Like many have stated, anything can fit in a pinto. The question is, should it be put in a Pinto. Though building a 2.0 is more pricy than other more common engines, I would stick with it. All other options will have hidden catastrophic costs. Installing a V8 for example, can require engineering changes like header routing, front suspension replacement any my personal favorite, the installation of motor mounts. I am getting off topic as you asked if a 2.8 will fit. The answer is no, not at all. Thought the engine bay is about the same as a 75 and later pinto, there are so many differences that the 2.8 installation with be both expensive to do correctly and pointless as the 2.8 costs a fortune to build and will not have the power output you are looking for. I own three of them and I think they are the best motor that was ever installed in the Pinto but these are German motors and do not respond to the upgrades that Americans are used to. They are nearly as heavy as a V8 with none of the low end power benefits, you will need custom motor mounts, they are long like a V8 and will need a meaty radiator, they are tall and it is hard to get a stick in one. I have seen many 2.8 installations in early cars and I have to say that I don’t know why anyone would do it. It will cost way more to install the 2.8 than it will to build the 2.0. People will disagree with me but I have built 14 2.8’s to stock and euro spec and the three that I own (rated at 158, 122 rwhp and stock) have been sensational. I hate to be the bearer of bad news but in the 20 years I have owned my V6’s, I have learned a lot about them.