Topic: 1979 Ford Pinto Wagon Sleeper

[Madmechanic]

I Just bought a solid pinto i found on craigslist, it came with not motor or trans so figured I would build a wild sleeper. Being new to pintos i'm not familiar with where to finds parts. I know that mustang II's are built on the same platforms. I have a 351 W that has had some work done to it and is producing about 400hp, with a C4 trans. Then i found a 8in rear out of an old maverick that fit right in. I run into problem when it comes to finding out what to do for front and rear suspension, and any other tips that anyone could share would be appreciated.

[russosborne]

Let me be the first to say NO NO NO about the Mustang IIs being built on the same platform. Some of the stuff is the same, but most of it isn't. Same front suspension, same rear axles. almost nothing else.

Oh, welcome to the forum. 

A 351W is not the easiest of engines to swap in. They are taller than the 289/302s.  Mustang II headers will NOT work. There used to be headers for the swap into a Pinto, you may still find them on Ebay.
Suggest you do a search here about the swaps, lots and lots of information.

Not saying don't do it, just get educated first.

Me, I am going to put a 351C in my 74 Wagon. But I am insane. 

Oh, and pictures are pretty much a requirement here. :-)

Russ

[Madmechanic]

OK thank you for the information. This is how it currently looks, trying to keep the paint like it is to add to the sleeper effect.

[Pinto5.0]

The easiest way to make a sleeper is a turbo coupe engine swap. The 2.3 turbo really wakes these cars up.

[Pintocrazed]

and also with the 2.3 turbo everybody will know its a 4banger.so no  body will hesitate to race and then you blow their doors off with a 4cylinder.just the look on their face when you open the hood after  will be worth the trouble and money