Transaxle differences

[Mark H.]

I keep reading about the Quaife ZF , Quaife, RBT and ZF. Can someone explain the major differences, especially the differences between a Quaife and Quaife ZF and a ZF? Are they synonymous?

 

[DaveM]

ZF DS 25/2 is an original transaxle used on GT40's, Panteras, and a few other cars. It has not been in production by ZF for decades.
RBT got the rights to manufacture and distribute the ZF DS 25/2 about 40 years ago I believe. RBT is based in the LA area and High Performance Gear actually manufactures it in Texas. It is essentially an exact copy of the original ZF and parts interchange.
The Quaife ZFQ is a modern iteration of the ZF DS 25/2. It is manufactured in the UK. Overall dimensions are similar, but not exactly the same. I don't believe many if any parts would interchange with an original ZF.

 

[Rick Muck- Mark IV]

ZF DS 25/2 is an original transaxle used on GT40's, Panteras, and a few other cars. It has not been in production by ZF for decades.
RBT got the rights to manufacture and distribute the ZF DS 25/2 about 40 years ago I believe. RBT is based in the LA area and High Performance Gear actually manufactures it in Texas. It is essentially an exact copy of the original ZF and parts interchange.
The Quaife ZFQ is a modern iteration of the ZF DS 25/2. It is manufactured in the UK. Overall dimensions are similar, but not exactly the same. I don't believe many if any parts would interchange with an original ZF.

The GT 40 used a ZF -0, it has an alloy rear rather than a steel piece. The shift linkage on the gearbox ix different than a -1 or -2. ZF Heritage now offers a -2 box using parts from High Performance Gear and RBT. Sadly, RBT seems to have no interest in building boxes to the demand. Wilkinson Pantera claims to have a new ZF style box with improved gears and limited slip. Some claim to have seen the box and the price is below the RBT/ZF/Quaife price point.

 

[Ole Nylende]

The quaife zf / zfq shares some key dimensions with the ZF DS transaxle but that is about it.
I think the bellhousing interchanges between the quaife and the -1 and -2 ZF.
Other than that i dont think a single bit of them could interchange (maybe some standard bolts, nuts and washers?)
I have heard som rumours that the internals is similar to or based on some porsche bits but nothing that is officially stated.

 

[Jay Gadsby]

Quaife's gearbox is identified as - Quaife QBE62G ZF - That's how Quaife list it.

AKA - Informally as -

"A Quaife"!
"Quaife ZF"

As already said their gearbox is a contemporary take on the 60's ZF which it replicates dimension wise.