PINTO CAR CLUB of AMERICA

Welcome to FordPinto.com, The home of the PCCA => General Help- Ask the Experts... => Topic started by: Handy on July 17, 2006, 03:14:01 PM

Title: V8 Swap "manual"
Post by: Handy on July 17, 2006, 03:14:01 PM

Hi all,

I've enjoyed browsing through all the posts.  This really is THE BEST Pinto site on the net.  Very well designed and edited.  Kudos!

Since picking up a 76 Pinto last year as a "project car," I've been narrowing down options on what I want to do.  It looks like the V8 swap might be within my skill set but having a step-by-step manual sounds tempting, too.

My questions are these: Has anyone gotten the Pinto V8 swap manual sold on ebay?  The seller states it was once sold by Hot Rod magazine so I'm wondering if it is up-to-date or a too dated to be useful.

My brother-in-law has offered a 302 from his collection but I'm wondering if I need to scout around for a 9" rear end while I'm at it?   If I'm reading things right it looks like I'll need an old 58 ford wagon or early Mustang rear.

My goal is a low-profile sleeper not a street racer maxed out.

Thanks for checking on this . . . I'm in no rush.

Title: Re: V8 Swap "manual"
Post by: 77turbopinto on July 17, 2006, 04:17:46 PM

Don't waste your money on that "book". All the info in it, and MORE, is on this site.

There are no 9" rears that will "bolt in" to a pinto, but there are 8" ones that do.

Bill

Title: Re: V8 Swap "manual"
Post by: Handy on July 17, 2006, 05:35:16 PM

Thanks for the reply. 

Title: Re: V8 Swap "manual"
Post by: lugnut on July 17, 2006, 09:09:00 PM

I bought that book on ebay;  some pretty good info, but way overpriced IMO.  I also agree that an 8 inch rear will do fine for you.  Those same rears lasted  hundreds of thousands of miles in millions of V8 Mustangs, Mavericks, etc.  In a light car like a Pinto, a 9-inch is overkill, and un-necessary deadweight and expense. (also IMHO!)
mike

Title: Re: V8 Swap "manual"
Post by: Handy on July 18, 2006, 11:44:22 AM

Thanks for the feedback. 

O.K., I definitely don't need a 9" rear for my project.   But I'm pretty sure I'll go for 5-lug wheels for more cosmetic appeal.   Assuming I have the 6.75" rear, can you tell me which 8" 5-lug offers the best match?

Since I'm working on a budget I was planning to work on getting the 4-cylinder running right, switching over to 5-lug (tires/wheels $), and collecting parts for the V8 conversion slowly over time.

Then a little body work, paint and a new carpet.  The interior looks great already except for the carpet.   Doors are nice and the seals are solid.   This is an "old lady" (estate sale) car that was kept in a garage for a few years before I got it and towed it home last year.   The odometer reads 23,### miles and the old lady's son said it was accurate.