Author Topic: `78 Pinto (Read 615 times)

thecustommuffler · « **on:** February 03, 2012, 09:05:52 PM »

I believe this is my first post here and have been lurking for awhile. Been trying to gather up as much info as possible. I am getting a `79(possible`80) Pinto this coming Monday thats all original minus the radio. The lady I`m getting it from has been storing it in her backyard since hurricane Katrina. It was her brothers car and he used it daily then died in Katrina. I`ve been trying to get this car for 2 years and it finally looks as if my persistence paid off. I`ll know when it comes off the hook at my shop, lol. Anyway, my plan is to tub it and stuff the widest possible tires under it that I can find, just short of having Goodyear make one offs. Its my vision of a Hotwheels car in fire engine red. I`ve seen a few on the web and that color on these cars just can`t be topped IMO. I am stuffing my 572 Ford motor that made 1100hp on 92. That was with a full hydraulic setup and dual point dizzy. I`m adding custom spacers that will probably be in the 3" range then my "maibox" scoop. I will lose hp from carb signal but et is not my goal and I could really car less. I want a Hotwheels car thats street legal. Thats the criteria of the build. Going back with a hydraulic bumpstick because its gotta dance at the redlight. Lift will be over the 750 mark on both sides. My 9" I took out of my `81 Cutlass and is spooled with a 514 and 38 tickles on the shafts. This was a twin turbo diesel 7.3 project that I`ve now abandoned. My C4 I took out of my `72 Galaxy with a TRUE 400 so I`m good there. Bytheway, I have the entire complete motor still and its all there factory. Even all accessories and belts if someone needs it. This project will NOT consist of a halo just because they zoop in street cars but custom bent door bars will tie in. I was so disappointed after going to the World of Wheels show in New Orleans last weekend that upon exit I called my shop foreman and told him this week we are getting the Pinto no matter what the cost. So thats that and here I am. I`ll post pics when we get it at my facility. I am going to get it running first to see what works and what don`t. After that the motor/trani and rear end will be up for grabs. I do see that these motors have become popular and love fans. Hell, I hadn`t paid much attention to them since the 80`s and you never see one on the street. Plus I built a `80 Monza coupe and swore I`d never do a small ace car again. At any rate thanks for havin` me and look forward to learning about these cars. My motor pic on the dyno is at www.thecustommuffler.com
Thanks

thecustommuffler · « **Reply #1 on:** February 07, 2012, 01:11:25 PM »

Sorry its a `78

thecustommuffler · « **Reply #2 on:** February 07, 2012, 01:12:19 PM »

pic 1

thecustommuffler · « **Reply #3 on:** February 07, 2012, 01:13:27 PM »

thecustommuffler · « **Reply #4 on:** February 07, 2012, 01:13:54 PM »

thecustommuffler · « **Reply #5 on:** February 07, 2012, 01:15:22 PM »

slowride · « **Reply #6 on:** February 07, 2012, 01:57:19 PM »

Interesting build, but here's a few things to consider about a 385 series stroker Ford. The cam you're considering will eat itself alive on the street. .750" lift will require a decent amount of seat pressure. A hydraulic (assuming you mean flat tappet) will SMOOTH it out a bit.... I would go hydraulic roller with less lift (and spring pressure) to save the seats. A tunnel ram won't kill HP, it'll kill low end torque and unless you have a high stall converter, it'll be a pig from the light. It might not be the fun you intended on the street.
You might consider going blown as you will have the "Hot Wheels" look (add a chiller if you want it REALLY high), and it would still be somewhat streetable. Maybe lean it out a tad for a little blower surge, but that'll make it less streetable too. Street freaks are fun, but unless their parked, they need some manners.
I look forward to your build!

thecustommuffler · « **Reply #7 on:** February 07, 2012, 06:10:59 PM »

thecustommuffler · « **Reply #8 on:** February 07, 2012, 06:16:11 PM »

It`ll be minus the dual point (a positive) but minus the dry sump ( a negative). I can guarantee a solid 750 plus range. More than likely will get another 2-3" of carb spacer which `ll kill signal but height will be the goal. It may see a 1/4 mile pass once. Hell, after that tech will shut me down anyway. With the 514 gear, I`m bettin` the fronts will lift without a bounce.

thecustommuffler · « **Reply #9 on:** February 11, 2012, 10:19:40 AM »

We haven`t done anything but wash it so no real updates. Took out the never been used spare tire and some padding that was falling apart from under the rear dash into the trunk. The radio just made a fuzz noise so the speaker is probably toast. One head light is out and the flasher seems to be frozen so the blinkers/flashers are not working. Everything else works. The antenna was unscrewed and in the back seat along with the hood prop. Rust under hood lip in front. May not matter since I can cut out that section of support and weld supports in. All 4 center caps are perfect and the color hasn`t faded. I never used a magnet but to me the bumpers appear to be aluminum. Is all the other exterior trim aluminum as well? Does anyone make a roll pan for the rear bumper delete. I do not want it or the front bumper. They stick out way to far.
Ib was reading the Cosworth thread (very cool) and wanted to note that both of my carbs started life as 1050 Doms and flow right at 1300cfm each. I will be starting this build after the `87 Grand National we are doing is done. Motor was just fitted yesterday so it won`t be long. I can`t wait to back half this car and see where I stand with my axle and rim/tire combos.

thecustommuffler · « **Reply #10 on:** February 11, 2012, 10:21:34 AM »

Also, sorry for multiple posting, but could an administrator change my topic title to `78 Pinto. Thanks, James

thecustommuffler · « **Reply #11 on:** February 14, 2012, 07:48:58 PM »

Starter on order, seems the field coils weren`t up to par. I have to shoot video of this thing running and driving as I plan to sell the motor/trani. Has exactly 63,383.0 on the clock.

thecustommuffler · « **Reply #12 on:** February 16, 2012, 07:52:05 PM »

Waiting on new style starter that I need to add a wire to just like the 5.0`s. I saw a thread and followed the ebay link to brand new stamped sheet metal for these. KILLER! Does anyone know if there are new stamped door skins out there being made?

thecustommuffler · « **Reply #13 on:** February 18, 2012, 09:10:43 PM »

Installed starter and the motor spins freely. I squirted some trani fluid down each hole just in case rings were stuck. Next some fuel and a filter and hopefully fire this baby up. I have to get 4 new 13" tires just to drive this thing and have it moveable till the Grand National is done. First thing I have to do is set the bumpers in tight. After that (since I can`t stand them) the drip rails will be cut off. I`ve done this on 2 cars in the past and it really changes the look of any car to a much cleaner look. I`ll post progress pics when I do it incase someone else out there wants to. When you cut them off only cut 1" sections out then weld seam. Spot welds as not to "pull" the metal. Once fully done entire rail, green cookie wheel then brown wheel to get ready for skim and set your edge.

joebob · « **Reply #14 on:** February 18, 2012, 10:50:43 PM »

I have never seen this drip rail treatment

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Author Topic: `78 Pinto (Read 615 times)