I've been throwing around the idea of swapping out the old 2.3 in my Pinto for a 2.8 and need a few answers.

The 2.3 is slowly dying, oil pressure doesn't rise above 35, it burns oil and has little power these days. That's one car that has been my daily driver for over three years now and gave me no problems other than vapor lock and one blown head gasket.

First I'd like to know is it even worth the effort? I have a good 2.8 from a MII parts car and 4 spd bell but I'd still need to buy a flywheel, clutch and transmission (would the 2.3 trans or clutch assembly fit the 2.8?)
Or would I be better off just finding another 2.3 and just bolting it up? I want a little more power (No v8 though, got a two hour drive to work every day, also a 2.3 turbo seems to be valued close to gold these days) but I' not so sure a 2.8 would be much better than a late model N/A 2.3.
I do know the 90 mustang 2.3 I installed in my 74 Stang can get up to 50 mph in second gear up hill with no trouble (probably more but I don't like revving past 4500 rpm). But its a real slug from light to light.

So in a nutshell would it be more beneficial and cost effective to look for a 2.3 or find a trans and clutch parts for a 2.8?

Keep in mind I'm married now so I don't have much time and money to spend on my cars lol.

Thanks!

After a blown head gasket Friday evening, ideas have changed to things I need to do.

I've found a 2.3 from a 92 Mustang (complete with the computer) with a T5 for a fair price so my options may have changed a little.
Since it has a dual plug head I will either use my old head or swap to EFI but I'll have to find a harness first.
I will either swap the trans with the T5 or keep the 4 speed.

So now my question would be, What would I need to do to swap out the old trans for a T5? Are the yokes the same or does it take a c4 yoke? Will I have to change my driveshaft length? Can I still use my old clutch cable setup?

I have some pics posted at www.joe-escobar.com/pinto.html.  If you scroll to the bottom, there is some stuff about my clutch cable conversion to a T-5. Works fine to this day.

I agree with RSM. The 2.3 is pretty buildable. You could still add the T-5 though. It added some nice mileage to mine.

Joe

I have a 2.3 with the T-5 and an 8 inch with 3.55 rear end gears. Haven't put a tach on it yet, but I know the cruising rpm is much better than before. Here in Northern California, 75-80mph can be normal on the freeways, and with the old 4 speed the engine would be screaming. I remember my first Pinto in 1973 tach'd at 3500 rpm at 70mph

Joe

I have the original 4spd transmission still on the car with a 3.40 geared rear axle.

I find myself shifting three times before I get completely through a large intersection! a 5 speed is a must with the current geared rear axle.

The car has a very noticeable and nice acceleration now, I just don't drive it on the freeway much since it revs up to 3700 RPM going 65 MPH!  :hypno:

I'm planning to replace my 6 3/4" rear 2.77 gears with an 8" 3.42 gears but I'm also swapping on 225/60/15 rear rubber. The tire height change will effectively turn the 3.42 into a 2.80 roughly which will put the cruise RPM near stock for the 2300.