were reports of blocks cracking, and in at least one case, the finger was pointed to the transmission. But these weren't regular XK blocks... the Lightweights used their own, unique blocks cast out of aluminum. So who knows whether they would have worked better in standard cars. They were large, they were heavy, and they were close ratio boxes (not overdrive).

ZF supplied transmissions for several contemporary cars, I believe Aston and Maserati both used this box. You'd have a lot of difficulty locating one today. I know of no source for parts, and ZF isn't much help.