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Author Topic: EFI Turbo 2.3 from 86 Tbird swap into my 79 Pinto Glassback, Any suggestions???  (Read 11568 times)

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Offline Ruger Nut

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I want to make this swap, I have the complete motor , two wire harnesses, the air box intake  and PK computer. has anyone done this swap?

Offline Pinturbo75

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its an easy swap with what youhave.... theres only a few wires to connect for power and then grounds.... search is your friend with this as its been covered several times and you can also check turbopinto.com ....
75 turbo pinto trunk, megasquirt2, 133lb injectors, bv head, precision 6265 turbo, 3" exhaust,bobs log, 8.8, t5,, subframe connectors, 65 mm tb, frontmount ic, traction bars, 255 lph walbro,
73 turbo pinto panel wagon, ms1, 85 lb inj, fmic, holset hy35, 3" exhaust, msd, bov,

Offline dave1957

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bind chicken racing is also a good sight to lqqk at...
1979 bobcat
1974 red stinkbug
1979 orange pinto sedan aka project turbo hack
1979 orange pinto all glass hatch 52k

Offline Ruger Nut

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Thanks for the replys! I check those web sites.

Offline D.R.Ball

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What kind of transmission are you going to use? Are you going to swap out the 6.75 rear end ? Fuel pump and alternator change out ? Your not done yet...Fuel line change IE remove the fuel return hose off of the fuel sending unit and drill out the restrictor also change all of the soft fuel lines to fuel injection fuel lines and some clamps to ensure you have no leaks.One more thing get the fuel pump interta switch if you do not have one otherwise if you have a wreck your fuel pump will not shut off...And you might have a flaming Pinto. Also rear mount battery and changing the heater blower motor if the car is not an A/C car...How is the front suspension ? Worn bushings?All of these issues I'm working on it's not really a plug-n-play swap.....Not if you want it to work all of the time...

Offline Ruger Nut

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So your saying there is a restrictor in the old return fitting on the tank sump?  I have the heater blower fan out to replace the heater core now. Is there a alternative fan option? I appreciate any info. I have an 8" out of a 78 v6 Pinto with a 3.40 rear gear. We were going to swap a 2.3 T5 out of a Mustang,   but we don't have the tranny here yet. We 're going to use the factory 4 speed and small 6.75 for starts,  just not Rod the heck out of till we got the beefier running gear under it.  Any other thoughts on the swap from anyone is appreciated.   How did you handle the oil pan switch from rear sump to front sump?  Is there any alternate spot for the oil dipstick? 

Offline oldkayaker

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From photos posted here, the non-A/C heater blower motor intrudes into the engine bay creating a clearance issue with the stock turbo exhaust.  Wittsend found a shorter motor, see link below.  Other solutions read about here include: heat shield, use a A/C air box which locates the blower motor to inside the car, relocate O2 sensor?, non-stock exhaust.
http://www.fordpinto.com/index.php?topic=9993.msg62199#msg62199
 
The '86 block should have a hole drilled for the front dip stick.  Just remove pressed in plug and move the plug to the rear dip stick location and install a front sump dip stick set up.
 
Jerry J - Jupiter, Florida

Offline Ruger Nut

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Thanks to all that have that have replied..   I've heard there could be a hood clearance issue,  is there a solution or does my body shop guy need to massage it or cut a  clearance section..  We did the oil dipstick switch, excellant info.  It was super easy to do that.  Thanks!!  We have been doing this swap for the last 2 days, tonite we found the battery tray and shelf clearance problem, we'll deal with that tomorrow .  looks like we'll be yanking it back out tomorrow.       What's the best route for the battery cable relocation?       Thanks to all. Every one has been great!! 

Offline JohnW

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What's the best route for the battery cable relocation?
Just run some new cables.  If you go with 4awg wire you'll never have to worry about it and can upgrade to a higher output alternator down the road.  The factory charging wire seems pretty thin anyways.  I've got cables that are too long cause I was using a side post battery temporarily, could easily move it..
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Offline oldkayaker

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I have read the clearance is close, not sure about the 79 with a 86T.  If you are keeping the across the engine intake path, some clearance gaining possibilities are:
-The 79 hood has a reinforcing rib down the center.  If this becomes a touch point, maybe the rib can be removed or notched?
-The intake manifold upper elbow on the 87/88 is about 1/2" shorter than the 85 elbow (suspect 86 same as 85).  Your 86 elbow could be sectioned and re-welded to shorten it.  Suspect these would require the 87/88 notched valve cover for clearance.
-Might be able to lower the engine some.  Looks like easiest method is to lower the frame mounts.
 
A number of people with front intercoolers, make or buy a custom rotated upper intake elbow to shorten the piping.  These elbows can be made shorter than the valve cover to eliminate this clearance issue, i.e.
http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a198/CurtisHensley/TurboToy056.jpg
 
Jerry J - Jupiter, Florida

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Summit has a rear mount battery kit with wires for $120.00 or so with a good box. If you want to use the 4 speed and 6 3/4 rear end you can for a while if you baby it...Depending on what year T Bird you have you can pin the fuel switch to run regular instead of premium gas this will keep the power down.The switch is used to change the timing tables etc..If your concerned about the hood clearance issues use a 1988 lower and upper intake manifold and use a non intercooled turbo.Also for the drive shaft if you change to a 5 speed just change the yoke for a t-5 yoke and use the rest of the drive shaft no other changes should be needed. Just bear in mind that the U -Joints are 1310 not 1320....

Offline Ruger Nut

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I'm struggling with the wiring issues .It seems there is going to be way to much under the hood. How much of the Original harness can be eliminated. How much of the Donor harness can be eliminated  What part of the sensors do I need to make it run , do I need the vane meter box or just a good filter on it.  Where can I find  a good replacement silicone intercooler to throttle body hose,  my local Ford parts guy said He couldn't get it or the grommet for the breather cap.  Is there a diagram of the vacum hoses to the vacum tree?  A  couple of our Gratious  members have replied I could use 87 -88 T bird valve cover and upper intake parts to fix the hood  clearance issue,  but my local salvage yards seem to be in the habit of crushing everything older than mid 90's to make money on scrap metal,  anybody know of  these parts for sale.  Thanks again for the responses,  I have used ideas and fixes from every response,  I really do Appreciate it !!!!!

Offline oldkayaker

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Wiring - suggest getting a EVTM for the 86T to see what you need.  Ebay is a source for a hard copy.  This person has parts of the EVTM on line which may help for now.
http://www.rothfam.com/svo/reference/
The vane air meter box is needed with the stock computer.  Being cautious and not familiar with 86T wiring, I would install all sensors associated with the engine to insure it runs as designed.  If time is more important than $, these companies sell harnesses (no experience with them):
http://www.turbojoe.com/wireharness.html
http://www.thedetailzone.com/Ford%20Replacement%20Harnesses.htm
 
For hoses and grommets, I would go internet shopping.
 
The EVTM should have a vacuum diagram.  I believe this link is to a 87/88T since it has a intercooler, but it may help.
http://www.turbotbird.com/faqs/Vac_Diagram.htm
 
IF you actually have a hood clearance problem and no local 80's parts junk yards, maybe place an ad here and on other forums.  Ebay and craigslist sometimes have items too.
http://www.turbopinto.com/
http://forum.turboford.org/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?
Jerry J - Jupiter, Florida